motor swap from 2.9 to 2.3

[bowlingbum]

Hi all this is my first post. I currently own a 1989 ford ranger 2wd 2.9 long story short the motor is on its way out. I seen alot of people do a swap to a 2.3. I have a chance to get a really good deal on a 2.3 out of a 93 mustang lx dual spark motor with 50 k on it runs great. I will be able to get everything wiring harness,radiator,cooling van everything i need for a great price. i ask tho what are some issues i might run into. i will not use the trans out of the 2.3 its auto and my 5 speed manual is perfect thats bolted to the 2.9 will my trans bolt up or can i change bell hosuing from a manual . will i need a diff starter also .what do i need to grab from this donor to make it happen will i need to change motor mounts etc . if anyone has any info on this swap id really apreciate it thank you.

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

The good news is...it's been done before...by me...

The not so good news is...you will need the transmission and probably a driveshaft for the 2.3...not sure if the Mustangs used the M5OD like the Rangers but if not you will want one out of a Ranger...it's a truck thing!

Same for the starter...if your 2.9 is a manual you won't need to change the pedals since they both use a hydrolic clutch and the master will work with both. The driveshaft may be the proper length but you will probably have to change the end with one that will fit the 2.3 transmission...

The motor mounts are different...so plan to pick up a set of those...and the transmission cross member should work...didn't have to move mine and that was from an automatic 2.9 to a manual 2.3...

So you have a bit more parts scrounging before doing the swap and hopefully you will have enough time to get everything together...it is an easy swap...made easier if you remove the cab...but that is not necessary...just more fun and more parts to replace...

 

[EMB1230]

Mustangs used the Borg Warner T5

 

[black_demon69]

Personally I would swap to a 4.0l just my 2cents

 

[dangerranger83]

I say 4.0 of you can.

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[simpler=better]

Eh, a 2.3/2.5 is going to be slow but get decent mileage. I can hit 25mpg on highway trips, and that's flooring it up every hill.

 

[EMB1230]

Eh, a 2.3/2.5 is going to be slow but get decent mileage. I can hit 25mpg on highway trips, and that's flooring it up every hill.

The fours can get 30mpg hwy easily, if you're sensible on the gas.

 

[1986fordranger]

I just got your PM bowlingbum, your best bet is to try and find a 2.0/2.3/2.5 manual transmission, flywheel, starter, and clutch, from a junk yard or on craigslist, ford made a zillion of them, so it should be pretty easy, if you stay with the mazda M50D transmission(straight shifter with an internal clutch slave cylinder) used in 1988 up rangers, then you can use your drive shaft and transmission crossmember, you will need the 2.3 motor mount's, however, depending on how old they are, and the mileage, you may want to just buy a new set, because the rubber in them tend's to degrade and come apart from age, and they are fairly cheap

as other's have said, if you wanted more power, the 4.0L ohv v6 is a good option, and can be alittle cheaper to swap, as of the 4.0 is the only other engine that will bolt up to your 2.9 bellhousing, so you wouldn't need to get another transmission in that case, here is alittle info on this swap incase you decide to go this route http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4L_Conversion_faqs.shtml

 

[LearjetMinako]

The fours can get 30mpg hwy easily, if you're sensible on the gas.

That would be the other, newer, Duratech 2.3L. In order for me to get 30mpg on the old 2.3L was to drive 45-55mph on a flat road with no wind.

 

[YungICY]

That would be the other, newer, Duratech 2.3L. In order for me to get 30mpg on the old 2.3L was to drive 45-55mph on a flat road with no wind.

I drove my 85 2.3 down to Santa Monica CA and back from southern Utah (about 550 miles one way). My Speedo doesn't work so I just watched the rpms. I was driving about 65-75mph and averaged a little better than 30mpg for the whole trip. But i am running a 3.08 axle and I had 205/70/14's at the time.



Sorry to get off topic .


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[simpler=better]

If torque and acceleration are more important than mileage, get the 4.0
I've owned both-driving the 4.0 is way more fun, but sucks gas down quick (13-18mpg)

The fours can get 30mpg hwy easily, if you're sensible on the gas.

I've got an ultragauge hooked up & calibrated. Front dam and tonneau cover. If I run at 55ish, really light on the throttle, it reads out 28-32. But I have places to be, so it averages 22mpg(floored, fast highway, shifting at 3500-4k)

 

[1986fordranger]

If torque and acceleration are more important than mileage, get the 4.0
I've owned both-driving the 4.0 is way more fun, but sucks gas down quick (13-18mpg)

it depends on if your talking about the ohv or sohc 4.0, my 1999 with the sohc 4.0, 5 speed automatic 4x4, got 20 city and 24-25 highway

but I never got more then maybe 15 city out of a 94 ranger with the 4.0 ohv in it that I drove for awhile

 

[simpler=better]

it depends on if your talking about the ohv or sohc 4.0, my 1999 with the sohc 4.0, 5 speed automatic 4x4, got 20 city and 24-25 highway

but I never got more then maybe 15 city out of a 94 ranger with the 4.0 ohv in it that I drove for awhile

Sorry, the OHV. I imagine the SOHC would do better

 

[Satans89XLT]

Welcome to TRS~!

The good news is...it's been done before...by me...

The not so good news is...you will need the transmission and probably a driveshaft for the 2.3...not sure if the Mustangs used the M5OD like the Rangers but if not you will want one out of a Ranger...it's a truck thing!

Same for the starter...if your 2.9 is a manual you won't need to change the pedals since they both use a hydrolic clutch and the master will work with both. The driveshaft may be the proper length but you will probably have to change the end with one that will fit the 2.3 transmission...

The motor mounts are different...so plan to pick up a set of those...and the transmission cross member should work...didn't have to move mine and that was from an automatic 2.9 to a manual 2.3...

So you have a bit more parts scrounging before doing the swap and hopefully you will have enough time to get everything together...it is an easy swap...made easier if you remove the cab...but that is not necessary...just more fun and more parts to replace...

How was the differences in motor size from 2.9 to 2.3. in terms of weight and handling I want to go from my 2.9 to hopefully 2.3 ecoboost

 

[SenorNoob]

Weight is supposedly pretty similar. Kind surprising considering one is an iron V6 and the other is an aluminum I4.