need some help

[Brent]

I have a 1989 ranger that I have put a 2.3, 4 spark plug motor in place of the 2.3, 8 spark plug motor. Can the crank position sensor be eliminated?

 

[RonD]

CKP(crank position) sensor was added/needed when distributor was removed from engines.

If you have a distributor, or add one, then you no longer need the CKP sensor, or the external ignition control module(ICM), pre-1995.

BUT(big but) the computer still needs a "timing signal" for the fuel injectors, in pre-CKP sensor Fords, that signal came from the TFI module on distributor.
The distributor rotation and signal IDed #1 TDC for the computer, the CKP sensor does the same but rotates at twice the speed of distributor, so I don't think an ICM computer would work with a TFI signal and visa versa.
Never tried it though

 

[Brent]

ckp remove

i was thinking i could tie into the pick up in distributor pick up ....or change out wiring I have wireloom and ecm to this motor from a 87 but different plugs going back into cab ? but thank you for responding !!!

 

[RonD]

There are a few "hotrod" sites that discuss switching over from Ford TFI to Ford EDIS(distributorless) systems, that is the more popular choice, since they are more reliable.
Most discuss the changes that need to be made to the computer(EEC or ECM) when tuning it
Look here: http://info.efidynotuning.com/ignition.htm

VRS = CKP sensor in these diagrams, CKP is a Variable Reluctance Sensor

PIP, is the signal from the distributor/TFI module TO pin 56 on computer, #1 TDC timing signal
SPOUT, is the signal FROM computer pin 36, to the TFI module that is used to advance/retard spark timing.
There is also a Ground(ign ground) that goes from computer pin 16 to TFI module

TFI module info here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml