85 ranger questions

[85rangertough]

Hey I'm new to the whole ranger scene and I have a few questions. I posted in the general section, but didn't get any helpful responses. First of all, I recently bought this 85 ranger with the 2.8. I did the duraspark conversion and its working great. Also did valve seals at the same time. First question is when I step on the gas it seems to lug down and the rpms come up slow, then it takes off all of a sudden. Is this normal? Second question, its got the Mitsubishi 5spd trans and needs shifter bushings, I think there's like 4-5 inches of play with it in gear. Are these bushings the same as the ones listed in the tech section? Or are those similar enough to use? I know this is a common issue, just don't know where to get them/what part number they are. I always like to plan out and have as many of the parts on hand before beginning a project. Thanks in advance!
Mike

 

[ammocj]

What kind of carb are you using?
Sounds like a carburator problem.

I'm no help with the tranny. Probably not much help with the carb either...

Al

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Mine runs best with the vacuum advance on manifold vacuum. If you running the advance on ported vac on the carb hook it to the vacuum tree and lower the engine idle speed then turn the idle air screws out for the highest rpm it will take less pedal to get it going. You are set at 10 DBTDC on the timing right. You should be at 20 degrees at an idle with the advance connected.

 

[CougarSE]

Mine runs best with the vacuum advance on manifold vacuum. If you running the advance on ported vac on the carb hook it to the vacuum tree and lower the engine idle speed then turn the idle air screws out for the highest rpm it will take less pedal to get it going. You are set at 10 DBTDC on the timing right. You should be at 20 degrees at an idle with the advance connected.

Doing what you have done have you checked timing at higher RPM's? Say 3500rpm?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

The timing is exactly the same on manifold vacuum and ported vacuum at higher rpms. The only thing ported does is run the engine at base timing at an idle. once the butterfly is open they both work exactly the same as far as the curve above 900 rpm. If you look at the timing advance with the computer working once you plug the spout wire in the timing advances well over 24 degrees at an idle all that really matters is total advance and at higher speeds when you put your foot into it when you lose vacuum pressure it retards the timing to give you more power and as the vacuum rises it gives you better economy. I fgound that running the idle air on the rich side actually gives you better top end power in turn you get better mileage as you dont have to press as hard on the skinny pedal. Either way I have tried every combo on the timing, advance, and idle air you can think of mine runs best at 10 DBTDC not negotiable but try manifold or ported vacuum and adjust the idle air for highest vacuum or highest rpm you will find the sweet spot anything over 16 mpg is good for a 30 year old engine.