87 2.3 carb/duraspark conversion

[MikeInID]

Hey everybody,

I just recently acquired a 1987 2wd Ranger with the 2.3/5 speed tk. I've had the truck a little less than a month and have finally nailed down a plan on sorting a couple things out. Having owned an RBV previously to this one, most of the stuff (suspension, interior, maintenance etc.) is pretty simple. There are, however a couple questions I have regarding some fuel/spark/driveability issues I need some help with.

When I test-drove the truck, it hesitated and bucked badly under acceleration, which I was able to use as a bargaining chip and talk the seller down a bit. No biggie; 4 spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor later-problem solved. As soon as I got that taken care of, the truck developed some other high/low/surging idle issues that have been a royal pita to deal with. The truck Idles super high upon startup, and if I try to drive without letting it run about a minute, it bogs badly, like the timing is not advancing properly. It never really idles below about 2,000 rpms or so and is running really rich, too. I've checked all the vacuum lines and connections (no leaks), cleaned the TB and checked the TPS, EGR position sensor, MAP etc, to no avail. I'm assuming the TFI mudule has taken a crap, but am honestly tired of messing with it and am ready to take matters into my own hands. Which brings me to the point of this post:

I've tried searching (bet you've all heard that one a million times!) but haven't found what I'm looking for. What I'd like to do is completely ditch the entire EEC/TFI crap and convert back to a duraspark carb setup. To do this, here's a list of parts I've come up with: 93+ exhaust manifold w/ plugged EGR, 85 d-port intake manifold, 80-84 2.3 duraspark dizzy and box, any duraspark coil and wiring harness, motorcraft 5200/holley 350/weber 32/36 carb with associated linkages, chokes, etc. Anything else I'm missing? Is this even gonna be possible, or am I way off in left field? Any advice, info, hints, witty remarks, inspirational tracts and so forth would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Mike In Idaho

 

[kimcrwbr1]

actually the stock TFI coil works great and you dont need a resistor and is matched to the stock motorcraft plugs you get plenty of fire.

 

[MikeInID]

good to know, because the coil is new as well. So, the more I think about it, pretty much any dizzy w/ vacuum advance should work, right? The main reason I was thinking OEM is cost/availability. Also (correct me if I'm wrong), I could also get away with running the lower portion of the intake that's on there with a little machine work/welding? It seems that I would need to get an adapter (rw,esslinger and the like have 'em) to bolt the carb onto it, weld the bosses shut and machine some nipples onto it for vacuum. The idea is to keep this as cost-effective and simple as possible.

Thanks for the tip about the coil, though.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

I am not sure but if you want cost effective the 2.0 has the duraspark dizzy maybe you can use the ignition form it I believe the block is the same maybe someone here can tell you but for the duraspark you need a pickup coil that is the dizzy has three wire coming out of it two for the coil and a ground. The bone yard is most cost effective find one with a 2.0 and see if the dizzy matches up to it or at least grab the harness from the dizzy it has two connectors one three wires and the other has. four wires.

 

[flaminranger]

let me know how it works for ya cause I want to do the same except I am just going to redrill the manifold and tap it for new studs. I will port it to match if need be. I already have a 2barrel carb on it but it is electronically controlled and it does not work. the carb is a pos and I need toswitch out the dizzy to a duraspark setup.
so good luck and keep us posted
Duane