I have a 91 ranger 2wd 2.9l v6 with cracked heads I am tossing around fixing this engine wich seems to be a problem engine. or swaping out for a 2.3l four cylinder that I have in an 87 thunderbird. does anyone know if trans bolt patterns are same on 2.9 versus the 2.3. I would like to keep the five speed man. but may have too swap in tranny too. This swap might be more work than its worth. but I think it would be a good truck with descent mil with the turbo 2.3L.

 

I would think the bolt patterns are all the same. If not, there are a billion of M5OD's out there that will bolt up. Look at how many late 80's and early 90's Rangers you see. Good luck with the swap! Someday I will own a turbo 2.3 powered Ranger! If you want to sell your engine someday, let me know!

 

Actually, No they are not the same. The only way you can use a 5sp from a v6 is if it came with the Mitsubishi trans that has a 2 piece case (code FM146, or similar) AND you could get your hands on a bell housing from a 4x4 2.3L that had the Mitsubishi trans too. There were ~3 different 5sp trans offered in the Ranger so just saying "M5OD" is kind of useless. Sorry but it is. There was the weak Mazda 5sp with the 1 piece case that leaks out of the shift rail plugs and eats the bearings (code E87A FA, or similar), the Mitsubishi trans that has a 2 piece case (code FM146, or similar), and a Toyo-Koyo (sp?) version that I don't know much about. In general, most of the 4x2s had the Mazda trans, while the 4x4s had the Mitsubishi with a different bell housing for the 2.9 & 2.3.

thebeastof1980 - You are correct in that the 2.9L does tend to crack heads when it gets overheated, but otherwise an "OK" engine. I have had my 2.3L in & out more than once, so it is not that bad. And they are not bad little engines. They do lack some power in the N/A versions, but it isn't that much different than the 2.9L. I would say the trans is more of a PITA for the lack of room to maneuver under there. I don't think you will have much trouble physically getting the 2.3L-T in, but electronics will be your biggest challenge. If you have the donor car, it shouldn't be too bad. Keep in mind you are going to have to do the trans swap as I already mentioned, so no matter which one you use don't forget to double check your drive-shaft as it will more than likely need swapping. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply. I checked my trans and it is fm132. which I believe is the mazda 5spd correct me if im wrong. The only reson I was going to stick with the stick is i figured it would get a little better mpg. and i like the option of power when you need it. But looks like I may keep the auto already mated to it. it did have a 1k$ overhaul few years before parking car. also considering swaping the rearend out for the posi unit in the tbird also. Yah electronics will be time consuming to keep straight but since i have the running car that will help.well gas is not any cheaper. my x is not economical too drive.

 

No, if your trans has a label on the side that starts "FM___" it should be a Mitsubishi trans. You can also look to see if it has a removable bell housing that I know the Mazda trans doesn't have (and I don't think the Toyo has a 2 piece either). Also if your trans calls for gear oil it should be a Mitsubishi, the Mazda trans uses ATF.

Yes, the 5sp would be better for MPG + drive ability, and it would be my first choice too, but you will have to make that decision on your own.