differences between the 2.9l v6

[capncarbine]

my 2.9l v6 in my 1988 ford ranger went out and was curious if the 89s 2.9l was different in anyway to where I couldn't just swap mine out for a new one and also if there was another engine i could swap straight in without worry of any wiring?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I never had a problem swapping 2.9 for 2.9 of any year. There was a year or two that had EGR early on, but that was gone by 88.

Nothing else swaps without alterations, mostly wiring.

 

[bcschief]

Just use the 89s wiring harness.

 

[gaz]

@capncarbine
In 1988, in addition to losing the EGR system, the improved heads were incorporated. Just the same a complete 86-87 2.9l will work without the left exhaust manifold and upper intake manifold and associated EGR components...just use your 88's manifolds ..)

Though they work the same, because of the wire harness connectors, you may need to also use one of more of the 88's sensors with 86-87 era.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

86/87 had EGR/58mm throttle body/knock sensor
86/87/88 had the "weak" heads.
88 smaller throttle body (50mm IIRC), no knock sensor
89-92 were basically the same. Updated "stronger" heads, smaller TB, no knock sensor, some 2.9's with cali emissions had MAF instead of MAP.(92 only)

They all interchange. If you try to run an 88+ engine with an 86/87 ECM youll throw knock sensor and EGR codes because the ECM is looking for inputs that dont exist.

I would grab the 89's ECM. Besides that you should be golden