2.3 DD performance bump

[marvilusone]

I just picked up a 2.3L 5sp Ranger and I'm wanting to find out what I can do to bump up the performance. So far I've added an Accel super coil, homebrew K&N ram air and I'll be getting exhaust done later in the week. Are there any junkyard upgrades that I can do? I plan on adding a cam later down the road but in the meantime what else can I do without spending alot of cash? Does a header help these motors out alot?

 

[PFC Laird]

http://www.cadvision.com/blanchas/Ranger/index.html

most of these mods are of little or no cost

the ones that i've done have helped alot

 

[Ranger44]

Most of the mods on the page are pretty bogus.

Throttle body spacer? On an SFI engine like the 2.3 that's useless. Remember the TB is pretty far away from the injectors....how is a spacer supposed to add velocity to the fuel mixture? They have been proven to improve throttle response on TBI vehicles(these injectors are right at the TB)

The stock air filtration system provides more than enough air for the 2.3. The exact same system is used on the bigger 4.0.....

Disableing the EGR is stupid. The exhaust gases are recirculated to lower combustion temps, lowering NOx. You want to breath more NOx, and have hotter combustion temps, go right ahead. Also, I'm sure the computer compensates for the extra exhaust entering the fuel mixture.

If you want "performance" out of the 2.3, TURBO it or regear to a lower, numerically higher, ratio.

 

[phatcap]

about disabling the egr system. dumb idea.

 

[Zenarian]

Ok ive got a 91 2.3 and ive blocked off the egr. Honestly ive seen an increase in power above 3000 rpm. ive been told that i need to have somthing done too the cpu so that it will not regester the egr as being there any more or somthing like that. but i did see a difference.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the egr system has a neutral effect on performance. with the egr functioning, the PCM can advance the timing without risk of detonation due to the lower combustion chamber temps. advance timing equals more power.

with the egr disabled, the PCM dials back timing, but there is room in the combustion chamber for a larger a/f mixture, so you get back the power lost from retarding the timing.

the power is the same either way. the only product of a disabled EGR is lower fuel economy and more emissions.

 

[Buckeyes903]

is there any truth to the engine running hotter you will get better MPG. I have switched mine to an electric fan and have it set to turn on at 180, should i bump that up? On the 94's what is the average engine temp on the gauge, like where does the needle sit, mine never goes above 1/4 in above the "normal" line, even on 100 degree days

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

yes a hotter running engine will get better mileage...to a point.

your stock thermostat is set for 190 degrees, and i wouldnt go above that simply because its not worth the risk of dramatically shortening your engines life (fuel is still cheaper than replacing a motor).

 

[4b316]

your sig.says that you have a 85,is that the truck we are talking about?If so,then you need to go to a pre 95 roller cam and rockers and get a post 95 stock header to open it up a little.This is a carbed motor right?Get a 88 ranger FI intake and adapter and put a holley 350 on it.When you get ready,whack the head 40 and deck it 40,bore it 40,2.5 crank.......

 

[Mark_88]

I have a 90 or 91 mustang head with the roller cam...it was shaved and ported...but I have no idea about ponies yet...once I start driving it I will know if it helped any...