2.3 8 plug heads

[philetus]

I have a 89 Ranger GT.It has a 2.3 with the 4 plug heads, 5 speed.
It runs great and gets good mileage.

Now I know a lot of you will understand this.I found out there is a 8 plug head and mine only has four?I want one!!

When I was younger I would have just got one first and asked questions later.Now with age, laziness, the economy, laziness,unemployment, and did I mention laziness?, is it worth it for the extra 10 or 15 HP?What about the ign. system?
Include a better cam with the head?
How much can I get away with in Cal?

 

[Original_Ranger84]

The 8 pluge ignition I believe is from the newer rangers like 98+ if i actually know what I'm talking about... and they had coil packs where as your engine has a distributor? You would need to swap out all of the electronics and wiring to put the head on. I think it would be a PITA... but I know the v6's way better... someone else can shed more light on it.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

Ok first, there is no more power from the extra plugs, they fire on the exhaust stroke. The extra power come from the cam, little bit different in the head ports, and the intake. You could keep your current distributor there is no difference there. To be very truthful no 2.3 cast iron head is really worth it. Almost everyone you will find will be cracked. Your best bet if you wanna do something with a 2.3 is an aluminum head, but wait till you sit down when you see the price.

 

[feellnfroggy]

My 92 had the dualspark, its worthless. more headaches. You gotta pull the upper intake to change plugs. and when there is an ignition failure its twice as much sto diagnose.

 

[88gt]

well, the ranger gt only came with the 2.9 and 5 speed. unless your build sheet can prove it is a rarer gt...but it would be a pita to change over to 8 plug head and different computer system. unless you have a complete donor...i wouldnt bother.

 

[philetus]

well, the ranger gt only came with the 2.9 and 5 speed. unless your build sheet can prove it is a rarer gt...but it would be a pita to change over to 8 plug head and different computer system. unless you have a complete donor...i wouldnt bother.

I didn't buy it new and when I ran the VIN, it came back GT.
Thanks for the info.I think I'll leave it alone.