2.0 carbed to 2.3 EFI swap

[forever3]

Yeah, I'm a newbie... been searching, but I cannot find the technical info that I need to swap a 2.0 out for a EFI 2.3. I went to a junk yard and got all my harnesses, ECU, fuel tank and lines, etc., but I am at a loss on the harness that runs from the firewall (fusebox) around (above radiator) to the power distribution box. there are 4 round plugs with a handful of wires that I don't know what I need / don't need. Any way to do away with that harness alltogether? I AM AT A LOSS!!!!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

[Mutant Pony]

Well, apparently you are trying to use two different year harnesses. You either need to get all the wiring from the same year truck or build a custom harness.

 

[forever3]

Can I get a harness to match up to the new 2.3 from an 88? Do I need the harness that goes to the fuse box? How can I make a harness that will make the computer work, while keeping the 88 harness? In other words, can I just run power to the computer, and just use that harness?

 

[Mark_88]

If you want to convert to EFI from carbed you will need the inside harness from an EFI vehicle. That involves removing the dash and removing the old harness and installing the EFI harness to match the external connectors. Yes, they did make EFI 2.3 in 88 and yes you can make the switch...and it's not really that difficult...

It would be best if you could get the inside harness and computer from the same year Ranger that you got the outisde harness from...they are all pretty much the same...

I have been contemplating the same thing for about four years now but the carbed version of the 2.3 works almost as well as the EFI with half the headaches of extra sensors and fuel lines. You may need to, as in my case, install an electronic low-pressure fuel pump if the 2.3 block does not have a manual pump on it. You don't need to change the gas tank or add return lines.

If you want to make your life even easier, try to find an earlier 2 barrel carb and intake so you can do away with the emission controls that the 2.0 has...the 2.0 emission setup is not worth the trouble to try to get it right...my carb came from a 78 Mustang 2.3 and it made a world of difference...there are other options as far as carbs go, but buying a new carb and adaptor and paying $500 was not an option for me...although a 500 CFM or 350 CFM Holley carb is tempting right about now...

 

[Mark_88]

Sorry, after reading my post I found it a bit confusing...what I meant to say was you can put a 2.3 in your Ranger and run it on the 2.0 carb system if you wanted too...and it's much easier to do than changing out to EFI...

I removed the 2.0 and used the same 5 spd with a 2.3...and then I changed the carb and removed all the emissions crap that the 2.0 needed...worked out pretty good...

hopefully that's clearer...

 

[Mutant Pony]

It would be cheaper, and easier to just go carburated. It would also be easier and cheaper to make more power carburated.
To go EFI you will need ALL the wiring from an EFI Ranger. Not just the computer harness. I could patch the two together but, It would take most of a day and I would have a few bald patches. LOL.
You can build the harness yourself but, you would need ACCURATE wiring scematics for both.
OH! By the way, Welcome to TRS!

 

[Mark_88]

Hmmm...build a wire harness...never thought of that...I posted in another thread looking for help on removing the ICM but didn't get any replies...I could probably do that myself too...I just hate the thought of tearing apart that greasy harness and tracing through miles of hard-to-see color coded wires to find out where they go...

If forever3 already has the 2.0 I'd recommend staying with the carb...they do run good when they are setup right (NOT the 2.0 carb...yuk)...but if he wants to change and has the time, money and patience...then I'd go for it...

 

[Turbo-T]

If you set up the EFI wire harness as a standalone system it's a lot easier. I put a 2.3 turbo in my carbed '84. You have to find a pinout chart for your ecm and identify the wires needed to run the engine. Carefully remove the wires you don't need.
If you want to stay with a carb, I recommend the RR cam, an intake manifold from a Mustang II, and a Weber carb. I ran that setup in a '79 Courier. It was fun to drive.

 

[Mark_88]

Turbo-T...what is an RR cam?

I have a roller cam in mine...got it off a 89 or 90 mustang...

 

[Turbo-T]

That's it. Ranger Roller.

 

[Mark_88]

Ahhhhh...OK...thanks!

 

[tomw]

Get the 88 EVTM manual for your truck. It will show the necessary wiring for the ECM and fuel injection systems to work, and there really aren't that many things. You'd need a donor harness for the engine temp, etc sensors, and harness that goes through the firewall to the ECM. The ECM sits in a bracket on the passenger side, behind the kick panel. The fuel pump relay would be located there also. You would also need the rollover switch to cut off the pump in case the truck turns dirty side up.
The Electronics and Vacuum Trouble Shooting Manual (EVTM) should be available somewhere... It is a God send when you are looking to hook up stuff, and find out why stuff doesn't work.
tom