New '84 Ranger

[TrevorJWillis]

I just got an '84 ranger and was wondering what kind of cool swaps and stuff I can do with it? It's got the 2.3L 4 cylinder in it now and I want something with more power. Thanks

 

[97RangerXLT]

First off, Welcome to TRS

Second, make sure it runs and is reliable. drive it for a few months to learn its quirks and to make sure that it is not going to blow up on you.

After you are reasonably sure that it will last, do a turbo on it. search the site (use Google Custom Search, it works better) and look at what is involved.

Have fun!

(oh btw, there is no real "cheap" way to get performance out of these trucks...)

AJ

 

[coyotefiveoh]

if your located in BC Canada i know a perfect donor truck with a running 2.3L Turbo diesel.... i wanna buy it but i just bought a house and cannot afford to right now.... he only wants $500 - rear end is seized, but it runs like a top, i just went and looked at it and drooled at it lol. I own a 86 Factory Turbo diesel that runs great, just wanted spare parts!!!

 

[RangerPatrol]

Hey Im in BC where is the Turbo Diesel located, sounds like it needs a good home.

 

[BLOODBANE]

347 stroker in this one....

It also has a C-6, but thats a booger to fit in there

 

[96Indyram]

Welcome to TRS!

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

That link I posted is to the tech articles.... covers almost any engine swap etc...

Happy reading.

 

[Captain Ledd]

I just got an '84 ranger and was wondering what kind of cool swaps and stuff I can do with it? It's got the 2.3L 4 cylinder in it now and I want something with more power. Thanks

First off, congrats on the purchase!!!

Everybody builds their vehicles differently. Be sure to drive yours for at least a few months before you really dig into it. Think hard about what specifically you want the truck to accomplish and focus on what it falls short on and address those issues one by one. Otherwise you'll spend a bunch of money and time building a vehicle that still doesn't accomplish what you expect it to or want out of it. And that is a s***ty feeling afterwards as you're back at square one...

A 2.3L turbo is probably the most convenient way to get more engine power with what you already have. You wouldn't need to source other misc parts, and will work fairly cleanly since you already have the 2.3L, most things are already going to be int the correct place with a few exceptions.

To reiterate what's been said above, go fast parts go through money fast. Modding for more power will cost you money, one way or another (and I'm not referring to fuel).

My suggestion, which I feel is a slightly more viable solution for some, is to consider re-gearing the axle(s) if it's too slow off the line. It hurts a little more with a 4wd truck as you have to spend 2X the money, but it might be able to be done more inexpensively than an engine swap, especially if 2wd (but that greatly depends on how much you manage to source the turbo donor for). You can go a bit farther and add in a traction enhancer of some sort (either limited slip or a locker) at this time as well if desired. I went all the way to 4.56 with a 235/75R15 tire, which is pretty deep for that tire size. 70 mph isn't bad at all, even though the engine turns at about 3,000. But the acceleration is sooo much nicer, and it's much easier and peppier starting from a stop. I have no regrets from doing it. The 4 cylinders in these need RPM to do much.

 

[coyotefiveoh]

Hey Im in BC where is the Turbo Diesel located, sounds like it needs a good home.

PM Me and i can give you more info.