2.3 turbo swap

[AG Builds]

I have an 83 thunderbird coupe 2.3 turbo with wiring harness, and Ecu. I want to swap it into my 1990 ford ranger which has a 2.9. Could I just take the 2.9 out with the wiring harness and the Ecu and replace it with the 2.3 engine with its harness and Ecu? Just a direct fit? No tuning or something special needed?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The 2.3 won't bolt up to the 2.9 transmission - different bellhouse bolt pattern

 

[AG Builds]

The 2.3 won't bolt up to the 2.9 transmission - different bellhouse bolt pattern

Good to know. I have a 2.3 tranny that came from the thunderbird. Just drop it? Get motor mounts for a 1990 2.3 engine and it’ll drop in right?

 

[Joel Shields]

Good to know. I have a 2.3 tranny that came from the thunderbird. Just drop it? Get motor mounts for a 1990 2.3 engine and it’ll drop in right?

Just give it a shot worst thing is you'll have to make your own motor mounts. Maybe a custom drive shaft, and the gauges might not be compatible, but you could make a custom cluster. you wouldn't have a tuning issue if like you said swap wiring harness and ecu as well.
good luck post pics!!!