2.9 to 2.3 swap

[mrgrant1982]

Whats up guys, new to the forum here.

Ive got a 1989 Ranger 2WD with the 2.9 auto in it and realized that after noticing some smoke and some investigation that doing another 2.9 is a waste of time. So after aquiring a 1990 Ranger 2WD 2.3 with a stickshift, I noticed the 89 is in overall better condition except for the engine and the 1990 is still in need of a rebuild while its a better motor and transmission.

Has anyone ever done this swap?

 

[87prerunner]

Honestly i think the 2.9 is worth the rebuild. With that rebuild put the 89 heads with felpro blue gaskets and take a throttle body off a 87 and you got a great 2.9

Otherwise the swap shouldnt be bad. Just the wiring harness would be the most difficult thing on it.i suggest getting a schematic. Be sure the ecu is also swapped. Ive seen people leave that out.

 

[Protowrxs]

Looking at the same situation but with a 2.3 turbo as i have a coupe engines to choose from. Am very interested in what else is needed such as motor mounts, bell housing, clutch, and what else? I dont have a complete other vehicle to do any comparisons.

 

[89ranger4x4]

looking at replacing a 2.9 for the 3.0 because i don't want to rebuild the 2.9. would it bolt right in? To be honest, I would rebuild the 2.9 instead of switch to a 2.3. The best 2.9 I have driven was an 87 2wd 5 speed manual. That thing would run forever.