2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3 cylinder head replacement options

[Aushkoshbgosh]

I got an 88 ranger 2.3 I'm trying to fix
Heads cracked
4 plug 2.3s are getting harder to find
I can buy a rebuild for 7-8 hundred
I can get a new bare head for 400, using that and the parts for the old one I imagine I can have it rebuilt.
I'm also looking at alternatives.
An 8 plug head from 89 will fit, I have a distributor so I'll just run it to the 4 passenger side plugs and cover the driver side plugs
Thoughts? Opinions? Input?

 

[RonD]

Not sure the 1988 intake will bolt to a 1989-1994 heads
The 1989+ head would be better to use(its a better design) and just put in 4 old spark plugs to seal the extra holes

 

[scotts90ranger]

The intake pattern changed in '89 and the intake manifold needed for it will interfere with the distributor unfortunately, you're pretty much stuck needing a '85-88 head unless you switch to distributorless ignition... which would require some parts you don't have either...

 

[Aushkoshbgosh]

Yea... That's what I was worried about
Well thanks
Is the manifold completely unfit? Can I get the head modified or get some kind of adapter for it? I can see the intake is pretty much completely different but I read that it's doable. (I just couldn't find any kits to do it)
As for the distributor I really don't want to change the the ignition system
But would my idea work in the first place? A four plug distributor on an 8 plug head?
At this point I'm just curious think I'm gonna have to shell out for the new rebuilt anyway.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The 4 exhaust side spark plugs are in the same location no matter what head as the exhaust side stayed the same from the 70's through '01, they just changed the intake side a bunch of times...

I haven't been able to or taken the time to compare the two, oddly enough I have a '88 and '89 engine on a pallet in my shop right now, I'm going to be pretty preocupied for the next week though... if you can wait until next week I might be able to come up with an answer if no one else has by then... Anything is possible with the right fabrication tools but I'll see how close the bolt patterns and port layout are.

I'm running an '85-86 turbo setup on my '90 but I'm using the intake from the turbo engine and the turbo head, annoyingly the two DIS engines I had when I did the swap got scrapped... wish I had the spare parts now but 12 years ago was a different time...

 

[franklin2]

Here are some places in Texas that claim to have one.

1988 Cylinder Head Assembly Ford Ranger		X​	4913	$150​	Eagle Mountain Auto Salvage USA-TX(Ft.-Worth) Request_Quote 817-237-3350 Request_Insurance_Quote	1126​
1989 Cylinder Head Assembly Ford Mustang	LX,2.3,EFI,Factory	X​	AA0394	$Call​	SW Part Zone USA-TX(Houston) Request_Quote 346-666-7278 Request_Insurance_Quote	1143​
1988 Cylinder Head Assembly Ford Ranger		X​	1488	$Call​	K & K Motors, Inc. USA-TX(Graham) Request_Quote 1-800-766-2009 Request_Insurance_Quote

 

[scotts90ranger]

Seeing that list just reminded me, the mustangs didn't go DIS til '91 so that adds a couple more things to look for... they had a slightly different cam but the Ranger one will drop in...

 

[Aushkoshbgosh]

Damn this is awesome thank you

 

[Aushkoshbgosh]

The 4 exhaust side spark plugs are in the same location no matter what head as the exhaust side stayed the same from the 70's through '01, they just changed the intake side a bunch of times...

I haven't been able to or taken the time to compare the two, oddly enough I have a '88 and '89 engine on a pallet in my shop right now, I'm going to be pretty preocupied for the next week though... if you can wait until next week I might be able to come up with an answer if no one else has by then... Anything is possible with the right fabrication tools but I'll see how close the bolt patterns and port layout are.

I'm running an '85-86 turbo setup on my '90 but I'm using the intake from the turbo engine and the turbo head, annoyingly the two DIS engines I had when I did the swap got scrapped... wish I had the spare parts now but 12 years ago was a different time...

Ya
I'm not in a hurry
I'm still Shopping around for a replacement