Duratec 2.3 build?

[Darkwolf]

Has anyone built up a 2.3 duratec? I've heard the focus 2.3 camshafts are the same... Anyone installed performance cams?

 

[usmc2003ranger]

I'd like to know this as well

 

[stmitch]

I haven't seen anybody build a naturally aspirated Duratec 2.3 in a Ranger. The Duratec Ranger performance aftermarket is pretty much limited to a shorty header (the factory manifold looks really good though, so minimal gains if any for the header), cams, an underdrive crank pulley, or cylinder head upgrades. And of course you can always tune them to using an aftermarket tuner. Anything else will require custom fabrication.

There are a couple of very nice turbocharged builds on TurboRangerForums. ONe is a remote setup, and the other is full of custom machining/fab and runs 10s in the 1/4mile.

You could always look at NC Miata builds since it's the same basic architecture, and the Duratec/MZR 4 cylinders are popular swaps into Locost builds too due to the hp/weight.

Moral of the story, is there are plenty of examples of things that can be done to the Duratec 4 cylinders, but almost no examples specifically in a Ranger. You'll have to do some research and decide what you think would be worthwhile/applicable for your truck.

 

[MarzGraphixDesign]

I have a 03 with a 5spd. just did a rebuild on my 2.3 duratec. I'll try and remember everything i did.
zero deck block
resurface head for flatness
chamber polished
ported head
deburred and removed all over casting/flashing in and out
Mech. fan delete
EGR delete
intake flapper delete (forgot their name)
glyptaled oil pan, valve cover and timing chain cover.
A/C delete
Baffled and filtered oil catch can
Supertech 9.0:1, 88mm pistons, rings and full floating pins (they have three different comp. ratio pistons)
eagle H-beam rods
ACL coated bearings
Crower stage1 cam set (nice little lope)
MSDS Header(a real nice little header)
Accel coil
Magnecor wires
pulstar plugs
3" air intake system(home made ram air)
Spectre air filter
High output fuel pump(can't remember brand)
2.250" mandrel bent exhaust thru a dynomax super turbo(not to raspy) it doesn't sound like a pissed off bumble bee.
new spec d stage2 clutch kit
Upgraded all battery wires to 01 welding leeds

Thats about all of it it sounds good you can tell by the idle it is cammed haven't really thrashed it or put a tune to it yet since I'm still in breaking in mode.

 

[MarzGraphixDesign]

Another FYI the only differences between the focus/mazda3 and the ranger are timing chain cover, intake, exhaust, and crank. The ranger has a HD crank it being a truck. also a few other exterior things like hoses and sensor placement, basically same animal's