2.0L ('83-'88) Ford Ranger / Pinto 2.0 differences

[berniebuell]

Hello, are the early Ranger/Pinto 2.0 engines basically the same other than distributor and oil filter locations being different ? Looks like the motor mounts are different also.

Sound correct ? Am I missing anything ?

Thanks,

Bernie

 

[19Walt93]

They are entirely different engines. The Ranger 2.0 was based on the Pinto 2.3 that was introduced in 1974, the Pinto 2.0 was a European engine that thankfully disappeared when the 2.3 arrived. The Pinto 2.0 had solid lifters and, being a typical over complicated German design, cam replacement required the head to be removed because the cam slid out the back. The oil pressure relief valves were prone to sticking and the increased pressure would blow the head gasket so the head would have to come off, again. A Pinto, Mustang, or Fairmont 2.3 is a Lima engine just like the Ranger.

 

[berniebuell]

Anything wrong then with a 1985 Ranger 2.0 ? Other than lower horsepower ? Will a later model ('98) 5 speed bolt up to the '85 ? Looking at one for a project.

Thanks

 

[19Walt93]

A transmission off a 2.3 will fit on a Ranger 2.0 but I'd use the 2.3 along with the transmission. If enough is good, more is better, and too much is just right.

 

[berniebuell]

The '98 5 speed is actually from a 2.5. Still fit the 2.0 right ?

Will this 2.5 head offer alot of performance increase on the 2.0 ? I would not use all 8 plugs, just one side.

 

[19Walt93]

The 2.5 was a Lima so I suspect the transmission would work. I would do more research before using the head, if it has a bigger chamber you could drop the compression. You can't find a 2.3 to rebuild?

 

[tomw]

Ten percent displacement ... 2.3 vs 2.5... longer stroke, same bore. Improved cylinder head from others comments. More power. Bolts right up, but the ignition, etc are different.
tom

 

[berniebuell]

What years did the 2.3 have distributors ? I want the engine with a distributor. Not coil packs, etc.

 

[adsm08]

Ranger 2.3s went to coil packs in 89. Mustangs in 92.

 

[berniebuell]

So, what are the years the 2.3 was available in a Ranger with a distributor ? Starting when and ending in 1988 ?

Thanks

 

[HAWGFORD]

Don't forget the couriers had the same motor for a donor..Not sure what brand/model trans it has but my 79 speed is probably m5Od, tell me different....Once you punt that progressive carb,its a decent single plug engine with distributor.I'm building a mid engine trike around one...

 

[tomw]

bernie, if you want a 'points' distributor, you will have to go with the 1974 model year, Ranger or Mustang II. That was the only year the 2.3 had a points distributor. I may have a set of used points in my pile somewhere.

 

[19Walt93]

You don't want a points distributor, Duraspark or Pertronics are way better.