79 pinto 2.3 into 88 ranger

[reallyrusty]

i am putting a 79 2.3 out of a pinto into an 88 ranger. I know I have to change the oil pan and the oil pump pick up.

1. Will the oil pump pick up change over or will I need a pick up from an earlier model? (83-85ish) or any suggestions?

2.Will the 88 pan fit the block if I weld the sealing end off the 79 pan onto the 88 pan?

Anyone else have any experience doing this swap?

Thanks!

 

[tomw]

From the 'sticky' at the top of the page where this is posted:

Differences between major engine parts are as follows:

Blocks-
2.0 is an underbored 2.3, with the exception of the bore the blocks are identical to all
2.3’s.
’75-’88 2.3’s are interchangeable.
’89-’94 same as ’83-’88 2.3’s but have a smaller main journal saddle, the oil pan seal
surface was changed in ‘87 to eliminate the 4 piece seal and holes were added in
the front to bolt on the DIS’s crank trigger assembly.

So, the blocks are interchangeable... I do not know what a 'sealing end' is. There is an aluminum 'front cover' that extends below the crankshaft centerline, and the pans have a 'bow' or 'dip' that fits the bottom of the cover using a rubber seal, at both ends. I think if you use the front cover from the newer engine, you should not have to weld anything.
The pump pickup may change, but the pump should be a bolt-up swap.
tom

 

[reallyrusty]

thanks tom.