2.3 bellhousing on 2.9 trans?

[Salafia_339]

I'm doing a 1988 svo 2.3 turbo swap In my 88 4wd 2.9 5spd ranger. From what I understand is that the bell housing bolt patterns are different from a 2.3 to 2.9. I need to know if a 2.3 bell will bolt to my 2.9 trans?


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[tinman_72]

Sorry, the bellhousing does not come off of the 2.3 transmission.

 

[adsm08]

Sorry, the bellhousing does not come off of the 2.3 transmission.

Not so fast. That's true from 88 on up. Up to 87 the 2.3 had the same modular trans that the rest of the engines did, and the bell can be removed.

 

[Salafia_339]

So will an older removable bellhousing off a 2.3 fit a 2.9 trans? My trans is a fm146


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[Salafia_339]

Anyone? Bump


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[adsm08]

I am honestly not sure. I remember reading about some compatibility issues between the bells of the 145 and 146 trannies, but I can't remember how severe they were.

 

[getoffroad]

It depends on your trans in your truck. if you have a manual that the bell housing is removable then you could take one off of a mustang II or pinto from the 70's and make it work. You may have to make a small adaptor plate depending on what yours looks like. My 84 Bronco II had the C5 auto and I was going to swap in a 2.3 while I built up my 2.3 turbo. I got a bell housing out of a 78 pinto with a C4. I had it all bolted in when I let my friends talk me into pulling it out and putting in my 302 I had sitting in the garage...a couple grand later I love my bronco II with the V8 but would love the MPG of the 2.3. Keep us up to date on how it goes.