86 race/street rod?

[Blackhawk308]

I've currently got a 1986 Ranger single cab 4 cylinder. It's on blocks right now as we've got to fix the transmission so I can even drive it. It's an automatic. I've got a 92 Mazda Navajo that I rolled a couple years back with a 4.0 and a 5 speed manual. My question is, would it be worth it to put the 4 liter into the ranger, or is it possible to beef up the 2.3 to a reasonable level? Either way I will eventually be converting the truck to a manual, as I just prefer a stick over automatic. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[black_demon69]

I've currently got a 1986 Ranger single cab 4 cylinder. It's on blocks right now as we've got to fix the transmission so I can even drive it. It's an automatic. I've got a 92 Mazda Navajo that I rolled a couple years back with a 4.0 and a 5 speed manual. My question is, would it be worth it to put the 4 liter into the ranger, or is it possible to beef up the 2.3 to a reasonable level? Either way I will eventually be converting the truck to a manual, as I just prefer a stick over automatic. Any suggestions would be great!

do the conversion now

 

[Blackhawk308]

What transmission would I need for the 2.3?
also, what types of engine mods can be done to it? I'd like a light turbo. My dad had an 88 ranger with the same engine, and all he did to his back in the day was put a Holley 2bbl carb on it. His was a 5 speed, and said it would tach up to 8 grand and was pretty damn quick.
I'm wanting to build it as a drift toy, and also for daily driving.

 

[stmitch]

If you look around just a little, it's super easy to find tons of info on turbo 2.3 stuff. Try google. Try the forced induction section of the forum here.
There's even a different forum devoted strictly to turbo rangers with absolutley everything you'd want to know.

 

[Blackhawk308]

Thanks. It's been a long while since I've been on such a big forum. So I've lost a bit of the etiquette. We're currently not looking to spend a ton of money since I more or less just need the vehicle so I can find a job. We picked her up for $400. Had some issues with idling and what not, but got all that fixed. Then we go to drive it, and the brakes locked up and stripped a plate in the tranny when I went to pull forward. It's been a whole ordeal. But she's in great shape body wise, and would hate to junk it.