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83 ranger 2.8l


LOL, as far as I know you don't, they are what they are. They weren't exactly built to be a race car, and they were typically pretty sluggish at best, although my grandparents used the 84 Ranger I had for several years to tow a 14' travel trailer all over the country so they couldn't have been too awful bad to be able to do that. I know they aren't very quick.

I thought I saw somewhere that a Turbo from a Thunderbird would work? Not 100% certain though, someone else with far more knowledge on these may have much better information.
 
2.8l is pretty old technology with low power to weight ratio, but there are updates

Have a read here on history of this engine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Cologne_V6_engine

This V6 was designed in early 1960's, 2.8l version came out in 1974

There are turbo and supercharger options, but $$$

And read here for other updates: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.shtml
But these parts may be hard to find in 2019

Unless you have some attachment to the 2.8l V6 a newer or bigger engine might be money better spent
 
The 2.8's real weakness lies in its low compression ratio and anemic top end. European 2.8's with higher compression ratios made up to 50% more HP.
I'm hoping to take advantage of the low compression ratio for a junkyard supercharger build.
Alternatively you could rebuild it with higher compression pistons.
Anything is else is probably diminishing returns, but the 2.8 is a cool motor and can handle as much power as any other cologne engine, by most accounts.
 
lol all you want, the 2.8 had best in class horsepower...
 
In 1984 it outpowered the S10 by 5 freaking HP/TQ man!
85 they were equal, by 86 S10 was more powerful.
I think he was referring to the Euro 2.8 and its use in race applications across the drink.
 
You can still buy the offenhauser intake to throw a Holley 390 on there. Not sure about cam and header options these days.


Edit: Comp cams still has grinds available. Look up CL38-241-4. Headers may be long gone.
 
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It did?
[/QUOT
In 1984 it outpowered the S10 by 5 freaking HP/TQ man!
85 they were equal, by 86 S10 was more powerful.
I think he was referring to the Euro 2.8 and its use in race applications across the drink.

My 85 brochure says best in class as of whenever the brochure came out.

Just kinda funny is all...
 
My 85 brochure says best in class as of whenever the brochure came out.

Just kinda funny is all...
I forgot that dodge hadnt entered in with the 3.9L dakota yet and the 4.3L was only in astros in 85
 

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