2.3L build advice "84 prerunner ranger"

[Aaron84]

I have a 1984 ford ranger with a 2.3L in it and this thing is a dog top end of like 70. Im looking to do a carb N/A build making about 180hp dont really want to go turbo because of the cost of setting it up right boost control ext. just wana be able to get on the freeway and not top the truck out its on 35s with 4.10 gearing and just a pigs getting on the freeway. what engine should i look into buying? Is there a carb DOHC im not real big into 4bangers but i dont want to do a swap eventually i will do a full race built 2.3 but for now i need it to get me from home to school then to work and home. im on a bit of a budget so would it be better to build the current 2.3 in it?

 

[steve63]

first off the 4.10 gearing with 35 for a 2.3 ranger the gearing seems a little on the high side,it would be good if you can get some 4.56 gears,as far as power goes the 2.3 is pretty limited if youre looking for tons of power,best would be a turbo swap,or a 4.0 swap,or v-8 swap ,ether swap is very feisable in a ranger

 

[Aaron84]

Im not really looking to drop all that cash on a full swap right now was thinking more in the under 1500$

 

[BogusSVO]

pull the head, port n polish, big valves, and a good matched cam for the rest of your combo.

maybe convert to a small 390/430 cfm carb, (4bbl adapter plate and the lower EFI intake)

but I doubt you will get 180hp na for $1500 unless you find alot of deals, and you want to stay NA

 

[Bryan22]

probably be cheaper to swap in a v6 than to build a 2.3. anyways, first thing i'd do is put 4.88 or 5.12's in the rear end. that right there will get you moving a lot better. im suprised you can get it rolling.

 

[steve63]

id do a 4.0 swap out off a newer ranger.

 

[SykoRanger88]

Just get some NOS for the time being to help you merge onto highways and such until you save up some money, then drop a 302 in it, you wont be dissapointed.

 

[Insanejughead]

www.esslingeracing.com


This site can at least give you an idea of what it'll take to get to the HP mark you're wanting.