87 turbo ranger build

[rangertroy]

this is my current project.its a 1987 ford ranger with a 2.9 v6 and auto tranny.has ac,heat,ps and brakes.i would love to keep all that.i plan on swapping in my 1984 2.3 turbo out of a svo mustang with a t5 tranny.i have a LA3 comp out of a 88 tbird tc.the engine has been warmed over alittle.this swap will start soon and i will post all progress as it happens.here is some pics of it now.....


https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842194/fullsize/ranger-001.jpg
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842195/fullsize/ranger-002.jpg
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842196/fullsize/ranger-003.jpg
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842198/fullsize/ranger-005.jpg

the good running 2.9...almost dont want to pull it...lol.:icon_welder:
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842203/fullsize/ranger-010.jpg

[Kyle M.]

Sharp truck, looks like a fun project

[rangertroy]

thanks.and whats really cool is i only paid $280 for the ranger...and drove it home.but the tranny has no reverse and it cuts out while driving.but idling its really smooth.and in park when you start it it jumps forward alittle and acts like its in drive.oh...its all coming out anyway.

[rangertroy]

ok time to work on it.gonna go pull some panels off so i can fix some rust and get it ready for paint.yes the 2.9 and tranny will come out before paint but the 2.3t will not go back in until it is painted...doing a color change to a burnt orange color.

[rangertroy]

got some panels off so i can fix some rust issues.nothing major just some holes.all easy fixes.after i weld in new metal it will all be good.and this is it as far as rust goes on this truck.very surprised with it being a florida truck close to the beach.


https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842231/fullsize/ranger-012.jpg
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842232/fullsize/ranger-013.jpg
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842233/fullsize/ranger-014.jpg

this is next to the brake booster closest to the fender...
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/842234/fullsize/ranger-016.jpg

[rangertroy]

got a question.can't seem to find the answer anywhere...my truck has a 2.9 v6 right now but i am installing a 2.3 turbo....what motors mounts do i need?will the stock 2.3 stuff bolt up to the frame perches even though i have a v6 now?

[bh]

got a question.can't seem to find the answer anywhere...my truck has a 2.9 v6 right now but i am installing a 2.3 turbo....what motors mounts do i need?will the stock 2.3 stuff bolt up to the frame perches even though i have a v6 now?

yeah the frame perches are different. You're gonna need complete mounts from a 2.3 2wd ranger.
I'm swapping one in my 86.

[rangertroy]

what, i need to remove the frame perches and get the 2.3 perches sothe 2.3 motor mounts will work?wow that might be more then its worth.if i got to do all that i will just keep it a 2.9 and buy another truck that has a 2.3 already.

[rangertroy]

well john smith might have just saved this project.with the info i got from him so far it looks like it will work.so depending on what he finds out this still might be a go...if not i will just repair this truck and find another 86-88 2.3 ranger.

[jhammel85]

For what you paid, I say it'd be worth it! Looks like a good truck for it too. The body looks pretty clean. We all have rust though...My Cowl must be swiss cheese for how it leaks inside the cab.

[rangertroy]

thanks...now if i could just find out for sure on the motor mounts i can get going on this swap.

[sohc86-06]

nice looking truck to start your build with man keep us updated

[rangertroy]

will do...thanks

[rangertroy]

ok i have to change the perches...but they are bolt in so alls good.build will start soon.

[sohc86-06]

sounds good man what kinda hp numbers you looking for gonna be a fun ride i had a blast when my 86 ranger had a 87 turbocoupe 2.3 turbo an 5speed had the 87 intercooler big vam 2.5" down pipe dumped at the axel it hauled

[rangertroy]

when the motor was in a mustang it made 400 hp(seen the dyno run).i am getting everything from it but the megasquirt system.i have a LA3 computer that i will have repinned and tuned.so hopefully i will still be around 400 hp.

[rangertroy]

well the ranger has been sold.now have a 87 mazda b2200 that will get the 2.3 turbo motor.