2.3L ('83-'97) 1993 Mustang 2.3 into a 90 Ranger (2.3)

[Maui-sprint]

I've done my research and from what I can tell, a 1993 Mustang 2.3 should be a direct swap into a 1990 Ranger with a 2.3. What will need to be kept/swapped from the ranger motor to the mustang motor to make this work?
Kevin

 

[RonD]

1989 to 1994 2.3l should be the same
Might need to swap intakes, not sure how Mustang's had it laid out under the hood
Give the oil pan a look, probably the same, but I would redo oil pan gasket in any case, while engine is out, also rear main seal

 

[Maui-sprint]

Ok thanks Ron.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Here are pics of the 1993 Mustang 2.3 showing oil pan. I cannot compare to mine since my truck is in Oregon and I'm in Hawaii. I plan to travel to OR next week to do the swap. I'm just trying to line up a replacement now to save time. Is this pan similar to the ranger's pan? The mustang pan looks like a reverse sump.

 

[scotts90ranger]

That pan is slightly different than a Ranger pan, but could fit.

I've never seen one of those covers by the drain plug...

Depending on where in Oregon, I'd say I'd lend a hand but Thursday to Sunday next week I won't be around...

 

[Dirtman]

Ewww it was serviced at Pep Boys...

But anyway yes you probably need to swap the oil pan and intake from your truck onto the mustang engine. They are the only differences I know of. The cam may be different which is not a fitment issue and I doubt you'll notice the difference. I just seem to remember the rangers using a different cam profile than the cars.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Thanks for the feedback Scott. My truck is stored at my buddies place near Eugene. Plan is to fly in next week. I will take some measurements off of Ranger to make sure it will fit prior purchasing motor. I just wanted to get a general idea if it was doable before I wasted the time driving out to get it. Until I hear from one of our members that its a waste of time, I plan to pursue it.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Haha pep boys.... as long as the thing still has compression I can deal with that. Hopefully I WON'T have to change the pans because I believe the one on my ranger is shot! I purchased the truck with a blown motor and it was dumping serious amounts of oil when I flat bedded it out to my friends place. That happened back in March and it was dark out. I did not have time to fully inspect the reason it was dumping oil because I abruptly departed after parking truck. So my assumption is that the pan is no good but maybe I'm wrong. I will find out when I go next week. I'm also not too concerned with the cam profile. Looking for a cheap reliable motor that moves it from point A to point B. The plan is to drive it around oregon for a bit then ship it back home and drop a 302 in it. I purchased it because it was rust-free and straight. Something you wont find in Hawaii. Paid 300 for the truck and the guy with the motor is asking 200 bucks.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I don't think you'll have clearance issues on the oil pan, it's not roomy but it's not cramped... the long block is the same as far as I've heard from '91 in Mustangs other than the little yearly changes with coil brackets and stuff, with two engines to swap parts between you will be fine, the gaskets to swap parts back and forth aren't hard to find. Even if you have to strip the intake and exhaust manifolds off both to swap, it's worth $200 and will work...

 

[RobbieD]

Wouldn't hurt to look at timing belt on the new motor, and change it if it looks too worn.

 

[scotts90ranger]

It's like $23 for a kit with tensioner, good idea!

 

[Maui-sprint]

Whats the deal between the 4-plug and 8-plug 2.3 motors? I believe I may have a 4-plug version in my truck (will confirm on Thursday when I arrive)??? The seller appears to have an 8-plug version along with the mustang ECU and harness. If my motor is a 4-plug version can I do the swap? Pics of both motors attached.

 

[Dirtman]

All 2.3 rangers were 8 plug from 1989 up, mustang 2.3's were dual plug from 1991 up.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Perfect. Then sounds like it should be an easy one-for-one change.
The reason I asked is because while doing some research I came across a youtube video of a guy working on an '89 with a 4-plug 2.3... Unfortunately, from my pics I cannot tell if mine is 8 or 4.

 

[Dirtman]

Should be somewhat easy to tell, the 8 plug engines have 2 coil packs with 4 plug wires each. They are mounted on top of the engine. But 88 was the last year of the 4 plug engines in the ranger. Might have been some leftovers on a few very early built 89's unless it was swapped out with an earlier engine.