1996 motor

[sgtyork1992]

I'm trying to get some help on a motor for my 1996 4cyl ranger. What is all the differences between the 2001 2.3 dohc and the 2.5 sohc. Does either have the 8 spark plug head I'm trying to leave from the 8plug but without going to a dohc.

 

[SenorNoob]

They are completely different designs.

The 2.5 SOHC is based on the Lima 2.3/2.0. Called the Pinto motor for it's famous usage.

2001 was the first year of the Duratec. It's what developed into the current EcoBoost.

The only non-dual spark 2.3 head was pre-88. Good luck getting that to work correctly in a 96.

Gotta ask, why?

 

[scotts90ranger]

You don't "have" to run both sets of spark plugs, but I agree, why try to go away from the 8 plug head?

Technically you can bolt in a '96-01 2.3L or 2.5L, other than the rotating assembly the 2.5L is the same as the 2.3L of that year range. You "could" go to a pre '89 single plug head but you would have to grab the intake manifold too and there's probably going to be some replumbing of things...