Installing A/C on 1983 Ford Ranger 2WD

bernzpeed · Aug 29, 2008

1. Is it possible to install a/c on a 1983 Ford Ranger 2.9L 2WD? I am boiling hot in there driving it.
2. It has a carburetor engine, any possibility that I can convert it to EFI?
3. What do I need to convert to EFI?
4. Where do I get used(?) parts for conversion?
5. Do you know anybody who does this in the San Francisco East Bay area?
6. How do determine where the vacuum leak in the engine as the idle is very erratic?
7. The valve cover is leaking oil, is there a replacement seal for that?

Thanks, hope to hear from anyone knowledgeable in this field.

bernzpeed

shadetree · Aug 29, 2008

You can install a/c on most anything. You can also convert to EFI. But, the question is, is it worth it. For the money and time invested, you could purchase another vehicle with EFI, a/c already installed.

If you are determined to do it, I would get a cheap junked vehicle, and use the parts off it for the upgrade.

shady

MAKG · Aug 29, 2008

Agreed.

You can buy a decent 1986 RBV with a 2.9L that has the fuel injection you want, with A/C, for around $800. You'll spend that much on all the parts, easy. If you are going to pay a tech to do the retro for you, it's going to cost four figures.

You can find lots of old trucks cheap in the Sacramento/Stockton area. That's where I picked up my Chevy.

When I did the retrofit myself, I got all the A/C parts from a full service yard in Santa Cruz (there is only one) as a package, for $200. But I installed it and did the R-134a retrofit myself. Closer to home, there is a decent Pick'N'Pull in Oakland, near the Colisseum, and another in Newark next to one of the salt ponds at the end of Mowry.

"Converting" to EFI means replacing the engine, electronics (including computer) and a few other things (exhaust, some sensors) with an EFI engine. It is NEVER cost effective unless you have a very pricey vehicle or you do the work yourself.

bernzpeed · Aug 30, 2008

Carb to EFI

How about the possibility of replacing the throttle body to efi

bernzpeed · Aug 30, 2008

I like the idea of just having the 2.9L and automatic transmission. My gf doesn't drive stick so it's perfect for her. But I am concerned about fuel efficiency.

MAKG · Aug 30, 2008

If you're concerned about fuel efficiency, why are you shopping for a 25 year old brick?

Even a 1973 Datsun B210 gets better mileage. Pick up a Metro or a Festiva (real cheap) and you get 40 MPG.

There is no TBI V6. It isn't just replacing the throttle body.

Even if it were, that's a lot of parts, still.

Installing A/C on 1983 Ford Ranger 2WD

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