• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

2.3 vs 3.0


Dillbob3124

New Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2012
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Transmission
Automatic
Sorry to beat this question to death but I couldn't find an applicable answer to my question.

I am interested in getting a 2005 Ranger Regular Cab manual and can't make up my mind on the 2.3 or the 3.0.

Gas mileage is a factor to me because gas is $4.50 a gallon in San Diego right now. I would like to do some light off roading and maybe take it out to the desert (Ocotillo Wells). When it is raining out I like to find an empty parking lot and learn car control and I am wondering if the 2.3 has enough power to slide around in the rain and mess around in the desert. Is the 3.0 worth sacrificing mpg's for more torque.

Thanks in advance and sorry for asking the 2.3 vs 3.0 question again.
 


cody93

cody93

Well-Known Member
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
1,890
Reaction score
42
Points
48
Location
Duluth GA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
FORD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
my old 2.3 has been known to powerslide in walmarts parking lot late at night after work when its raining.... the duratec 2.3s have a little more HP than the old limas i believe.
 
machine090767

machine090767

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 21, 2009
Messages
167
Reaction score
0
Points
16
Location
Minnesota
Vehicle Year
2006
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
5.4 Triton V8
Transmission
Automatic
My credo
Perfection is worth the wait
get the 2.3
the 3.0 will get worse gas mileage and isn't really all that much more powerful.
 
ronclark

ronclark

Active Member
Supporting Member
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
919
Reaction score
25
Points
28
Location
Woodland, WA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
95 4.0 with 93 ECU
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2
Tire Size
30
machine090767 said:
get the 2.3
the 3.0 will get worse gas mileage and isn't really all that much more powerful.
Click to expand...
I have to say +1 on that one.

I have driven the old 2.5,2.3,2.8,2.9,3.0 and 4.0.
For what is worth i would never get a 3.0, might be reliable but not much better on gas than a 4.0.
My old 2.9 could run circles around the 3.0's i have driven
 
JohnnyO

JohnnyO

Moderator Emeritus
Supporting Member
Forum Staff - Retired
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Jan 6, 2002
Messages
6,330
Reaction score
2,840
Points
113
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Vehicle Year
2020
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
1.5"
Tire Size
265/70-17
My credo
"220, 221, whatever it takes."
machine090767 said:
get the 2.3
the 3.0 will get worse gas mileage and isn't really all that much more powerful.
Click to expand...
My first Ranger was a 3.0 5-speed. It was pretty good on gas for a 4x4 but slow as molasses. Unless you're going to tow a trailer I wouldn't consider getting a 4x2 with a V6. For light off-roading just get decent tires and a Powertrax No-Slip for the 7.5" rear and it'll be good and save a mess of gas money over a V6 or 4x4.
 
dangerranger83

dangerranger83

5.0 HO under the hood!!!
Supporting Member
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Apr 26, 2009
Messages
7,738
Reaction score
54
Points
0
Location
Lafayette, IN
Vehicle Year
1983
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
5.0 HO carbed with an np435 and np208
Transmission
Manual
My dad has a 3.0 auto and my old 2.8 could run circles around it all day.

Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
 

Dillbob3124

New Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2012
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Transmission
Automatic
Thanks for the responses guys. I look forward to getting my first Ranger
 
nb11

nb11

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
389
Reaction score
10
Points
18
Location
South Georgia
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3l
Transmission
Manual
2.3. I have it. I've beat on it, put nearly 100,000 miles on it (165,000 total now), and I'd recommend it.
 
Rose2300

Rose2300

New Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2011
Messages
1,068
Reaction score
7
Points
0
Location
ID
Vehicle Year
1996
Make / Model
Toyota
Engine Size
3.4
Transmission
Automatic
yup i just sold my 02 2.3 and it had plenty of power to get sideways on dry pavement. just dont be afraid to redline the shit out of it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Total: 769 (members: 11, guests: 758)

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Month


Shran
April Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

Hunters
20240409_190831.jpg
20240409_190818.jpg
20240409_180824.jpg
20240409_182648.jpg
20240409_181010.jpg
20240408_175026.jpg
99 Ranger
20200706_161414.jpg
20240207_155117.jpg
20240207_155111.jpg
20240207_154537 - Copy.jpg

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top