How can I tell what engine I have? - Page 3

4b316 · 03-08-2012, 07:04 AM

Get the crank,rods and pistons from the 2.5(98-01).Compression in a 2.5 is 9.5-1,a little high for a street driven ride but you can get different thickness head gaskets.

upnsmoke · 03-08-2012, 07:46 PM

You could get the pistons dished provided there is enough material in the crown. Shouldn't cost too much. Be sure to break that cam in right. As you may know already, those things can be easy to kill.

itlives · 03-08-2012, 08:18 PM

Thanks for the suggestion upnsmoke. I think what I'm going to do is get pistons and rings for the 2.3L N/A and use them in this block.
Then, once I'm up and running, I'll take the 2.0L and bore it out to 2.3L , look for a 2.5 L crank,rods an pistons and take my time and build it right.

You guys have been invaluable to me in this project. I tried a couple of Mustang sites but they just didn't "feel" like this one.

I see how these engines are so popular. I had several people tell me I sould go bigger in my truck but I don't see any reason to since this 2.3 with a good carb and headers will have more tourque and almost double the HP as the POS VW engine!
No more aircooled for me!
If you want to see how I'm setting up the radiator, here's a link-
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewto...?f=19&t=138764

upnsmoke · 03-08-2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itlives

Thanks for the suggestion upnsmoke. I think what I'm going to do is get pistons and rings for the 2.3L N/A and use them in this block.
Then, once I'm up and running, I'll take the 2.0L and bore it out to 2.3L , look for a 2.5 L crank,rods an pistons and take my time and build it right.

You guys have been invaluable to me in this project. I tried a couple of Mustang sites but they just didn't "feel" like this one.

I see how these engines are so popular. I had several people tell me I sould go bigger in my truck but I don't see any reason to since this 2.3 with a good carb and headers will have more tourque and almost double the HP as the POS VW engine!
No more aircooled for me!
If you want to see how I'm setting up the radiator, here's a link-
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewto...?f=19&t=138764

Bear in mind that a 2.0 block can not be bored to 2.3 spec, or so I have read. If you want a separate 2.3 I believe you will have to find another block. That is easy enough, though. I love this forum. I honestly believe that, had I never discovered TRS, my truck would be a worthless pile of junk compared to what has actually become. Who knows, I may not even have it any more. That said, I was a member at Modded Mustangs for a while. Those guys were cool, but the 4 cylinder scene is small there.

itlives · 03-09-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upnsmoke

Bear in mind that a 2.0 block can not be bored to 2.3 spec, or so I have read.

From what I read here, you can't bore a Pinto 2.0 out to 2.3, but a Ranger 2.0 block is just an under-bored 2.3.

My other block is a Ranger 2.0.

I'll have to go re-read the sticky!

Edit: All I saw in the sticky is where it said 2.0 is an under-bored 2.3.
I think it was Mark that said a Pinto 2.0 can't be bored to 2.3L because the side walls would be too thin. (= different block).

scotts90ranger · 03-09-2012, 09:03 AM

you can't throw a 2.5 crank in a 2.0 block or any pre '89 2.3 block for that matter, the 2.5's are small journal.

**Mark_88** · 03-09-2012, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itlives

From what I read here, you can't bore a Pinto 2.0 out to 2.3, but a Ranger 2.0 block is just an under-bored 2.3.

My other block is a Ranger 2.0.

I'll have to go re-read the sticky!

Edit: All I saw in the sticky is where it said 2.0 is an under-bored 2.3.
I think it was Mark that said a Pinto 2.0 can't be bored to 2.3L because the side walls would be too thin. (= different block).

I think I mentioned the block differences a while ago but I didn't realize the difference of pre 89 2.3 engines...dang...means I can't stroke my 87 block...ah, well, I was kinda hoping to score a later model like the 96 with an M5OD-R1 transmission...

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotts90ranger

you can't throw a 2.5 crank in a 2.0 block or any pre '89 2.3 block for that matter, the 2.5's are small journal.

Good point...I don't remember ever seeing anyone mention this previously...thanks...now the search can be narrowed down for my application...

itlives · 03-09-2012, 01:53 PM

Good information to know before I go out on wild goose chase for nothing! (I have been known to do that!)

