2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3L crankshaft question

[Otto57]

I'm currently rebuilding a 1977 2.3L to replace my bad 2.0.
The 2.3 crank has some nicks and scratches and some rust on it near the front main seal and I'm wondering if the 2.0 crank will bolt right up. If so, should I use the 2.0 rods to match the crank or just use the 2.3 rods. Any help would be great.
Thanks

 

[Dirtman]

Use a speedi-sleeve.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The 2.0L crank should be the same, I think '88 was the first year of small journal (or was it '86? I think '88 was first year of roller cam...). Rods should be the same too.

But if you can find a speedy sleeve, might as well keep the parts with the same block

 

[tomw]

Go read here:

2.0/2.3/2.5L Family

Ford’s 2.0/2.3/2.5 litre engine family These motors are commonly referred to as either the Lima or simply the 2.X OHC (Over Head Cam) engines. They started life based on the German designed 2.0 EAO Sport motors that were first introduced to this country in the Mercury Capri’s from the early...

www.therangerstation.com

on site.

Cranks are the same, and rods should be as the 2.0 is just underbored. I would consider journal condition more than anything in making the decision, especially if one has been turned down .010" or .020". If that's the case, and you are keeping the same bearing set, it still should not matter which set of rods you use.
If the 'nick' is in the seal area, consider where the lip of the seal will ride, and if you can avoid the nick by leaving the seal a little 'out' from the bottom, that would work also. If the nick is not in the seal lip area, ignore it.
tom