2.3L ('83-'97) engine swap 2.3 to a 2.5 lima

[scottobr]

i have a 97 ranger with a 2.3. i found a lima 2.5 out of a 98-99 . engine is out but has been sitting at a junk yard in a box trailer for about 7 years, low miles, can anyone tell me if both engines are the same? as far a block bolt pattern to 5 speed manual transmission

 

[RonD]

Yes, you can do that swap, both blocks are the same so trans will bolt up

Yes, you will need to swap over intakes so 1997 wiring harness and fuel lines will match up
You don't need the 2.5l computer, and don't want it because of fuel system differences

1994 and earlier 2.3l were different, can't do that swap

 

[scottobr]

thank you i read the 2.5 fuel psi was returnles so i knew about the intake. and exhaust manifold off the 2.3 since it's headers is a better choice, i just saw a lot of shit on the engine .ac comp i don't need, and stuff he wants 300$ for the engine any thoughts? no idea on miles on engine,

 

[RonD]

Value of used parts is decided by the BUYER not the seller
Asking price is just that,"asking"

It could be a GEM or a TURD, its not a piece of glass where you can see the cracks, lol

If its been sitting for 7 years then seller either doesn't care to sell it or doesn't need the money
Make an offer YOU feel good about

Master rebuild kit for 1997 2.3l is $500 or less
So for $200 more(over asking price) you could have a NEW 2.3l

$300 seems high, especially if its unknown miles and you haven't seen it running, but you want it not me, lol

 

[scottobr]

Value of used parts is decided by the BUYER not the seller
Asking price is just that,"asking"

It could be a GEM or a TURD, its not a piece of glass where you can see the cracks, lol

If its been sitting for 7 years then seller either doesn't care to sell it or doesn't need the money
Make an offer YOU feel good about

Master rebuild kit for 1997 2.3l is $500 or less
So for $200 more(over asking price) you could have a NEW 2.3l

$300 seems high, especially if its unknown miles and you haven't seen it running, but you want it not me, lol

yeah not many options right now , it's our only truck and money is tight, we bought our ranger 6 years ago , kid over heated it and cracked the head, i put a junk yard head on it and its always ran fine, but has a slight tick, well tick is now a knock on cyl no.1 unplug injector it goes away so pretty sure it's a rod bearing

 

[RonD]

Yup, good diagnoses

 

[blitz67]

Yes, you can do that swap, both blocks are the same so trans will bolt up

Yes, you will need to swap over intakes so 1997 wiring harness and fuel lines will match up
You don't need the 2.5l computer, and don't want it because of fuel system differences

1994 and earlier 2.3l were different, can't do that swap

Interesting to hear about this swap. I'm going to have to look into this some more. Plus, I'll have to score a 2.5L engine.

Thanks for another idea and possible project. Hahaha. Already have 4.

 

[tinman_72]

1994 and earlier 2.3l were different, can't do that swap

Don't say "can't". I did it to my '93.

 

[scotts90ranger]

By "can't" I'm sure he means it isn't "simple" , anything's possible, just depends on how crafty you are, I have a '89-94 crank sensor setup on my '86 block... now putting a '95-01 Lima block in an '88 or older would be some work, would involve DIS of some form or something odd...

 

[scottobr]

well as it turns out the 2.5 from the guy i got it from ran great, BUT,,, knocked like hell. we found the issue

 

[scottobr]

the original 2.3 it was actually a bad main bearing on the last journal by flywheel

 

[scottobr]

the original 2.3 it was actually a bad main bearing on the last journal by flywheel

got a 2nd engine but had to send the head out new valves and seats recut, but it's done and runs good