General questions about NA and turbo 2.3 motors

[93TurboRanger]

I apologize if this has been talked about before, but I have done a lot of searching and cannot seem to find an exact answer on this. I am getting ready to pick up a spare NA 2.3 motor and 5-speed trans out of a 97 Ranger and was wondering what else do I need to get going with a turbo setup? As far as I understand, all 2.3 blocks are the same (except the turbo drain hole obviously but you can always tap into the oil pan for this). The turbo blocks had forged pistons. Do the turbo and NA motors share the same internals otherwise? And which cylinder head should I use? Will a 4 plug turbo head bolt on this 97 2.3 block? Also which intake manifold is best and will bolt up? This will be going in my newly acquired 93 Ranger 2.3 5-speed 2wd. Also can I get this tranny rebuilt to handle about 300-400 hp?

 

[BogusSVO]

the year of the block matters, and some 2.3/2.5 are small mains, so with the diffrent years you can mix and match

what year Ranger do you want to turbo?

Over here you may find more dinfinitive awnsers

http://turborangerforums.com/

 

[scotts90ranger]

the '97 engine has small mains, which isn't an issue to about 300hp or so, the rods are the same N/A and forced induction only the pistons are different. The turbo heads have a slightly larger combustion chamber than N/A, if you want to run distributorless ignition to fight detonation just use the passenger side plugs. DIS is doable with the stock turbo computers without much issue, I did it... if you want to use the same DIS that's on your '93 you will have to drill and tap a few holes in the front of the block for the crank sensor, look down a little and in the sticky at the top of the page I put info on the job there.

the tranny you just got with your block will handle the power fine, upgrading to 4.0 spec gears would help it last a little longer, but the mazda tranny is pretty stout, the only problem you will have with the one you just got is that it won't have a provision for your speedometer cable, you would have to swap your current tail housing.

turborangerforums is good, but there's plenty of people here that know their stuff too... I've been trying to pay attention to this stuff for 10 years now.

 

[Davis]

the '97 engine has small mains, which isn't an issue to about 300hp or so, the rods are the same N/A and forced induction only the pistons are different.

I would argue that the mains make no difference durability-wise at the power levels any one of us will see. There are plenty of motors over 300 hp on small mains.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I agree, was just trying to say with his plans that he was safe... without trying to start an agrument . that and was just saying that for sure that engine had the small mains.

I know you prefer the T5 over the M5OD also, but I think either will suit his needs...

 

[Davis]

True, the M5OD is not a bad tranny, and has proven itself to get the job done.