It's ok, a strong 2.3L will still be way more than I have now. Hell, a weak 2.3 would way more than what I have now ;)

upnsmoke · 03-09-2012, 11:12 PM

So just to clarify, a 2.0 Ranger block is a different casting from a 2.3 Ranger block, and can not be bored to 2.3 spec, right? I apologize if I am misinformed on this topic and have passed on incorrect information.

itlives · 03-10-2012, 07:48 AM

This is from the sticky-

Blocks-
2.0 is an underbored 2.3, with the exception of the bore the blocks are identical to all
2.3’s

The only question I would have at this point is is the Mustang block the same as the Ranger block.

If it is, then I can use the 2.0 I have (Ranger) and build it right. Even if I can't bore the Ranger block out to 2.3, I could still bore it out some and balance it. To me, there's nothing like a balanced engine!

**Mark_88** · 03-10-2012, 08:34 AM

The mustang 2.3 and ranger 2.3 are the same engine...the ranger went to an 8 plug head a few years before the mustang...

I wouldn't advise boring the 2.0 but you can have it honed when replacing rings and pistons...there may even be a forged piston for the 2.0 but not sure...but you don't need those unless you plan to some day used forced induction...and even then only if going over 5 psi...or so...

If you are planning on any short block work I would suggest find a 2.3 and over bore it...add new pistons and rings...maybe shave the head a bit...then drop a 4 plug head on it that has been reworked...maybe even put a slightly longer duration cam...but that's about it...

I guess if you want to use what you have then there is a bit of limitation...

When I obtained a 2.3 short block to replace my 2.0 I had them side by side...I was poking around checking the differences when I happened to put my hand on the 2.0 piston...I was able to actually move the piston side to side when it was at TDC...every one of them had quite a bit of wobble...I did the same to the 2.3 and the pistons did not budge at all...

This told me the 2.0 was severely worn...and I was quite happy to put the 2.3 in its place...

itlives · 03-10-2012, 09:09 AM

Thanks Mark, I'll freshen up the 2.3 and be happy!
A bit of good news on my parts buying. I told you the guy "changed" his mind and wanted to keep the turbo. When I went back to get the engine, I said he ought to give me something in place of the turbo. He said what do you want?
I'll take that pressure plate -says I.
I just looked it up- low price, $300 -high price, $1000. It's for a 911 Porsche. I don't know what he had it for (and neither did he).
So, I'll let it pay for all the stuff I got!!!

03-08-2012, 07:04 AM	#25
4b316 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Year: 1995 Make: ford Model: ranger Posts: 518 Rep Power: 13 iTrader: (0)	Get the crank,rods and pistons from the 2.5(98-01).Compression in a 2.5 is 9.5-1,a little high for a street driven ride but you can get different thickness head gaskets.
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03-08-2012, 07:46 PM	#26
upnsmoke Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: baltimore, md Year: 1988 Make: ford Model: ranger Engine: 2.0 Class: 2wd off road Posts: 393 Rep Power: 7 iTrader: (0)	You could get the pistons dished provided there is enough material in the crown. Shouldn't cost too much. Be sure to break that cam in right. As you may know already, those things can be easy to kill. __________________ Autofab bent beams, 31x10.5 15s, 8.8 w/ 5.13s, 2.0 w/ Lunati cam, portwork, 350 Holley, header, Expo leafs, long shackles, F150 springs and 10" front shocks in the works
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03-08-2012, 08:18 PM	#27
itlives Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Year: 1985 Make: ford Model: Ranger Posts: 174 Rep Power: 4 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the suggestion upnsmoke. I think what I'm going to do is get pistons and rings for the 2.3L N/A and use them in this block. Then, once I'm up and running, I'll take the 2.0L and bore it out to 2.3L , look for a 2.5 L crank,rods an pistons and take my time and build it right. You guys have been invaluable to me in this project. I tried a couple of Mustang sites but they just didn't "feel" like this one. I see how these engines are so popular. I had several people tell me I sould go bigger in my truck but I don't see any reason to since this 2.3 with a good carb and headers will have more tourque and almost double the HP as the POS VW engine! No more aircooled for me! If you want to see how I'm setting up the radiator, here's a link- http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewto...?f=19&t=138764
	Tweet

