Hello guys

[Tugboat]

Hello everybody, I'm just joining but I've been lurking here for a few months reading to get familiar with an 1984 Ranger 2.3L I bought a few months back. I have done a ton of work to it and I must say it's fun to drive. I own a 1993 F-350 1 ton dually also which is my baby, although I use the Ranger as my daily driver. I have removed the cat and air pump and now I want to remove the MCU if it is possible. I figure if it can be done somebody here knows and can guide me through the process or point me in the right direction. Some day I would like to do a v8 swap. I am looking forward to reading more here and working on my Ranger, what a fun toy it is.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

While removing emissions equipment is not condoned because WE all have to share and breath the air, people do remove these.
Common misconception is that better/less emissions = less power, outside of the air pump that is not the case.
Cats, EGR, PCV and EVAP don't effect power, if working properly, EGR allows better power because spark can be set at a more aggressive curve.


The MCU(computer) is there to run the Feedback carburetor and in '84 also the spark system I believe.
Using a regular carb can be done.
And for spark you will need a Vacuum advance distributor, found on earlier 2.3l engines with Duraspark systems, Mustangs had these.
You can use the whole Duraspark system, but many like to only use the Duraspark distributor and then use a GM HEI module for control, very simple wiring and more reliable spark system.

 

[Tugboat]

Hi RonD, Thanks for the welcome, I agree with you we do have to breath the same air. I removed the cat as it was clogged causing the engine to run bad, no power and rough running. I have rebuilt the carb with a new mixture solenoid and replaced the o2 sensor in the manifold and I must say for a little 4 banger it flys now. I replaced the MCU with one from a 84 manual (mine is a automatic) and it seems to run fine, I was just wanting to get rid of mcu and the mass of vacuum lines and to simplify the engine compartment. It does have the Duraspark ignition and a vacuum distributor also.Thanks for the info on the HEI GM module that's good to know.