2.9 v6 swap to a 2.3?

[AllanD]

Since I'm considering doing the same thing, I like the idea. We yanked the running 2.3 and 5 speed from our 90 Ranger a couple weeks ago, so we could transplant an Explorer 40 and A4LD in instead. More power. But now I am looking for an early B2 for the 2.3. Is it a bit less power? Sure. But I figure it will be a bit more fun than an automatic, and if I find a dead motor B2, it will easily make more power. EFI is so much better for drivability and cold weather than any carb. Besides, looking to make it a roadster similar to an early Bronco. IF... I can get the state safety folks to sign off on it. Otherwise, I'll chop the back off instead...

I fabbed mounts for the 2.3 that used poly bushings and tube. Trust me, that motor is buzzy as all get out. But, will re-use them. Hoping the B2 crossmember is the same as the Rangers. Then the holes for my existing 2.3 mounts will drop right in.

You are not looking for an early Bronco2 for a 2.3 engine and if you are you are wasting your time, because you are searching for a Zebra-striped Unicorn.

The Bronco2 engine crossmember is the same as the 4x4 Ranger.

AD

 

[Roger]

You are not looking for an early Bronco2 for a 2.3 engine and if you are you are wasting your time, because you are searching for a Zebra-striped Unicorn.

The Bronco2 engine crossmember is the same as the 4x4 Ranger.

AD

Nope, looking for an early B2 with dead motor or trans. So I can swap the 2.3 and 5 speed into. Overall plan is not a speed demon, or a monster wheeler. Just a fun cruiser.

Thanks for the info on the crossmember, nice to know my fabbed 2.3 mounts would drop in.

As mentioned, we took the running 2.3 from a 1990 Ranger, and dropped a complete 4.0 setup from a 1994 Explorer in its place. The 2.3 was good for as much as 28 MPG when I stopped using it to commute a few years back, and that was with the 5 speed, 4.10s and 31" tires. But freeway speeds weren't easy to maintain in 5th for long. Chop the top in a B2 and have it for around town or cruising, but not a DD... And of course, there is always the option to turbocharge. Which makes the power issue in general moot.

 

[fangotango306]

theres a few in my area but its a looooong way from UT lol.

 

[fangotango306]

started aquiring parts for my 302 swap, got a c4, with converter and manual t case. complete front acc drive from a 89 mercury grand marquis. b&m z-gate shifter, and i found some misc leftover v8 parts in my garage, stainless mustang shorty's (probably wont use) and a 600 holley with extended vent tubes and lokar kick down setup. probably gonna get a jy motor this weekand and start to do a stock rebuild. gonna start another thread and should have some pictures.

 

[Roger]

Sounds like a plan! Sorry about the thread jack.

 

[Shran]

complete front acc drive from a 89 mercury grand marquis.

Good call on this - you will love the single belt setup. I have the same thing in mine. Only bummer is how close the power steering return line is to the power steering pump...keep that in mind when you're setting the engine in place, or you may not be able to put it together.