03-09-2012, 09:03 AM	#30
scotts90ranger Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Salem Oregon Year: 1990 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.3 Turbo Class: 4x4 Used For: holding down the driveway Posts: 2,648 Rep Power: 32 iTrader: (1)	you can't throw a 2.5 crank in a 2.0 block or any pre '89 2.3 block for that matter, the 2.5's are small journal. __________________ converted to 4x4, turbo'd the 2.3, 6" lift with 35's and 5.13 gears! Send e-mail instead of PM, box full...
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03-09-2012, 01:53 PM	#32
itlives Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Year: 1985 Make: ford Model: Ranger Posts: 174 Rep Power: 4 iTrader: (0)	Good information to know before I go out on wild goose chase for nothing! (I have been known to do that!) It's ok, a strong 2.3L will still be way more than I have now. Hell, a weak 2.3 would way more than what I have now ;)
	Tweet

03-09-2012, 11:12 PM	#33
upnsmoke Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: baltimore, md Year: 1988 Make: ford Model: ranger Engine: 2.0 Class: 2wd off road Posts: 393 Rep Power: 7 iTrader: (0)	So just to clarify, a 2.0 Ranger block is a different casting from a 2.3 Ranger block, and can not be bored to 2.3 spec, right? I apologize if I am misinformed on this topic and have passed on incorrect information. __________________ Autofab bent beams, 31x10.5 15s, 8.8 w/ 5.13s, 2.0 w/ Lunati cam, portwork, 350 Holley, header, Expo leafs, long shackles, F150 springs and 10" front shocks in the works
	Tweet

03-10-2012, 07:48 AM	#34
itlives Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Year: 1985 Make: ford Model: Ranger Posts: 174 Rep Power: 4 iTrader: (0)	This is from the sticky- Blocks- 2.0 is an underbored 2.3, with the exception of the bore the blocks are identical to all 2.3’s The only question I would have at this point is is the Mustang block the same as the Ranger block. If it is, then I can use the 2.0 I have (Ranger) and build it right. Even if I can't bore the Ranger block out to 2.3, I could still bore it out some and balance it. To me, there's nothing like a balanced engine!
	Tweet

03-10-2012, 08:34 AM	#35
Mark_88 Einstein I'm NOT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Uxbridge, Ontario Year: 1988 Make: Ford Model: Multi-year Ranger Engine: 2.3 Carbureted Class: 2wd Used For: Space travel Posts: 13,438 Rep Power: 77 iTrader: (0)	The mustang 2.3 and ranger 2.3 are the same engine...the ranger went to an 8 plug head a few years before the mustang... I wouldn't advise boring the 2.0 but you can have it honed when replacing rings and pistons...there may even be a forged piston for the 2.0 but not sure...but you don't need those unless you plan to some day used forced induction...and even then only if going over 5 psi...or so... If you are planning on any short block work I would suggest find a 2.3 and over bore it...add new pistons and rings...maybe shave the head a bit...then drop a 4 plug head on it that has been reworked...maybe even put a slightly longer duration cam...but that's about it... I guess if you want to use what you have then there is a bit of limitation... When I obtained a 2.3 short block to replace my 2.0 I had them side by side...I was poking around checking the differences when I happened to put my hand on the 2.0 piston...I was able to actually move the piston side to side when it was at TDC...every one of them had quite a bit of wobble...I did the same to the 2.3 and the pistons did not budge at all... This told me the 2.0 was severely worn...and I was quite happy to put the 2.3 in its place... __________________ Rome and my Ranger were not built in a day...
	Tweet

03-10-2012, 09:09 AM	#36
itlives Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Year: 1985 Make: ford Model: Ranger Posts: 174 Rep Power: 4 iTrader: (0)	Thanks Mark, I'll freshen up the 2.3 and be happy! A bit of good news on my parts buying. I told you the guy "changed" his mind and wanted to keep the turbo. When I went back to get the engine, I said he ought to give me something in place of the turbo. He said what do you want? I'll take that pressure plate -says I. I just looked it up- low price, $300 -high price, $1000. It's for a 911 Porsche. I don't know what he had it for (and neither did he). So, I'll let it pay for all the stuff I got!!!
	Tweet

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