83 2.3 3.73 tire size

[redrangerjim]

I have an 83 4x4 with 2.3, 4speed, 3.73 gears and 235/75/15 tires. I have a new timing belt and carb and timing is correct. Runs good but feels weak. Will changing to 215/75/15's make a noticable difference in power?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

According to this calculator;
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
that will change your speedo by 4.1%. Not enough in my opinion. If you went to 215/65-15 that would change your speedo by 10% which equates to a gear change to ~4.10, better IMO.
Other possible tire sizes that give ~10%
275/50-15
235/60-15
215/65-15
205/70-15
The first # gives you the width of the tire in mm. The second # gives you the aspect ratio [sidewall as a % of the first #], the third # is rim size in inches.
The other thing to think about is weight of the tire, the less it weighs, the easier the motor will have to work=better gas mileage.
Also skinny tire=less rolling resistance=better gas mileage.

Richard

 

[DJ2.3]

You will notice a little different with the 215/75/15's. I think i would go a little smaller though. 27" overall diameter or less i would say if you want to make a big change.

 

[schmoo]

did you put a two barrel carb on it?
i have the same truck, and it never worked good
until i put a mustang manifold and carb on and
changed the ignition curve and cleaned up the exhaust.

 

[redrangerjim]

I do have a 2 barrell on it. The motor is not the original one for the ranger. I have had some fuel tank issues over the weekend (old, nasty gas). When I get tank clean, I my try something else for the power issue.

 

[steve63]

the old nasty gas you had in there prolly pluged youre fuel filter,change that and see what happens first,changing to a smaller tire will make some difference,but i bet youre filter is pluged.