Help out a newbie?

[jwsalome]

I've got a 1984 Ford Ranger with a 2.3L 4 banger. A complete base model, with no a/c, no abs, no power steering, etc. Ive been workin on it for a bit now, and I've got it up and running.
The Problem I've got now is that i want to get performance out of this little truck and I have very little experience in "tuning out" a truck. If any one has any advice or reccomendations for me, it would be much appreciated. I will post some pictures of my little frankenstein, lol, aduring my new restoration of it.
Thanks,

 

[adsm08]

One of those should work.

 

[doorgunner]

Tell us how much money you're planning to put into the "performance modifications".......the members will give you a better idea of your options.

 

[John Smith]

This is pretty much the answer i would guess..

Tell us how much money you're planning to put into the "performance modifications".......the members will give you a better idea of your options.

The good news is that if it's a stock 2.3L it probably has 9:1 compression or thereabouts.

I would only add to the above advice to check the compression on all cylinders to get a basic idea of how good of shape the rings are in..From there it's all in the head/cam/carb combo to get up to about 125-130 HP if you feel that is enuf or even more with a liitle more money but

with some head work, a good 2 bbl carb if you don't have one..and may be shave the head if ur willing..

add a header..and ur not doing too bad...and w/o ps holding you back you can actually utilize what hp ur puttin out..

When u have it apart see what head you actually have by casting number..some are easier to mod than others..but all will benefit from port work and bigger valves even if ur in the mood...the money is in the head and cam (Roller from an 88-94)...not much else really....

Some reading here..

http://www.bo-port.com/

here you will find casting numbers of original heads....

if you are fortunate to have a 2.3L that someone has changed the oil in properly you may have a pretty good crank/block to work with.

the stock bottom end can handle 600HP+ w/o effort...it has a 5 main-journal crankshaft and stock rods can handle 300HP..

the achilles heel is the aux shaft/diz/oil pump shaft/oil PU screen issue that can cause failure of the diz gear if not monitored..These engines are getting up in age...

turboford.org is a great source for high HP use and abuse of these motors...

http://forum.turboford.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

I think you have a great platform to have fun with..enjoy

good luck