1988 2.3 to 2.9 swap

[quietrangr]

My son's 2.3 1988 with 5 speed has gone bad. We have a decent 2.9 in another 88. It has an automatic. He'd like to swap in the 2.9. What kinds of things do we have to change besides the engine? (Been a long time since I swapped, that was a '60s small Chev 6 for a bigger 6. No computers back then.)

 

[Mutant Pony]

Transmission, mounts, engine wiring harness,exhaust, radiator, air cleaner assembly,Possibly a few other things I forgot.
You can use the manual trans but you will need the bellhousing,flywheel,inspection plate and starter for a 2.9.

 

[John Smith]

If I may add..

If your "88" 2.3 is a code "m" assuming this is a Ranger..(Mazda m50) you can use the internals but you will need a new v-6 case ...all different.

catch up on the differences tween a 4 cyl and v-6 as pertains to trans/bolt pattern hookups here...lots of info ..you should probably look at the 4.0 trans/flywheel/starter etc...or you could use an FM146 v-6 combo
regards;;

 

[quietrangr]

Thanks, guys; that's more conversion than I thought. How about the computer?

 

[John Smith]

about he puter

I would assume you are going to use everything including the puter from the 2.9. As an auto i understand it can be used in a 5spd..search here a little and there will be info...

Thanks, guys; that's more conversion than I thought. How about the computer?

 

[Mutant Pony]

The '88 would have had the Mitsu trans (unless somebody swapped something else in already). The Bellhousing from any of the early trannies will fit that trans. It wasn't until '89 when they started using the Mazda trans (M5od R1) on certain models.
Yes, the computer would be included with the engine harness, I just forgot to mention it.