Duratec Swap???


FlatLandWheelin

10+ Year Member

Joined
Dec 24, 2010
Messages
2
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1,501
City
OHIO
Vehicle Year
1996
Transmission
Manual
This may or may not be in the right section. New to the site and my search turned up little helpful information.

I've got a '96 Ranger with the 2.3L thats shot(I bought it this way). I found a you-pull-it thats got a 110k mile '01 Duratec 2.3L that runs for $125 so if I can pick that up I surely want it. "Duratec" means little to me but I figured to swapping it probably means something. So I guess my actual question is--How much is involved in swapping in a Duratec into a '96? Possible plug and play and swap computers? Or would I need the harness and all?

OR

Slightly more expensive route, I found a 2.5L also in an '01(Early '01 is what Im told?) for $200 with about the same miles. Not sure how well this one runs though. Since this is also an OHC 4-banger like the 2.3L, would this be the easier swap? What is involved?

My biggest factor leading me to want the Duratec is the power advantages and slightly lower miles. Plus it helps that I know it runs.

Any help would be greatly appreciated
 
to swap the duratec yes you would need the harness and computer for it to run.
 
well the 2.5 shares a lot of parts with your 2.3, the tranny being one of them. seems like the harness would work on the 2.5, but im not that sure about it.

the duratec has more power and gives better mileage. but its a bit more complicated on the electronics stuff. ull need the complete harness, ecu, tranny and somehow to overrun the PATS security system it has.
 
does anyone know if the '01 2.5L harness will plug into my '96 2.3L virtually problem free?
 
i guess it would, but if i remember correctly the fuel delivery is different on the 2.5
maybe that changes the harness. i think best way to know is trying it
 
Lots of modifications

I did this swap with a 97 ranger, here is the problems you will face...
You'll need all of the electrical harness, computer, and its easier to switch over to the complete dash (instrument, air bags, security, etc..)
Fuel Delivery System...Tank (w/f.pump) lines, canister..
Fabricate motor mounts...relocate engine due to oil pan and difference in suspensions (I-beams) and the width of the frames....
if I had to do it over...I'd go with a ford 302, automatic.....
 
Im about to do a 2001 2.3 dohc swap into a 98 with a 3.0. I know i have to do the mounts, pcm, harness, pats, obvious stuff but what about the fuel tank, dash, suspension, etc?
 
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