2.3L to 2.9L Swap

[DavisRanger]

So, last weekend (July 3rd) I totaled my truck by landing, yes you read that right, on the hood of a Tesla. I’ll share photos below… still waiting on dash cam footage from the Tesla owner.

How it happened is I lost my brakes at 70mph exiting an interstate. I decided to hit the ditch on the side of the road, jumped the truck and landed on a brand new Tesla… thank God for full coverage, eh?!

Anyway, my truck (totaled) is an 88 Ranger with 2.9L. I’ve put quite a bit of work in it and it’s not the dog it once was. My brother hooked me up with his 84 Ranger which has the 2.3L in it.

I’m at a crossroads here. (Do not give me the 5.0 swap or 4.0 swap.. or I’ll sick @PetroleumJunkie412 on you )

My 2.9L is sitting around 200hp, and I’m wanting to swap it into the 84. What does this swap entail? Does the whole wiring system from the 88, with fuse box, need to be swapped over? Can I do it in a weekend? I’m very mechanically enclined, it’s the digikals that worry me a bit.

I’m aware the transmission will need to be swapped as well, which is great considering it’s new. Also, both Rangers are 4x4, should everything swap right over

OR, is it worth saying bye to my faithful 2.9, strapping a turbo to the 2.3L and give it hell, though I may not even see close to 200hp.

please, enlighten me.

pics of wreckage

 

[Bird76Mojo]

How in the world is your 2.9 making 200hp?

 

[Dirtman]

I can't resist....

It would be just as much work to put a 302 in it and then you have more power and a motor that won't spontaneously explode. Petroleum junkie isn't here anymore so you're out of luck.

 

[Ranger850]

I'm curious as to how you "lost your brakes".
Did they not work due to air in the system, or are your rotors too slick and they "faded".
Can you explain more of that part?

 

[Shran]

Damage doesn't really look THAT bad? Straighten out the floor and rocker panel and throw a different door on it.

Anyway the engine swap you want to do would be fairly easy. I would swap over all of the wiring from your truck, including the dash harness, and you will need the fuel tank and pumps and stuff as well. A lot of work, maybe doable in a weekend if you work fast. I would plan on a couple weekends.

 

[DavisRanger]

How in the world is your 2.9 making 200hp?

lots of money and time. Cam, ported and shaved heads, +.30 over bore, headers, forged pistons (prepping for forced induction), 24lb injectors and a tune. My next move was megasquirt before I start building the turbo setup.

 

[DavisRanger]

I'm curious as to how you "lost your brakes".
Did they not work due to air in the system, or are your rotors too slick and they "faded".
Can you explain more of that part?

I haven’t went through the truck yet, to find out. So, I couldn’t tell you. All I know is my pedal hit the floor and never returned.

I’m assuming master cylinder? But I never had an issue prior.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

You have both trucks....
Start swapping. Take lots of pics if your memory is like mine.

 

[DavisRanger]

Damage doesn't really look THAT bad? Straighten out the floor and rocker panel and throw a different door on it.

Anyway the engine swap you want to do would be fairly easy. I would swap over all of the wiring from your truck, including the dash harness, and you will need the fuel tank and pumps and stuff as well. A lot of work, maybe doable in a weekend if you work fast. I would plan on a couple weekends.

the problem is my frame is twisted from the impact. If it was just body damage, I’d be game to fix it.

Thanks for the info, I’ll probably take a weekend to pull everything out of the one truck and start the swap the following weekend. That’s exactly the answer I was looking for lol.

 

[DavisRanger]

I can't resist....

It would be just as much work to put a 302 in it and then you have more power and a motor that won't spontaneously explode. Petroleum junkie isn't here anymore so you're out of luck.

Here we go.. my 2.9 makes almost what a stock 302 makes. It’s just not worth the time or money to have my 302 rebuild (out of a 69 Bronco) just so see a little more power and torque. Cause once I throw boost at this 2.9.. it’ll be game over.

there’s a guy in Europe who’s pulling 500+hp out of his 2.9 Cologne, I’m not trying to go that far… but 250-300 would suffice. Lol

 

[sgtsandman]

Here we go.. my 2.9 makes almost what a stock 302 makes. It’s just not worth the time or money to have my 302 rebuild (out of a 69 Bronco) just so see a little more power and torque. Cause once I throw boost at this 2.9.. it’ll be game over.

there’s a guy in Europe who’s pulling 500+hp out of his 2.9 Cologne, I’m not trying to go that far… but 250-300 would suffice. Lol

270 hp moves a 2019 quite nicely.

 

[snoranger]

I’m at a crossroads here. (Do not give me the 5.0 swap or 4.0 swap.. or I’ll sick @PetroleumJunkie412 on you )

Who?