89 merkur xr4ti into 89 ranger

[1989rangerob]

I have a line on a merkur turbo motor. What will it take to swap it in to my 89 ranger?

 

[Turbroke]

I just finished a swap like that today. (Started in November) Check my threads under: mini-trucks under construction; "1990 2.3 Turbo Ranger build" and in Forced Induction: "2.3 turbo swap any advice?" Besides the motor, intake and turbo manifold you will need the EEC, and vane air meter from a similar 2.3 turbo car. I used the stock Ranger wiring harness and accessories. A wiring harness from a turbo car will come in real handy to supply all the different plug ends you will need to do the swap. Other than that, all the required info you need is in the tech articles section. Do all the research you can and have a plan before diving in; it will make things go way smoother. Mine came out great with the help of the guys on this forum. Really woke up my old slow poke Ranger.

 

[1989rangerob]

I just finished a swap like that today. (Started in November) Check my threads under: mini-trucks under construction; "1990 2.3 Turbo Ranger build" and in Forced Induction: "2.3 turbo swap any advice?" Besides the motor, intake and turbo manifold you will need the EEC, and vane air meter from a similar 2.3 turbo car. I used the stock Ranger wiring harness and accessories. A wiring harness from a turbo car will come in real handy to supply all the different plug ends you will need to do the swap. Other than that, all the required info you need is in the tech articles section. Do all the research you can and have a plan before diving in; it will make things go way smoother. Mine came out great with the help of the guys on this forum. Really woke up my old slow poke Ranger.

Heck yea man. I have a complete motor that is the same model year as my ranger. The 2.3 that's in there is a turd. Is there a write up somewhere? I've been all over the internet looking for one. I guess I'll go look at your threads

 

[1989rangerob]

I guess I should look for a wiring harness then. what about a piggyback system?

 

[scotts90ranger]

You don't need much for wiring, use the Ranger harness and all you need to change/add is the vane airflow meter, intake temp (if it takes the big VAM, the computers that use that use a temp sensor in the intake), the knock sensor (optional), the boost control solenoid (again, optional), and I think that's it other than moving about 10 wires in the computer.

I don't know of a complete writeup, Turbroke's two threads are the most complete writeup I know of, and it has all the chitchat that you should need to get going, the two of us will be around for questions I think . Do as much preparation and research before you dig in as possible.

 

[1989rangerob]

You don't need much for wiring, use the Ranger harness and all you need to change/add is the vane airflow meter, intake temp (if it takes the big VAM, the computers that use that use a temp sensor in the intake), the knock sensor (optional), the boost control solenoid (again, optional), and I think that's it other than moving about 10 wires in the computer.

I don't know of a complete writeup, Turbroke's two threads are the most complete writeup I know of, and it has all the chitchat that you should need to get going, the two of us will be around for questions I think . Do as much preparation and research before you dig in as possible.

I guess I'll go pick up the motor then. There isn't really much else I can do at this point. My truck isn't running. I checked Turbroke's thread. So I guess I should just get to pulling my old one out.

 

[Turbroke]

I guess I'll go pick up the motor then. There isn't really much else I can do at this point. My truck isn't running. I checked Turbroke's thread. So I guess I should just get to pulling my old one out.

And that's how it all begins. Get your motor, pull your old one, research and start hunting down the parts you need. It all comes together all of a sudden. Lots of 2.3 turbo stuff on ebay most of the time. I replaced all the gaskets and seals on my turbo motor as a precaution. Well worth it for the small cost I think. Mine hasn't made a single drop of oil in it's parking spot.

 

[1989rangerob]

I went and looked at the motor, it was a turd I'm going to throw in a normal 2.3 I guess. oh well

 

[Turbroke]

Bummer. What's the issues? Mine was not pretty when I got it, and as long as it's not mechanically damaged or played out, a new set of seals and gaskets will keep it leak free for a long time. Also, most of the parts are interchangeable on 2.3 motors. The only major difference between the blocks is that the turbo motor has the forged pistons you want. You could use the forged pistons, intake and turbo/header and the 4 plug head from the "turd" on your block. Make one good motor out of two clunkers?

 

[1989rangerob]

If I had the time, I would totally do that. Unfortunately I need her to run. My gf and I are sharing a vehicle right now. It's too cold to ride the type of motorcycle I have or I would tough it out and build the turd motor,lol. The good news is that I can use the old core and build it once I've removed it and have the truck running again.

 

[Turbroke]

There you go. If time's a serious issue; that swap, under the best circumstances takes a minute to do right. There's a bit more to it than just swapping motors. Hope you get your truck running nice again soon.