WriterDirectorL
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2016
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Vehicle Year
- 1983
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Transmission
- Manual
I have a 1983 Ranger with a 2.3 and a manual 4-speed w/overdrive. I am planning our my restoration and am not really sure what I want to do about the engine. The stock 2.3 was rated around 85hp.
Option 1: Rebuild the stock 2.3 and then add a few upgrades like cold-air, k&n filter, better exhaust system, upgraded ignition, simple bolt-on stuff.
Option 2: Swap the engine out for a newer fuel injected 2.3 with more hp, such as a 2006 or later.
I know lots of people build the old 2.3s for dirt tracking and such and there's plenty of parts for them. I read the 2006 later 2.3s are rated for around 140hp and I'm not looking to smoke the rear tires off, so the 140-150 hp range would be fine.
I know upgrading the existing 2.3 can gain me some horsepower without having to worry about changing wiring harnesses or transmissions. I do know upgrading to a newer 2.3 would require some wiring changes, but not sure if the trans will still bolt up.
Anybody tried these and have any advice? If upgrading to a newer 2.3 and the tranny won't bolt up, does anyone make a bellhousing adapter or would I have to change transmissions and...? I'd appreciate any knowledge, advice, or links to resources that could help me decide.
Option 1: Rebuild the stock 2.3 and then add a few upgrades like cold-air, k&n filter, better exhaust system, upgraded ignition, simple bolt-on stuff.
Option 2: Swap the engine out for a newer fuel injected 2.3 with more hp, such as a 2006 or later.
I know lots of people build the old 2.3s for dirt tracking and such and there's plenty of parts for them. I read the 2006 later 2.3s are rated for around 140hp and I'm not looking to smoke the rear tires off, so the 140-150 hp range would be fine.
I know upgrading the existing 2.3 can gain me some horsepower without having to worry about changing wiring harnesses or transmissions. I do know upgrading to a newer 2.3 would require some wiring changes, but not sure if the trans will still bolt up.
Anybody tried these and have any advice? If upgrading to a newer 2.3 and the tranny won't bolt up, does anyone make a bellhousing adapter or would I have to change transmissions and...? I'd appreciate any knowledge, advice, or links to resources that could help me decide.