2.3 to 2.9 Conversion

[rschultz999]

First off, just want to say thanks for all the great info posted here.

I've been searching, but I can't find any info on replacing a 2.3 i4 with a 2.9 V6. My daily driver is an '89 with the 2.3L dual plug and manual tranny. It gave out on me the other day and I have an '86 (i think) with a 2.9 automatic sitting back in the trees. Is this a major undertaking to put a 2.9 in place of the 2.3 (and keep the manual trans)?

-or-

Since the 2.3 block is still ok, can I simply put a single plug head on in place of the dual plug one? I've had to replace the dual plug head before and I had a heck of a time finding one and it cost a small fortune.

You wisdom is appreciated!

 

[adsm08]

Replacing the 2.3 with a 2.9 isn't hard, but you need a trans with the correct bell pattern. You also need the correct computer, your auto trans computer would cause issues with a stick.

I am a bit surprised you are having such trouble finding an 8-plug head, they were used for about twice as long as the 4-plug head.

The 4-plug head swap would require some wire work and maybe a distributor. Or just leave half your ignition system out.

 

[rschultz999]

Its been a few years since I had to replace the dual plug head; it was hard to find, and I ended up paying $500+ to have mine repaired. It had a good clean body and I only paid $300 for the truck + a set of brakes and tires, so I was ok spending that much to keep it running.

The '89 is fuel injected & electronic ignition so can I just not connect the secondary coil? Or will that totally f- up the timing?

For the 2.9 swap, is a bell housing and computer all I should need? What about wiring changes?

Sorry abut all the questions, I just don't know a lot about these engines. Its just that I don't have a lot of extra cash to buy a new vehicle so I'm trying to find the cheapest & easiest route, not to mention the gas bill on driving my farm truck everyday is getting painful

 

[tcbaklash]

I don't know about this kind of swap, but I have a PCM from a 2.9L manual that I can sell you.

 

[heroftheda]

Its been a few years since I had to replace the dual plug head; it was hard to find, and I ended up paying $500+ to have mine repaired. It had a good clean body and I only paid $300 for the truck + a set of brakes and tires, so I was ok spending that much to keep it running.

The '89 is fuel injected & electronic ignition so can I just not connect the secondary coil? Or will that totally f- up the timing?

For the 2.9 swap, is a bell housing and computer all I should need? What about wiring changes?

Sorry abut all the questions, I just don't know a lot about these engines. Its just that I don't have a lot of extra cash to buy a new vehicle so I'm trying to find the cheapest & easiest route, not to mention the gas bill on driving my farm truck everyday is getting painful

I have just blown a cylinder on my 2.3L (1987 w/ 5-speed manual trans) a few days ago and I don't have another vehicle or much money. I may have an opportunity to get a running 2.9L (was in a 1987 bronco II w/ auto trans) for cheap and was wondering how it turned out for you and what needed to be changed.


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