2003 2.3 in a 1997??

[jcgemt2003]

I was wondering how similar are the 2.3 from 1997 and the 2.3 from 2003? My motor is looking like its not gonna last very long and I was thinking of swaping a 4 banger from a new model. I realise that Ill need the ECU and wiring harness but I guess my main question is has anyone done it AND will it be a direct swap. Also will my manual transmisson that is in the truck now bolt up to the newer 2.3? Thanks guys for any help you can give me.

 

[scotts90ranger]

they are completely different, you would have to swap out your tranny too. the very newest engine you cang et would be from a VERY early 2001 model year ranger that has the 2.5L which is physically the same as a 2.3 that has been stroked.