2.0 to 2.3 engine swap

[coleboy11]

SO I am new to this forum, and I joined hoping I would actually get some REAL answers to my questions. Anyway, I have a 2.3 efi engine from an 85 2wd ranger that I want to put in a 88 2.0 carbureted truck (engine blown) due to cosmetic reasons (the 85 runs good but is pretty ugly). If anyone has experience doing this kind of operation, I would be most grateful for any info as far as changing the electronics out and the difference in instrument panels between a carbureted engine and a fuel-injected one, etc. And also, I believe the transmissions are different but should still work, right?? Thanks!!

 

[cody93]

ok the good news first, transmissions will interchange, dont have to worry there.

2nd, what fuel delivery system would you rather use? carb or EFI? both will require a little skill to get working, if you can handle the wiring, id go with efi, you will need to replace your whole fuel system though. as for gauges, if its non tach clusters, then it'll work the same and i belive tach clusters will work just as well, no need to swap


now if you want to go carb and use the 2.3, your gona have to get a fuel pump thats electric, get a intake to match the head and wouldn't be a bad time to ditch the crappy japanese aisan 2bbl for something like a weber 32/36 or a holley 350, also you'll need an ignition system, just use the 2.0's dizzy and ignition module. read my thread cobbled together POS, basicly show what i had to do to get a 2.3 efi engine block to work in an old 2.0 truck that someone half-arsed atemped to get working.. basicly i ended up swaping on a 2.0 head on the 2.3 block to use the carbed manifold...

 

[coleboy11]

Thanks for the reply. I am putting a 2.3 engine in for sure. The engine is currently running in my everyday driver and the only reason I want to put in in the other is because the body and interior is in great shape. I dont think it will be terribly difficult to change the electronics for the efi and gas tank, fuel pump etc. I just think it will take alot of time. Will the fuse panel need to be changed? Will the wiring harness need to change? What parts can I keep? Its those kinds of answers that will save me time. EFI is definitely the way to go.

That armadillo sure likes his Pabst haha!!

 

[cody93]

well, my guess would be you need to swap over wiring harnesses, not sure about the fuse box but im leaning towards yes..