Help: 1983 Ranger 2.3L Swap Questions

[cfox10]

Somehow managed to get myself an 83 Ranger in trade, but it needs a new motor.

So far from what I've gathered the easiest method would be to find another carb 2.3 and do a direct swap.

I can't find any.

What I can find are 302's (seems rather difficult and gas consuming), 2.3 Fuel injected (also seems rather difficult), etc.


So if I need to go the route of a newer fuel injected, what all would I need to get it done?

I'm looking to do this on a very tight budget if that changes anything.

 

[Mikel89us]

Harness, hardware, sensors, wiring, ecu, fuel pump. Its not easy or cheap really.

 

[cfox10]

Harness, hardware, sensors, wiring, ecu, fuel pump. Its not easy or cheap really.

I opened up the hood and they have a fuel regulator and pump already in there.

Could you be more specific on which harness, hardware, sensors, etc. I'd need.

Mainly worried about finding the correct ecu, harness, sensors.


I've found a 302 from an 87 thunderbird. They only want 300 for it. Any idea what I'd need to get that going proper?

Thanks for helping Mikel89us!

 

[Mikel89us]

If it was a carbureted motor, the pump and regulator won't work, they will be designed for 7psi not 40.

What ever year the motor is, is what you need for everything else. Efi, harness sensors and ecu should all match in year.

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, for fuel injection conversionyou need everything from the engine donor vehicle and possibly the fuel tank if there is a pump in there...so try to stick with a Ranger donor because the other harnesses may not fit your body style and also require the steering column swap.

Best bet is to rebuild the engine that is in it if you want to save yourself quite a bit of work and worry.

If this is a project vehicle that may not be so bad mixing and matching parts as you won't have an urgent need to get it on the road.

Another factor you need to consider is how much $$$ do you have to sink into the project. Don't cheap yourself out of a good build...you will have that hounding you for years...

Going with a carbed 302 would probably be easiest because you wouldn't need to change much in the line of wiring and could probably use a manual pump (usually on the vehicle)...they are simple to install mostly but will require modifications...not that I've done one, but there are many build threads on here to read up on what you need to know before starting.

Much of your decision depends on what you want it for...a hot rod...daily driver...give it to your kids...and if you let us in on that much it would be easier to help you get what you want.

 

[scotts90ranger]

What makes the engine need to be replaced? Like Mark said, might be cheapest to just redo what needs help as like you found out carb'd 2.3's aren't easy to find anymore.

Those engines didn't make all that much power, and most of the parts were the same as the turbo version that put out well over twice the power than what an '83 came with and they don't need rebuilt/replaced all that often... if it's low on compression it could be a flat cam where you could update to a stock ranger roller cam for cheap from a junkyard ('88-95 Rangers I think). Rebuild parts are pretty cheap from rockauto.com also and these aren't too hard to rebuild.

 

[Kenneth S]

Look for 1979 and later Ford Mustangs with a 2.3, they have a 5200 carb on them, or you can adapt a Holley, or Motorcraft 2bbl carb. I bought a OMC boat intake manifold for a 2.3 off of ebay

made an adaptor plate for a Holley 350 2bbl carb, and put it on my truck.

A pic of a 1979, and later Mustang 2.3