1992 Ranger Engine Replacements - Options?

[robotz]

Hi,

I have a '92 Ranger 2.3L and the engine is gone. I'm trying to find out what other engines will bolt up without any modifications in order to get her going again?

Also looking for some suggestions on places to source a replacement engine.

Apologies in advance if I'm posting in the wrong area of the site.

Thanks!

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS.

You have a 2.3l Lima engine, they have a unique bell housing(transmission) bolt pattern.
The computer in the vehicle is also engine specific, along with it's wiring.

So to answer the question you can use an '89 to '97 2.3l Lima engine, you will bolt your existing exhaust and intake manifolds to the "new" engine.
I think you may be able to use a '98-'01 2.5l Lima engine with existing computer system, MAF systems can compensate for slight larger displacement.
The 2002 and up Ranger 2.3l is a Mazda L engine, not a Lima so can't bolt in.

If you are willing to change the transmission and computer with wiring, then you can go with a 5.0l V8
A 3.0l or 4.0l would be the same work as 5.0l, so not worth the effort, and you can just go out and buy a 3.0l or 4.0l Ranger


Lima engines are not hard to rebuild, I would call a few machine shops and get the pricing for that, then when looking for a "used" engine you have a comparison price.
On-line rebuilt 2.3l Limas '89-'94 run $1,500-$1,600

"used" engines are usually OK, but................warrantied or not they are a gamble.

 

[turbo91xlt]

'89-'94 ranger or '91-'93 mustang 2.3s would be by far the easiest to swap as they are identical engines. Older engines can be made to work but you'll need the complete dual plug top end and have will need to have the block precision drilled to mount the crank trigger sensor. '95+ the blocks were reengineered with obd2 engine management system in mind and imo not worth the effort to convert it to obd1 spec.