2.3L upgrades

[spiken]

My buddy has got a 2.3l ranger extended cab, 93 I think, and we're looking at all the possibilities for more power. Were thinking exhaust, new air filter, and anything else that will boost up the power some. What brands of exhaust, and air filter are pretty good? I'm thinking Flowmaster and K&N. Are new cams a good idea? Headers? Any input on what will give it some more power is helpful. =)

 

[anupaum]

Go with a turbo. You'll never look back!

robert

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, short of turbo you're looking at spending a lot of money anyways on upgrades that may bring you up to 160-200HP...turbo gives you that pretty much right away...but not like you're gonna be having it ALL the time...just when you give it the boost...

Air filters and mufflers may give you ten to twenty more horse power...

If the truck is running right you should get ok power out of it anyways...not like you can drag race or anything...but if you DO want to drag race then seriously consider turbo...or you may be spending quite a bit of coin on 'modest' upgrades that just give you a bit more power...

I went with head mods and a different header (my truck is carbed) from a 93 Mazda 2.3 (shorty) but there are other things you can do...like rebuild with oversized pistons and have a different cam put in with bigger valves and use a wider throttle body...

There is plenty of information on this board and you will probably get a few replies on other mods that might help...stay tuned and don't be afraid to ask questions...

 

[spiken]

Yeah Turbo would be sick if its not too pricey. What would he need to do it? I'm assuming new heads? That allow for turbo. Where would we go about getting those? And then the turbo itself, along with air fuel tach and sensor? Anything need to be done with the tranny? But I mean like his budget isn't phenomenal, so if he can afford it he probably wont get it.

What about bigger injectors? Possibly a bigger throttle body for more air? Anyone done that before?

I know that he doesn't want to go as far as new pistons.

Were not going to drag it or anything, just looking for some more power to run bigger tires for off roading out in the desert. Maybe at LT kit on it.

As far as air intakes, hes looking at the volant one. Costs about 250, I think that is a bit much. IMO all he really needs is a K&N with a hole cut in his box for more airflow. Any Ideas?

 

[Mark_88]

Again it depends on how much hp you want out of the engine...you can use a stock 2.3 head but you are limiting the hp potential with the valve size...you can use the stock 2.3 block but the amount of pressure the stock pistons can handle is limited...

If he truly has an open wallet on the matter then suggest getting a 2.3 block and have the forged pistons put in it...and if you can find a turbo head that is not cracked get it rebuilt...you can put bigger injectors but I'm not the one to elaborate on that aspect of it because I've never done it myself...there is, again, information on this site various forums about what to do but if nobody chips in with it you may need to search it yourself...

If he wants to drop $250 for an intake then that shouldn't be a problem but you may want some input from others who can possibly recommend the best parts to toss into your Ranger salad...it can be very pricey depending on what he wants...

To slap a turbo on a stock 2.3 usually is inexpensive...turbo, computer, exhaust manifold, and a few other odds and ends is usually under $300 (used)...new parts pump the bill up quite a bit if you buy the best...

I guess one of the reasons I didn't go that route is the costs involved and the fact that it would have to be (but not necessarily so) a FI setup for the turbo to make it worthwhile...plus that fact that I have the potential to be a total idiot with too many ponies...

 

[ILLEGALCONCEPTS]

Low budget:

Gears will be a huge plus once putting bigger tires on. I am running 4.10's right now and only a 28" tall tire. It's a bit extreme to some, but it fits my driving style and my MPG actually went up 1-2MPG with the swap.

Just remove the air muffler. I think on the '93 it looks kind of like a torpedo, just pull that off an remove whats inside of it. Or you can replace the whole air muffler with a piece of pipe.

I don't think he will have the factory shortty header. I think that started in '95. It's a good manifold to have.

Overall maintenance. Plugs, wires, filters(fuel and air),O2 sensor, clean the MAF, throttle body and IAC, run some Berrymans B12 through the system to clean things up.

You can step up to 19# injectors and mod. you MAF yourself. I don't see a reason to though w/o bigger upgrades to the engine though.

P&P the head and intake manifold.

Get an A/F gauge along with a vac. gauge. It'll help you drive better and increase you MPG.

Turbo w/o forged pistons means you'll have to stay at 5# or less.

My truck is just waiting for me to install the pistons, I have them sitting on the shelf along with the turbo. I've done the injectors and MAF mod, little to no difference on the stock set up. I also have a P&P head and my lower intake was worked over by a guy on here named DaveR(haven't seen him around much lately though). That made a nice difference, by far the best investment to date.

James

 

[Davis]

tuuurbo...
he wont regret it.