Modified Courier
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
It's been a while since anything was posted here. Any updates?
Also, any better photos of the engine/trans adapter plate? Which engine was that trans originally bolted to? 2.3, 3.0, or 2.9/4.0 (shared pattern, as I understand it).
Mostly interested due to having run across a 240D engine with 4 speed trans, and contemplating swapping it in place of the 2.3 in my mazda badged ranger, but would prefer to keep the current 5 speed gearbox.
Also, any better photos of the engine/trans adapter plate? Which engine was that trans originally bolted to? 2.3, 3.0, or 2.9/4.0 (shared pattern, as I understand it).
Mostly interested due to having run across a 240D engine with 4 speed trans, and contemplating swapping it in place of the 2.3 in my mazda badged ranger, but would prefer to keep the current 5 speed gearbox.
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I'm still driving it with the oil burning 2.3. I had to put this on hold as I was out of work for almost a year starting Jan. 2010, have no place to work on it, and since i went back to work it's been my commuter. I'm looking forward to riding my 2stroke dirtbike again so I can use less oil.
Another move within the next two months, and then it'll be Courier project time again.
I did put some Toyota wheels on it with 235/75R15s though, they don't fit great but only rub a little
Another move within the next two months, and then it'll be Courier project time again.
I did put some Toyota wheels on it with 235/75R15s though, they don't fit great but only rub a little
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
I can understand the lack of funding all too well.....
Back in the day, I had an 80 Courier with the Mazda 2.0L. My brother overheated it, and warped the head (aluminum). The money I invested in repairing that engine would have been better spent on the "re-power" kit that was offered for a ranger. Could be bought with either the 2.2L or 2.3L diesel that was offered from the factory.....
As they say, hindsight is 20/20.....
Back in the day, I had an 80 Courier with the Mazda 2.0L. My brother overheated it, and warped the head (aluminum). The money I invested in repairing that engine would have been better spent on the "re-power" kit that was offered for a ranger. Could be bought with either the 2.2L or 2.3L diesel that was offered from the factory.....
As they say, hindsight is 20/20.....
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 419
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From: Sandy Level
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Well, time for the annual update I suppose.
I finally have started in on this project, the engine is out and the front suspension is mostly gone. Looking it over, I will likely have to cut the firewall out and bring it in a few inches, but not much. I may have to modify the front crossmember under the engine but I'm trying to avoid it.
I finally have started in on this project, the engine is out and the front suspension is mostly gone. Looking it over, I will likely have to cut the firewall out and bring it in a few inches, but not much. I may have to modify the front crossmember under the engine but I'm trying to avoid it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
That 4-cyl has possibilities. I've been nosing out info about a Volvo 740-I 4-v head setup that allegedly cranks out naturally aspirated ponies based on cam timing...
That engine could be worth solid gold!
*My Poppa was two things:
1) An aerospace Engineer
2) An old race car fan
He always said that 4 cylinder engines had possibilities that had never yet been properly explored... (!)
That engine could be worth solid gold!
*My Poppa was two things:
1) An aerospace Engineer
2) An old race car fan
He always said that 4 cylinder engines had possibilities that had never yet been properly explored... (!)
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
That four cylinder was beyond tired. It had so much blowby I went from the stock fresh air intake to a vented filler cap to a road draft tube with a catch can and it still got oil EVERYWHERE.
I got the template for the adapter plate done yesterday, today I cut and drilled the actual adapter. 5/8" 6061-T6 aluminum, I'll make it look pretty tomorrow and post some pics.
I got the template for the adapter plate done yesterday, today I cut and drilled the actual adapter. 5/8" 6061-T6 aluminum, I'll make it look pretty tomorrow and post some pics.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I don't think legroom was a primary concern in these old Japanese trucks, although this is the roomiest version of the Courier that we got here.