2.3L enough power?
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2.3L enough power?
This summer I am planning on doing my little baja project. I have available a 2.3L, 4.9L or a 351M for this. I plan on taking a 70's F100 or F150 down to the frame with a tubing roll cage and with a 9" in the rear and a dana 44 in the front. All this little truck will consist of is the frame with all the steering and suspension and as little electrical as i can. I am just wondering if a 2.3L will be powerfull enough to run all this. I image the baja wont weight much over 1000 lbs but the friction and rotating mass may be too much for the small engine. I want to go small (gas money as i am in college) but still have power off road damn good.
I am in the Society of Automotive Engineers, which is sweet as hell. That is where I got the idea for this. Since i have plenty of old trucks, thanks grandpa, at my disposal. It would just be fun to build a baja car with more than a brigs 10 hp.
I am in the Society of Automotive Engineers, which is sweet as hell. That is where I got the idea for this. Since i have plenty of old trucks, thanks grandpa, at my disposal. It would just be fun to build a baja car with more than a brigs 10 hp.
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From: Ellington, Connecticut
Excuse-m-ua! With the ever increasing prices of petrolium based products we all are having to bite the bullet!
Sacrafices of power for economy is the real issue here and also what your finances are able to handle, now and for the future!
A bigger engine is quite nice but the overall cost to run it will have you rethinking you choices, for sure!
And don't knock the 10hp Briggs...It's the best choice when you look at the overall costs$$$ involved!
Got my head right...what about you forq2?
Sacrafices of power for economy is the real issue here and also what your finances are able to handle, now and for the future!
A bigger engine is quite nice but the overall cost to run it will have you rethinking you choices, for sure!
And don't knock the 10hp Briggs...It's the best choice when you look at the overall costs$$$ involved!
Got my head right...what about you forq2?
Last edited by crazypaw; Mar 27, 2006 at 07:55 AM.
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Given the advanced technology and engine management system of the V6, I would not be surprised that it would get as good or better mileage than the 4 would. With the V6 and 4cyl in the same factory vehicle at better than twice the wieght, the factory fuel economy numbers are only about 2 mpg apart. The power is significantly greater in the V6. Therefore with the V6 and light weight, it's a very distinct possibility that it will achieve greater mpg. I've done hundreds of engine conversions over the last 40 years and have found this to be a very valid practice. Example 283ci small block chevy vs toyota 22r 4wd pickup, sb got better milage in town by 1-2 and 3-4 on open road.
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Ok thanks. My truck is a 4.9L and before sitting 10 years it had been getting 22 mpg vs the most i have heard out of the 2.3L was like 28 in a small ranger. Most likely I will be running 33" or so tires so I was assuming the 2.3L would struggle with those but I wasnt sure. Now to only decide if the 4.9L is going to be that much heavier since I want to get proper weight distribution and not nose dive.
Thanks
Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Old Rob, I think you are missing something. The 4.9 is the old inline six, not the modern v6 you are thinking of. The 4.9 is a low revving torquer.
And Forq2, I'm afraid you are pretty far off with your 1,000lb estimate. I suspect, to be safe and hold together it's going to be near double that. Engine and transmission weights for the engines you are considering probably range between 500 and 800 lbs. A decent roll cage is 200 lbs plus. A pickup chassis bare has got to be close to 300. And you still have to add all your suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, radiator, fluids, differential/axel assemblies.
Also, are you talking about a racer, or is this just for amusement?
And Forq2, I'm afraid you are pretty far off with your 1,000lb estimate. I suspect, to be safe and hold together it's going to be near double that. Engine and transmission weights for the engines you are considering probably range between 500 and 800 lbs. A decent roll cage is 200 lbs plus. A pickup chassis bare has got to be close to 300. And you still have to add all your suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, radiator, fluids, differential/axel assemblies.
Also, are you talking about a racer, or is this just for amusement?
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My mistake, I was thinking of the new 4.9 v6. I would not even consider the old inline six for an engine swap. Too many newer options available. If you're really looking for something that would run, regardless of conditions, maybe consider a Diesel. They have some advantages.
Years ago Al Cappana owner of Wildcap, put a 4cyl diesel in a pinto. He achieved 60mpg on the freeway. Acceleration was ok.
Years ago Al Cappana owner of Wildcap, put a 4cyl diesel in a pinto. He achieved 60mpg on the freeway. Acceleration was ok.
Last edited by Old Rob; Mar 29, 2006 at 10:44 AM.
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Well i was going for 1000 lbs of everything minus engine, tranny, transfer case. This isnt going to be any sort of racer...I just love building stuff like this and I have lots of extras laying around so cost can be kept to minimum. I just want to be able to field run and drive it through the mud and take it off some jumps. I know for sure that my truck would not fair well going over a jump. There is a big acreage around college where the owner lets you drive whatever you want that is off road worthy and has some good jumps. I am not wanting massive air just to have a decent baja truck...and something to do when i am not working this summer.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
OK, sounds like a lot of fun. I think for that kind of project I would use the 4.9 six. You are not talking speed, but the low speed torque of the 4.9 would work to your advantage with some fat gumball tires. Focus your plan on building in as much suspension travel as you can. You will be in for some serious giggles. Find yourself an all syncro four speed for it.
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