changing my 2.3 to a 2.2 diesel


83bagged

83bagged

January 2010 STOTM Winner

MTOTM Winner
Joined
Nov 29, 2008
Messages
337
Points
3,101
City
LOUISIANA
Vehicle Year
1983
Transmission
Automatic
would this be possible? ive heard that the bell housings are the same, so could i use my automatic tranny with it?

what all would i need for the swap?
 
both of the diesels availible in the rangers used their own, unique bellhousing. only a transmission originally bolted to the diesel will work.

the rest of the conversion is going to require...well...everything. the fuel pump(s), lines, computer, engine wiring, motor mounts, exhaust, transmission....
 
hmmm ok. well i doubt they had an automatic for the diesel did they? well i knew the lines, exhaust, and pump would need to be changed.

well would you rather a diesel? or just keep the 2.3 thats in here now and fix it up some? it only has 32,000 miles on it. no its not rolled over, an old lady down the road had it. she never drove it, and bought it new. idk im still thinkin
 
if i were to own a diesel, it would be an older VW rabbit pickup. those things got over 50MPG, are reliable to boot, and still give you useful payload capacity. those are the only diesels that are economical to run with todays fuel prices.

but thats just me.

if i was going to put a diesel in a ranger, it would be a cummins 4bt. they are plentiful, make a ton more power than the deisels offered in the ranger from the factory, and they get "acceptable" fuel economy if it isnt a daily driver.
 
ok. well look heres the deal.

i have a 83 ranger 2wd. and it is bagged. i was going to do a hopped up 302, but thats what everyone does. then i remembered hey, they offered a 2.2 diesel in these trucks for a few years. i figured itd be a hell of alot cooler with that. plus i figured the swap wouldnt be "AS HARD" since its the same truck

but idk
 
i love the idea of not following the crowd with engine choices.

the 2.2 swap would be unique since the diesel rangers were rare and you rarely see a running one these days. the swap could be considered "easier", as long as you can find a donor truck with all the parts you need...it should be bolt-in.

you have to realize that the 2.2 is n/a and only makes 59hp...a considerable drop from even the measily 79hp your 2.3 makes. i see no reason you couldnt boost it, however.

you know, one thing i really enjoy is seeing newer engines installed in older vehicles. i think a 4.6 out of a mustang or f-150 would be neat...the motors are a dime a dozen at the junkyard these days and the swap has only been done once that i know of. maybe you could be the first one to swap in a duratec 3.0 out of a taurus/escape. thats a lightweight, DOHC, aluminum-head engine that puts out 200hp.

just some thoughts :icon_thumby:
 
hmmm. see thats what i like, different ideas. that duratec is a sweet idea. but then id have to change the tranny, driveshaft, and rearend wouldnt i?

it wouldnt matter
, id do what id have to. i but also is the duratec taller than the 2.3? cause im not trying to cut my stock hood :(
 
your going to have to change the transmission and driveshaft for any swap other than another 2.3.

the duratecs all use a standard bellhousing pattern, so it should bolt to an '02+ 4 cylinder (duratec) ranger transmission. the duratec is taller, but if a DOHC 4.6, 460, or 4BT can fit under the hood...so will a DOHC v-6 :icon_thumby:

the rear end is at your discretion. the 7.5 is an "ok" rear end as long as your tire sizes stay small and horsepower isnt up in the crazy high range. if it were me, i would get an 8.8 out of a 1990+ ranger anyway because its a bolt-in swap and its a serious upgrade in strength.
 
ok now. i d liek it to be as simple as possible. ive never tried this and i can get alot of help from people who know. newer engines are fuel injected. i know carbed like my 2.3 the wiring is alot more simplified. what about one of those v6's?

id like to keep the stock driveline, but with some id have to change it. with a 2.3 turbo i wouldnt hmmmm
 
ok, so swithc the rear end to the 8.8

i havent seen, heard, or rode in a 2.3 turbo before. i might just give that a shot for right now. so many options though
 
the engine wiring on a fuel injected vehicle isnt as bad as it looks. the engine has its own wiring harness that you'll have to get with the engine...but it pretty much just stays with the engine...so you dont really need to worry about it other than mounting the PCM and plugging it in.

having a driveline built is cake. its a matter of measuring how long i9t needs to be and having a machine shop build it for you. i wouldnt let something that minor limit your choices.

a 2.3 turbo is another good choice...although the swap is become increasingly popular. we have several members on the forum that have done it. it has the advantage of getting 4-banger fuel economy with v-8 power levels. the swap is mostly bolt in (its fuel injected though, so theres the wiring issue again). i would still replace your transmission with a later model one. the early ranger transmissions left something to be desired in the strength and durability department.
 
a stock turbocoupe is good for about 190HP. the good thing about the turbocoupe motor is that it has forged pistons and is good for more boost right out of the box. 250HP is common without having to crack the motor open.

most of the 2.3 turbo swap guys are still getting low-mid 20's for fuel economy. the trick is staying out of the boost...but when you have over 200HP on tap, thats harder than it sounds :icon_thumby:
 
HAHHA ye i bet. ok well it sounds like i might go for this swap then. since its my first. im still open though.

what vehicle can i look for and get a turbocoupe? i would get it and rebuild it here and once i have it where i want i would swap it. so i could hop it up some more. but 200 horses in this small truck lol. i bet thats fun

oh and also id like to keep it automatic. idk if thatd be a problem with a 2.3turbo. i know you said i could use one from a 89-newer model 4 banger right?
 
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an '83-'88 thunderbird would be your best bet. the 2.3 turbo was also used in the mustang SVO's in the mid 80's, but you probably wont find one...at least not one you'll want to hack up :D
 
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