engine swap

[jkl1q]

i have a stock 2.0L engine in my 88 ranger and i would like more power on a limted budget, i have thought about swaping to a 2.3L how hard would this be or any suggestions

 

[superdave1984]

Gaining .3 liters of displacement doesn't seem worth the trouble unless you have a blown engine and have to replace/rebuild anyway. Just my $.02

 

[mikepotts]

dave is right, there will be a minimal difference in power. but i am in the process of doing exactly what you are talking about, i have an 88 w/ 2.0. mine is low on compression and running poorly, so i removed the motor yesterday and am going to get another motor this saturday, a 2.5 motor with D-port head, efi intake w/ 2bbl adapter, it will be a better platform for further improvements while gaining stroke and bore.

 

[Mark_88]

My 2.0 was ok once I upgraded the head with the 2.3 and put the Motorcraft 5200 carb on it...even with a wonky piston...

The shorty header from a 90s series mazda or ranger works better as well...opens up the port a bit and reduces weight by about 50lbs...

As mentioned above, unless the bottom end has lost compression or otherwise is not working no need to replace it...

 

[jkl1q]

thanks to all this has helped me alot... so a 2.5 is my best option?
would this be a direct bolt in or how much work?

 

[mikepotts]

well... that question has a tricky answer... a little background first. the 2.0 is merely a 2.3 with a smaller bore, other than that the shortblocks are identical, the 2.5 is a stroked version of the 2.3, so there again other than that it is identical to the 2.3... these are the major diff's between the three, there are other small ones. to answer the question the 2.5 is a bolt in swap, but it would be easier to replace the 2.5's dual plug head with a D-port head from an EFI 2.3 and a 2.3 EFI lower intake manifold with the carb adapter. or you can go thru the trouble of swaping the 2.5 with the EFI. hope this helps.

 

[4b316]

2.5 is not a bolt in deal in your 88.2.5 block has no provison for a dist.Even if it is DIS you cannot put a pre 95 2.3 crank sensor on a post 95 block without some pretty percise machine work.Use a 94 block with 2.5 insides and this will work with your setup.Are you going to run EFI or carb?

 

[Mark_88]

If he uses a carb setup then he wouldn't need the sensor...not sure about the distributor as to whether it could be worked into a 2.5 block, but probably could do...

Good Idea with the pre-94 block and stroke it though...that's been done apparently...but If it were my money I'd over bore the 2.3 and mill the head and use a 4 plug head with roller cam that's been ported since that works best with a carbed setup...and exept for the bottom end that's what my setup is currently...

And I'd also go with the EFI lower intate with adaptor for a carb...my next project...

 

[mikepotts]

oops... guess i got some bad information! i was told it had a hole for the dizzy in the 2.5 block. i will be better informed after my trip to the J/Y this sat.

 

[mikepotts]

2.5 is not a bolt in deal in your 88.2.5 block has no provison for a dist.Even if it is DIS you cannot put a pre 95 2.3 crank sensor on a post 95 block without some pretty percise machine work.Use a 94 block with 2.5 insides and this will work with your setup.Are you going to run EFI or carb?

well... i was told this is not entirely true, the place where the dizzy and the fuel pump were on older models merely have a blocker cast into the block for the holes, which can be removed rather easily. again, this is the info i have been given i will attempt to get the "hands on" experience to confirm or deny this.

4b316... i mean no disrespect, but i am hoping this CAN be done (for my sakes).

 

[Mark_88]

I haven't actually seen a 2.5 block so I've no clue either, but the 2.3 blocks certainly do have blockers for fuel pumps...as I learned from experience...and mine was an 87 so it already had a distributor...

Hmmmmm...I've had two nearly new fuel pumps sitting around for about four years that I probably could have used if I'd just drilled out the block...dang...something to keep in mind if my electronic pump ever goes south...

 

[Mutant Pony]

The 2.3 is a huge improvement over the Ranger 2.0. It is a direct bolt in. Use an '89 to '93 Ranger block, '85 to '88 Ranger EFI head and lower plenum with an adapter for a 2300 series Holley. If you have access to a Ford 2 bbl from a v-8 you can use that otherwise the Holley is easier to find. The jets and other adjustment parts are much easier to find as well. You can use the original 2.0 ignition system.
The motor put together with just these parts is a huge improvement but, there are MANY upgrades available from there. Including the 2.5 stroker kit.

 

[4b316]

Up to 94 block.95 and above has no provision for dist,the oil pump is located where the dist shaft was.Are you going to use EFI or carb?

 

[jkl1q]

i am undecided about which one to run, i a willing to run either

 

[Mutant Pony]

If you have the technical ability to convert it to EFI, Drop in a 2.5 (Non-Duratech) if you can find one.