2.3L ('83-'97) Just feeling froggy Wana boost?

[Cole8222]

1997 ranger 2.3. redid all suspension ported intake polished exhaust just cuz. Basically I Wana go get a junk yard turbo and intercooler. Run ehh 4-5 lbs of boost 7 tops. If my stock engine will handle it (aka the 9:1 piston issue.) Questions are can the engine handle 4-7 lbs of boost preferably 5. What car should I rip the turbo from? (Thinking a turbo from a 2.0 VW beetle) and if I keep low boost can I get away with my stock 19# injectors ect for file system and Maf sensor. Not looking for crazy power. Just well I'd like it to get out its own way at 60 + mph (got a 8.8 rear with 3.73 gears don't Wana go to 4:10 just some baby boost

 

[Blmpkn]

Pardon Our Interruption...

Make it "easy" on yourself.

Still not gonna exactly be easy, or cheap. Your truck being obd2 slightly complicates things.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The bottom end aside from the cast pistons is fine, cast pistons just can't take preignition abuse like forged can...

Should be able to handle about 5psi, just listen for any pinging and keep that in check. I would go with one size bigger injector and the turbo kit thing and go from there. That's pretty much my plan one of these days...

 

[Mechrick]

You won't be happy with it. The thing will ping if the wind blows.

I did this experiment with 9:1 flat tops (Speed Pros). The factory pistons are fragile. Running 6 psi with premium fuel and aftermarket injection I couldn't keep it from pinging.

With the 2.3L it's always best to drive compression lower. I built my Mustang with a 2.5L crank, 5.2" 2.3 connecting rods and custom dished Wiseco pistons and it ended up 7.4:1.

There are dished Speed Pros out there you can swap on your stock rods (assuming you have 5.2" rods and not the longer ones introduced in 1998). Let me see if I can find them: There they are....
030"-over set, but you get the idea.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/slp-h559p30/make/ford

These aren't forged, but the Speed Pros are significantly stronger than stock. If your short block is in decent condition, you can just swap your rings onto the new pistons and go. I checked this at one point and I believe the ring pack ends up in the same place.

Aftermarket injection is a must for any forced induction. Swapping in a larger injector won't do it. At 6 psi I was forced to use a 24 lb-hr injector. Megasquirt with a wideband is probably the cheapest way out.

 

[superj]

mmmmmm megasquirt

 

[parker]

I have a mazda rx8 with a 2.3L turbocharged motor from a 94 ranger does anyone have a base tune to get it running and driving using megasquirt?

 

[Blmpkn]

I have a mazda rx8 with a 2.3L turbocharged motor from a 94 ranger does anyone have a base tune to get it running and driving using megasquirt?

Best bet for that would be on an RX forum

 

[Ranger850]

Best bet for that would be on an RX forum

... but, the motor is from a Ranger.

 

[Blmpkn]

... but, the motor is from a Ranger.

Jesus h.

First hot day up here. Sun drunk beyond belief right now lol my bad.

 

[parker]

Yea I just need a base tune

 

[Blmpkn]

Yea I just need a base tune

What'd you do with the wankel that came out of it? I've always thought a mini-truck with a rotary would be too cool.

 

[superj]

No one on the megasquirt forum has a tune for you?

 

[envious8420]

Funny to see this now, I bought a convertible Rx7 with the 13b and a 5speed trans a few days ago just for this purpose. and being a convertible maybe some of the convertible parts will be worth what I paid for it. ill be putting up some pics in a day or two.

Jim