2.3L into an 88 Ranger

[destroy452]

Hello. Kinda new here (as in been registered awhile, but few posts). I am buying a 1988 Ranger, regular cab, 2.0 4 cyl, 5 speed, 2wd from my brother for $300. It needs engine work. Rather than put a lot of money into the relatively weak 2.0, I am wondering what the expense (other than engine purchase) would be to swap in the 2.3L (mid 90s or Duratec) or even 2.5L.
I believe from reading the tech section that the transmission would bolt up, but I'm unsure of fuel system/motor mounts, cooling, a/c, etc.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

Scott.

Edit: I am an avionics tech, so the electrical part won't be so bad. Hopefully.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

what are you looking to use the truck for? my guess is daily driver, so the 2.3l would be a good choice as far as MPG, but its pretty gutless as far as power. being an 88 any swap should be relatively easy (you said you know how to do wiring) so it would really just be a matter of getting the right mounts and getting all the little things hooked up.

 

[destroy452]

yes, it would be daily driver/beater/do-all. It is for mpg. I have a full size and access to larger trucks. I'm trying to find someone who has done this or knows what I need to look for. Especially on the fuel system side of things.

 

[dangerranger83]

For the fuel thing you need to use a factory FI tank with both pumps or run an after market inline pump. The factory pressure is 44 psi so keep it there. If you don't use the factory FI tank, then you will need to run a return line to the 2.0 tank.

Running the fuel part is no biggy. My truck had an 83 1bbl carb on it before my dad put an 87 FI 2.3 in it. Then he gave the truck to me and I put a 2.8 in it along with a TBI unit so that I could use the factory FI system that was put on it by him.

 

[destroy452]

Sweet. It has the 2bbl electronic carb thing, so I, hopefully, have the proper fuel system. If not, It'll be a retrofit to a newer tank/pump combo. I got a price on a 97 2.3L of 250-350 plus shipping. Roughly 200 for compx2 and wiring harness.

 

[chord]

i just pulled a 2.3 outta my 1988 ranger. i have all the motor mounts and everything you would need. let me know if i can help you out

 

[Kenneth S]

The carbed 2.0 should have a mechanical fuel pump (look in front of the distributor), the 2.0 is the same externaly as simular year 2.3's so all the braketry, and stuff will work. My 88 was a fuel injected 2.3 that some of the efi stuff was removed so I deleted the frame mounted hi-pressure pump, and all the coumputer stuff. I use the low-pressure in-tank pump to feed a Holley 350cfm 2 bbl, and got rid of the computer controlled TFI ignition for a Ford duraspark ignition system. My truck will leave a fuelie 2.3 in the dust, pull a heavier load, and still get the same mileage if not better than the fuelie (a best of 23mpg in the city, and 29mpg on the hwy at 70mph).