cheapest 2.3 replacement 1984 ranger 4x4

[oneribshy]

I am looking for more power! I did a compression test yesterday cranking each cylinder 10 times and got a reading of 140-145 in all cylinders. 5 cranks around 120-125... My tranny is a four manual. I eliminated the manual fuel pump w/electric because I replaced manual steering to power and was in the way of pump, and ever since the thing stalls going up hills and never did have any power. I'd like to go as cheap as possible and replace this. what engine could BOLT UP!

 

[RonD]

None really except for another 2.3l, rebuilding yours would be cheapest option, or find a fresher 2.3l Lima engine and swap over your intake and distributor to that engine.

There were turbo charged 2.3l used, read here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Turbos.shtml

You also have no computer to speak of in an '84.
You could look at doing a 302 V8 swap, carb and distributor model.
You would need 302 transmission and transfer case, which is a tight fit, but does fit.

 

[adsm08]

2.5L would bolt to the trans, has a bit more kick, but it was never carb/dis, and was always a dual plug head. Gonna take some work.

 

[turbo91xlt]

2.5L would bolt to the trans, has a bit more kick, but it was never carb/dis, and was always a dual plug head. Gonna take some work.

Not to mention its obd2 & the '95+ blocks have different bolt holes for brackets & mounts. Also they don't have a hole for the distributer like the '94 & older blocks.

Easiest thing would be to get an early dual plug engine (small main journal blocks found in '89-'94 ranger, '91-'93 mustang), rebuild it, swapping the later 2.5l rotating assembly in & bolting your current head onto it. Doing this way allows you to transfer all your '84 brackets over & the 2.5l crank fits right in without the use of bearing spacers along with have the hole to keep your distributer.

 

[Mark_88]

Not to mention its obd2 & the '95+ blocks have different bolt holes for brackets & mounts. Also they don't have a hole for the distributer like the '94 & older blocks.

Easiest thing would be to get an early dual plug engine (small main journal blocks found in '89-'94 ranger, '91-'93 mustang), rebuild it, swapping the later 2.5l rotating assembly in & bolting your current head onto it. Doing this way allows you to transfer all your '84 brackets over & the 2.5l crank fits right in without the use of bearing spacers along with have the hole to keep your distributer.

What about forged pistons? the stock 2.5 won't take anything more than 5-7 pounds of boost...from what I've read.

I looked into this same thing last year and the guy that I was asking didn't know if he could get the 2.5 forged pistons...I'm sure I've read that they are available but can't remember.

 

[oneribshy]

Hmmmm, A lot of options there... I am wondering if there will be enough power in a rebuild. I like the turbo Idea too. Thanks Guys.