2.3 compatibility?

[eastmanace]

Hey guys... I have a 97 Ranger with the 2.3 and 5 speed with over 250k on the clock. Although the truck runs great, I have the opprotunity to pick up another 2.3/5 spd from a Ranger that is being parted out....my plan being to rebuild said engine and put it up until the day comes when the original goes South. Now my question: the rebuild would be a 94. I've been told that there were changes made in the 2.3 between the 94 and 97 engines, but are they such that would make this swap complicated/unadviseable? Any thoughts appreciated.....Cliff

 

[Bryan22]

In 95 they put a cam position sensor on the truck and moved the oil pump. it would be more difficult than finding a 95+. There are probably a lot more differences. but that's the only major thing that sticks out in my mind.

 

[steve63]

yep,u might wanna pick up a latter model head that has provisions for the cam sensor.

 

[4b316]

Crank sensor is different,brackets are different,intake is different.it will be easier to get a 95+engine.Be a good time to drop in a 2.5