head swap, dose the newer (93) 2.3 have a hole for distributor

[4bangeranger]

i just put manual stering on my 93 ranger and now with all the accories out of the way i noticed that there is a cap where the hole would be for a distribitor in a older 2.3. would i be able to use that for a distribitor i want to convert the crank triger set up to a distribitor set up and run on a carb instead of the injectors. also will a older head fit on theis block i have talked to a few shop oweners and they say it will fit just want to check. i got a ported 2.3 mini stock head with 48cc chambers and big valves with a .535 lift solid. do you think the bottom end can take the compression boost from 8.5 to 9.5.?

thanks guys
nick

 

[Zer0PSI]

Yeah, the head will fit just fine, and as for the jump in compression, I dont think the stock internals will have any problem dealing with it.

 

[4bangeranger]

what about the distributor

is that just a plug in the hole where the distributor goes, if so which way would it line up for timing. would i need to put my timing belt cover back on to take timing, or is there an after market piece to tell what my timing is so i can adjust my timing gear

thanks nick

 

[Dave R]

The 'plug' that you see is actually the oil pump drive stub, basically it's the lower half of a distributor.

You'll need the timing belt cover to set the base ignition timing. If that is/was your actual question.

 

[Mutant Pony]

You dont need a cover. All you need is a crank pointer. Line the engine up on #1, compression stroke, Drop the distributor in lined up with #1 on the cap. start it up and adjust with a timing light from there. The aux cam doesn't care where it is at.
I adjust by ear, then use the timing light to see were I am.
The '89 up bottom end is better than the old large journal blocks. It will hold up no problem.