2.3 4 cyl/ 2.9 v6 swap

[DL BOGART]

Are they the same bellhousing bolt pattern?

 

[cammeddrz]

no

 

[Duane867]

Please don't swap in a 2.9L. They suck something fierce.
Either do a 3.0 or a 4.0. WAY more power with the 4.0 and longevity versus a 2.9 is off the charts. But the 2.3 shares no bolt pattern at the bell with any V6 that I know of. I could be wrong and I am sure I will be corrected if I am but I don't think so.

 

[slow96gt]

keep the 2.3 but turbo it lol, and check out the tech library lot of good info

 

[DL BOGART]

Actually I have a 2.9 which is rather tired, just looking for options to keep it going without being down too long as for to rebuild the 2.9. it's in an '87 ranger 4x4 5 speed which is mainly used in town for a work truck, but gets some offroad use on weekends during huntin' season. power is less an issue than fuel economy and reliability. Had found a real good 3.0, but it wont bolt up, and the truck it came in is 2wd. The bell housings are different i found out on here. not sure if they come off the trans or are one piece. Can still get that whole truck, it's a 92 3.0 5 speed 2wd. any other suggestions? The 4.0 would be nice, but around town economy might not be as good....

 

[fordmandan87]

2.3 and 3.0 bellhousings are the same i think i know they use the same 4r44e tranny. the 2.9 is not a terrible engine, the 4.0 has more power but my 2.9 has 165,000 on it and get me 20 consistant miles per gallon. the 4.0 has the same bell housing as the 2.9 if done right the 4.0 can give you similar milage with a light foot. with my one explorer my best mpg recorded was 17 mpg