88 Ranger 2.3 to V6 Swap....with a twist

[ltbenji]

Hey Guys

I've got the previously mentioned 88 Ranger with the 2.3 4cylinder. I was wondering, would a 2.6 V6 out of a Mercury Capri fit into the bay and be a fairly easy swap? It's in the same family as the 2.8 Cologne V6's so I'm assuming it's just bored or stroked a little less than the 2.8s.

Any ideas on where I could learn more?

 

[ltbenji]

Or would the 2.8 from a Capri swap in as well?

Or would either of these would you have transmission problems?

 

[dangerranger83]

I put a 2.8 in mine from a ranger (if it is the same as a Capri then yes it will fit) but you will have to change the bellhousings due to they are different from eachother. Mine originally had a 2.3 in it. Had to use the 2.8 motor mounts a drill a hole in the engine cross member for the driverside to fit.

 

[cody93]

if bellhousing paterns are the same as the 2.8/2.9/4.0, it should be an easy swap, just use motormounts out of a 2.8 ranger and trans outa one. the 2.3 only interchanges with other lima 4 cyl engines.. just curious, why are you swapping a capri engine in? sounds like an intresting swap for a 2.6L

 

[ltbenji]

It's an idea right now and I'm seeing if it's even a reasonable idea.

Reason why the Capri 2.6 or 2.8 is my dad has both engines that I can have
And the 2.6 instead of the 2.8, is the 2.6 is actually more powerful than the 2.8 due to emissions stuff they added to the 2.8

 

[ltbenji]

Oh and was the MOD5 the manual transmission for the Rangers with the 2.8?

And what about a transmission for the 2.6?