New Guy with entry level questions....

[Shrike]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the 4 banger world but I just fell in love with the 2.3 so I intend to use it in my next project.

I have a few entry level questions to get me all tuned up on the 2.3

1. I understand the single plug head is the best one to use ?
2. Will the single plug head bolt on any 2.3 block ?
3. Is the 92' Ranger engine a good candidate for a hotrod motor?
4. What year engines do you guys like best for a hotrod street engine?
5. Are the 5 speeds behind the 2.3's strong enough for a hot 2.3 ?

Thank you guys for any help and advice you may have, I dig the little 2.3. I found a part out Ranger with motor and tranny. I hope the bottom end will accept an earlier head.

Thanks you guys !

 

[Mikel89us]

4plug heads do have the best power potential.

Yes the 4 plug will bolt on to any block, however, the 95-up blocks do not have the provision for a distributor, so electronic ignition is a must on them.

Then92 block us an excellent block for a project, because you can leave it a 2.3, or drop in the rotating assembly (cranks, rods, and pistons) from a 98-01 2.5l and make it a striker.

The newer engines made the most power, but for the most part, your 92 (I assume you already have one or have one lined up) cam will work well unless you want to do a higher hp naturally aspirated motor, then an aftermarket cam will be necessary.

Most of the 5 speeds in 2.3 fords will handle around 250 ft lbs or torque. They are reliable to there, and some have been known to take 300, but that's pushing it.

I hope this helps, and don't be afraid to message me for any other advice you.may need. Good luck!

 

[Shrike]

Thanks Mike! I found a complete motor/tranny but I have not been able to make a deal yet. It is a 92' Ranger so I guess I will use the bottom end and tranny. Stay tuned !!...

Thanks, Paul...

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS Paul!

I would add that the 8 plug heads can be used with a distributor setup...you just have to plug the holes for the plugs...and plugs make good plugs for plug holes...

Most common issues with these engines are blown head gaskets or cracked heads...there are other issues but they don't usually result in being stranded somewhere...so the head is the actual weak point of them...

Any time I buy a used head I always take it to a shop to have them tested for cracks...if the parts truck is owned by someone you can question...or, better, someone who will let you hear the motor running...get them to start it up for you if possible...otherwise...I'd suggest to take the head off and have a shop test it...

If you want to build a hot rod then this will be a necessary step regardless of what you do with it...

As for your question about what the engines will power...2 door Rangers are good candidates (extended cabs too, but more weight to pull around) as are dune buggies...one guy on here put one in a suzuki samarai with good results...as long as the weight isn't excessive...as in putting one of these engines in a full sized vehicle would leave you seriously under powered (without the turbo option) but, then again, Ford produced thousands of Turbo Coupes with very good success...

 

[Shrike]

Thanks Mark! Right now, if I can make a deal for the engine/tranny combo then I will probably rebuild the the whole motor and retro fit and older milled head on the 92' block.
I will post pics once this project start coming together...

Please chime in if you have any advice !

Thanks you guys !

 

[Mikel89us]

Mark, by my experience, the 8plug heads will not work with a distributor. I tried it once, and the intake is about 1-2" in the way of the distributor. All the 8 plug intakes have about the same design, the intake runner for cyl one is in the way.

 

[Mark_88]

Mark, by my experience, the 8plug heads will not work with a distributor. I tried it once, and the intake is about 1-2" in the way of the distributor. All the 8 plug intakes have about the same design, the intake runner for cyl one is in the way.

You're probably right about that...but I'm certain that I'd seen one on here with a carb and distributor...maybe they hacked a notch out of the intake and fed the dizzy through the hole...lol...

I remember looking into this years ago and someone recommended a 96 head because it flowed better...just can't remember if someone else corrected that suggestion...so...to Paul...try to use what you have if possible or find one of the older 4 plug heads and port and polish it a bit...for more power...but that has some dangers if you make it too smooth or try to take out too much material...

 

[Mikel89us]

That was just my experience. The cap was what hit, and maybe it can be modified to fit, but it didn't look possible to me, this was also 7 or 8 years ago!

 

[Shrike]

Perhaps the Esslinger intake clears ??...

 

[Mikel89us]

Esslinger doesn't make an intake for the 8 plug

 

[Mikel89us]

Since you are looking as essy parts, are you looking to drop some can on this engine build?

 

[Shrike]

Ahh,.. so yeah...no...lol...

 

[Mikel89us]

Hahaha ok, just checking. What kind of power are you looking to get?

 

[Shrike]

Well, I hope with a cam, some compression and some roller parts if available.... 140HP ??...

What do you guys think ? Is 140HP doable ??...

I want something like this one...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWMeTeU2Ddg

 

[Mark_88]

definitely doable...I did something similar on my first engine (2.0) and didn't have it dyno tested but there was a very noticeable difference...I could actually PASS other vehicles on the road without having to wait for a downhill run at it...or a tailwind.

It cost me around $700 if I recall correctly...but only lasted six months as I blew out the head with an overheat...so my advice is to prepare to do things like replace the cooling system if it is not already replaced...and watch those temp gauges in the spring and fall when the outside temps rise and fall dramatically and you (me, actually) foolishly leave a hunk of cardboard covering part of your rad so you can get some cabin heat...lol

Anyway...yes...a good cam, some P&P, a few TRS stickers and you're good for 140 HP...