1992 Ford Ranger 2.3 Lima Turbo

[Rangerdude]

Hey, I have a 1992 Ford Ranger 2.3l with a 5 speed trans.

I was wondering if I should do a turbo with stock internals or if need be what parts I should upgrade or if I have to buy a already turbo built motor? I will take power specs as they come and don't plan to do any more than 8lbs of boost. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rangerdude

 

[scotts90ranger]

The stock pistons likely won't take any more than 5psi reliably, stock injectors can't really support any more than stock power. The rest of the bottom end is the same as the turbo engines and can handle like 300hp... forged pistons are a bit spendy but out there... The transmission should be good, mine's been holding up fine, I upgraded the clutch to a Centerforce though...

Unless you can find a stock turbo engine and computer I'd probably go stand alone for fuel control...

 

[Blmpkn]

Consensus has it that stock guts are good for 4-5lbs at best before things get hairy. 5lbs *should* grant you 35% more power.. or there abouts..

 

[Rangerdude]

Thank you for responding,

I would like to also know if taking the oil pan off and removing the pistons through the bottom of the engine and push the new pistons through the bottom would work and whether or not I should change out the valve springs while I am at it.

Thanks,
Rangerdude

 

[sgtsandman]

Thank you for responding,

I would like to also know if taking the oil pan off and removing the pistons through the bottom of the engine and push the new pistons through the bottom would work and whether or not I should change out the valve springs while I am at it.

Thanks,
Rangerdude

The only way I’ve ever seen pistons installed is from the top.

 

[bobbywalter]

Client Challenge

use that to base your build from....


you can backyard razorblade these for about 1400 yourself and go to a megasquirt type setup which with injectors will be at least 1 k and do really well.


finding a complete running donor is the only easy way to do it....they are out there....

 

[Rangerdude]

Good afternoon,

Do you all also know whether or not I could tune the engine on the road myself? Also, have you all heard about any break in periods for new pistons and springs?

Thanks,
Rangerdude

 

[bobbywalter]

with a ms3....your better off learning with the engine naturally aspirated....get it running well....

from there stepping up to boost will be less destructive.

thing about boost....you can have the best of the best dial in your powertrain....10 minutes later some minor unknowable failure can lean ya out wot and your toast.


but if you have to ask....you need to read.

 

[Rangerdude]

Good afternoon,

Do you all also know whether or not I could tune the engine on the road myself? Also, have you all heard about any break in periods for new pistons and springs?

Thanks,
Rangerdude

And by chance can you all guide me on how to do my exhaust header. Would I use a mustang header or fab my own?

Thanks,
Rangerdude

 

[Rangerdude]

with a ms3....your better off learning with the engine naturally aspirated....get it running well....

from there stepping up to boost will be less destructive.

thing about boost....you can have the best of the best dial in your powertrain....10 minutes later some minor unknowable failure can lean ya out wot and your toast.


but if you have to ask....you need to read.

I see what you mean, I will give it a shot if I can.

 

[bobbywalter]

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