inquiring mind

[Maxx422]

My son has an 85 Ranger 4x4 with the 2.3. The engine finally went out and i need to replace it with a new one. is The 4.0 the best way to go? It was his grandfathers so it has lots of sentimental value.

 

[adsm08]

Hi, cool, welcome. I love to see people asking about restoring 1st gen Rangers.

The 4.0 being the "best" way to go is kinda subjective. If you already had a 2.9 in place, especially if it were an 88+ 2wd then yes, the 4.0 would be the way to go. In your case, there are many other factors to be considered.

1) Budget

2) Skills

3) Desired outcome


Anything but another 2.3 will require a good budget and some skills. It will require replacement of the trans.

If you want power the 4.0 and 5.0 are the top choices. A good, well done 5.0 swap can also net some good gas mileage. A 5.0 will also be the easiest engine to carb if you go carb, but came with FI as well.

I just put a 4.0 in my 87, love it love it love it. The big draw of the 4.0 for me was that it was very similar in design to the 2.9 it was replacing, lots of parts compatibility, and so I was able to do the project over a span of several years without having the truck down for more than a week or two at a time.

If I had the project to do over, and I had to do it all at once, engine trans, etc, I would go 5.0 I think.

 

[RonD]

I would agree with adsm08, as usual

If you really want to swap to a V engine then 5.0l would be the way to go, same effort as 4.0l but more fuel and spark options and better power.

BUT(big but) a 2.3l Turbo might be a nice upgrade, still get the better MPG but have that extra "kick" when you want it
No trans or transfer case swap needed, motor mounts are the same, just update the fuel system and add the computer and wiring

Good read here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Turbos.shtml

 

[adsm08]

Actually Ron, he might not need to mess with the fuel system too much. An 85 2.3L should be FI already.

 

[SenorNoob]

BUT(big but) a 2.3l Turbo might be a nice upgrade/QUOTE]

I like that for a simpler swap. But, wouldn't there be pretty good chance of breaking things with the power of the 2.3T?

 

[RonD]

Ford used the same trans(manual or auto) for the 4cyl or V6 in '85, as far as I know, so there is room to grow without breaking stock parts.
2.3l rated about 80HP
2.8l 115HP
They both came with same trans/transfercase and axles

2.9l 140HP also used the same running gear in '86 I think

The 2.3l turbo can go up to 190HP so if you push the limit on boost then yes, you may want to upgrade running gear, lol.

The 2.3l bottom end of the engine itself is the same, same crank, rods and pistons in turbo or non-turbo

 

[RonD]

Actually Ron, he might not need to mess with the fuel system too much. An 85 2.3L should be FI already.

Good info, I thought '85 was still on the carb