Duratec transplant

[banginona40]

I'm considering installing a 2.3 Ranger Duratec (mid 2001 + I believe?)in my 1933 Ford pickup. I would purchase a complete vehicle and transplant the engine, transmission and all necessary components into my '33. Wondering if any has done this and what to look out for, pros and cons?
Thanks for any and all feedback.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

a 33 pick up is a little heavy for a 2.3, I would go 4.0 if it was me....

 

[banginona40]

I hear you, though I am building this fenderless and also keeping the weight factor in mind.
I really want to run a 4 cyl. I have driven a 2006 Ranger with the D 4 cyl. and I really like the idea. Thanks for the reply.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

well the one thing you will have to worry about is the pats system, other than that, a lot of harness splicing will be in order.

 

[heptofite]

what you might do is go with a ranger 2.3 block and mazda MZR 2.3 head and ecu, so you can get VVT out of it.

duratec 2.3 and mazda mzr 2.3 are the same engine.

 

[banginona40]

If you don't mind, what is the pats system and any more info on harness splicing? Thanks

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

pats is the passive aintheft system.
in other words ull need the coded key to start the engine and find a way ton install it on your truck or bypass it.

mzr engine head is a really good idea

 

[Southern3.0]

Pats is easy to bypass. It can be turned off with a Chip or a programmer

 

[Captain Ledd]

a 33 pick up is a little heavy for a 2.3, I would go 4.0 if it was me....

Yeah, they have some thick steel, but you'd be surprised how light they actually are. There's not alot to those old cars.

Example, according to everything I can find, my 1971 Cadillac Brougham Fleetwood De'Elegance, clocks in at about 4,500lbs. Yeah, little on the hefty side. The Brand new 2010/11 Ford Taurus clocks in at roughly the same weight. And I'm certain it's much smaller footprint wise.

A 33 ford with a few less parts should be NO problem at all for a Duratech 4cyl, especially with a little thoughtful axle gearing would probably be on the rather quick side.

This guy probably isn't too far off from that 33 pickup, he's got a few more ponies though:

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFSGSL3Nrmc

Project pics:
http://www.mat.fi/n_index.php?nav=gallery_view&gallery=project1929fordmodel-a&g=13

I say go for it!

 

[banginona40]

Thanks so far. Still watching and listening. Any more thoughts on wiring or any other particulars.

 

[exbass94]

Considering the truck probably only had about 40-50 hp when new, a Duratec should have plenty of power to move it around.