Carburetor conversion

[Okie]

Hi all, so Im looking to pluck a 2.3l (no specific model in mind) for a project of mine. I'd like to keep the engine transplant as simple as I can by sticking to a carburetor. From what I've read it's fairly simple but still a little unclear.

Any info on this swap? From what I gather I can mod the existing manifold to fit my choice of carburetor, purchase/scavenge a distributor and a fuel pump regulator and that's it?

Any links or vehichles I can source these parts from will be appreciated.

Jake.

 

[RonD]

I assume you don't want computer assist in engine operation?

That means you want to avoid stock "feedback" carbs.

It also means you need to use a Vacuum advance distributor, like a Duraspark model, but I would change the module from Duraspark to HEI, it is simpler wiring and will last longer.

Google: duraspark hei conversion

That will give you the basics of what will be required for the ignition system.

Read this threads as well: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158944

 

[colefouche13]

Here's the thing, the 2.3 had different cylinder heads, the rangers have a round port head, all intake ports are round holes, if your 2.3 has this head good luck finding a nice aftermarket intake manifold and carb. Now if you have the D port intake ports or the oval intake ports you can easily find intake manifolds and those manifolds can take almost any 2 barrel and some take 4 barrel carbs. So really you need to figure out what head you have to see your options.
I have a ranger with the 2.3 and I stripped everything from it, I'm using the stock ignition, the stock feedback carb but I disconnected the feedback selenoid, stock intake manifold, stock headers, My truck runs better than it did with the emission crap on it and still gets the same gas mileage. The point is the stock feedback carb has given me no problems without any computers and really if you have the all the stock parts you don't necessarily buy different stuff. I can post pictures if you'd like and show you how to get the engine running without any of the crap.
If you have money or want to put time into the engine I would recommend it. You should go after a cylinder head from a courier or pinto with the oval ports and put it on your block, buy an intake that supports a 2 barrel and install it but the stock parts won't stop you from getting the engine running outside the truck.

 

[StangpowerLSX510]

Here's the thing, the 2.3 had different cylinder heads, the rangers have a round port head, all intake ports are round holes, if your 2.3 has this head good luck finding a nice aftermarket intake manifold and carb. Now if you have the D port intake ports or the oval intake ports you can easily find intake manifolds and those manifolds can take almost any 2 barrel and some take 4 barrel carbs. So really you need to figure out what head you have to see your options.
I have a ranger with the 2.3 and I stripped everything from it, I'm using the stock ignition, the stock feedback carb but I disconnected the feedback selenoid, stock intake manifold, stock headers, My truck runs better than it did with the emission crap on it and still gets the same gas mileage. The point is the stock feedback carb has given me no problems without any computers and really if you have the all the stock parts you don't necessarily buy different stuff. I can post pictures if you'd like and show you how to get the engine running without any of the crap.
If you have money or want to put time into the engine I would recommend it. You should go after a cylinder head from a courier or pinto with the oval ports and put it on your block, buy an intake that supports a 2 barrel and install it but the stock parts won't stop you from getting the engine running outside the truck.

do you have pics of your set up without all the emissions crap?

 

[tomw]

Where you live will or may limit options. In CA, changes from stock are difficult to get to pass the mandatory SMOG test. Elsewhere, different limits are applied.
If you have none, you can either go to a mid-late 1970's Pinto or Mustang II and get the oval port/d-port head. See the spec list at the top of this section for details and years.
Aftermarket stuff is not allowed in CA w/o it being on CARB's 'approved' list. CARB=California Air Resources Board. The nannys that tell you what you can/cannot do to your vehicle.
Racer Walsh (no relation) used to sell manifolds and a LOT of German 2000cc and Lima 2300/2500 parts from pistons to manifolds & cams. I haven't looked lately.
Power costs money. How much money do you have? Send me some if you are feeling flush... ha.
tom