2.3L ('83-'97) Blown head?

[bmtrnavsky]

So I bought a second ranger last night and it died 24 miles from where I bought it. Checked all the fluids and it looked good. Radiator water was rusty but I let it idle for 15 minutes and it didn't get hot. drove it hard for another 15 minutes then let it idle some more. seemed good bought the truck and started driving home. everything was going well till I heard a chirping noise under my feet then 30-45 seconds later the motor shut off. I got out to look and the radiator was bone dry and the truck wouldn't start it was sitting in a puddle of oily water. lost maybe 1/2 pint of oil and a bunch of water doesn't seem to be holding new water. Truck cranks over easy won't start. I'm thinking the water pump crapped out and that I have a 2-3 head gasket blown. No CEL is on and temp gauge never went up. I'll check compression tonight, but here is my question. I'm assuming I'll need a head and gasket and since this is a 97 2.3 I know I have some options that may be an improvement. will I get a bit of power out of a 01 or later head? Do I need a new computer to match the new cam or will it just bolt in and run? Is there a Mustang head I can run? is that a better option? I'm not building a race3car, but if I can buy other factory parts that will make more power I'd like to. I will probably take this opportunity for a 3-way valve job and mild port and polish and maybe port match my intake.

Any thoughts on what went wrong? Best solutions?

 

[Dirtman]

I would check to see if the timing belt is still there before doing anything...

 

[bmtrnavsky]

It’s there. So is serpentine belt.

 

[bmtrnavsky]

Thinking about jumping to a 2.5L head off a 01 2.3. I hear there were some changes to the head a cam. Will this head make any more power over my 97 head? When I get it I will magnaflux it, mill it, and am considering a 3-way valve job. I'd be happy with even 5-7 HP. Mostly trying to freshen the motor up recover or improve the overall HP and improve the fuel economy.

I have a 2 1/4" high flow cat and 2 1/4" cat-back on it already. Its not a race truck I pull my boat and commute in it. just want a solid running truck and I want it to be all it can be. lol

 

[Fredness]

Hey Brad!
Fred here!
How did the compression test go?
(My guess: 170/0/0/170)

 

[Fredness]

Amazon or RockAuto have the best price on the Motorcraft water pump
Fel-Pro 1035 Head Gasket
MAHLE GS33328 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt Set

 

[bmtrnavsky]

Gonna year it Saturday. I’ve been busy at work. ABC Auto is going to magnaflux and mill my head plus a 3 way valve job for 250. I may gasket match it myself.