'88 Ranger 2.3L into a '93

[ejholmgren]

The block in my '93 is pushing +200K, and I'd like to get a cheap spare to start rebuilding over the winter months. I have a line on a cheap '88 long block. Any problems with this since I'd already have all of the DIS stuff that's currently in the truck?

 

[shadetree]

The 88 does not have a provision for a crankshaft pickup sensor which the 93 needs to fire the ignition. I do not know if the sensor can be adapted to the 88. shady

 

[ejholmgren]

Which year/model 2.3L's should I be looking for to make it a straight up swap?

I basically just want to pick something up that I can hone, re-ring, pp the head/intake, and swap it in come spring.

 

[Dave R]

The sensor can be adapted. You have to carefully drill and tap two bolt holes. The care is needed because, A. the sensor has to be mounted so that the vanes on the back of the crank pulley don't hit it and B. because you'll be drilling right next to an oil gallery.

Directly swapable short blocks would be '89-'94 Ranger and POSSIBLY '93 Mustang.

 

[ejholmgren]

excellent ... I found one out of a '90 Ranger

 

[ejholmgren]

even better ... picked up a long block, harness, ecu, intercooler, etc out of an '86 turbo coupe.

 

[Dave R]

'86 TurboCoupe's didn't have intercoolers, only '87-'88's and Mustang SVO's.

 

[Ric]

even better ... picked up a long block, harness, ecu, intercooler, etc out of an '86 turbo coupe.

You know what that sum of parts means.... varoooom pshhh varooooom. Might be worth the conversation depending on what smog is like in your area. I'd like to direct you to the forced induction forum. Down the hall a few doors on the left.