2.3L ('02-'11) newbe needing help

[chris g]

thanks for letting me join TRS!! my question is can someone direct me on the differences between a 2002 2.3 ranger engine and a 2007 ranger 2.3 engine i cant find any info on interchange the only difference i can find is the intake on the 2002 has a runner control and electronis t stat and 10hp difference in the 2 engines.my 2002 has a slight low end knock almost un detectable.so i have a spare 2007 engine to get ready to rebuild to replace the 02 engine when looking up a reman engine it says the 01 to 03 engine is not compatible with the 07. thanks in advance chris

 

[pjtoledo]

last spring I removed the 2.3 from my 2005 and replaced it with a 2002 2.3
I did the opposite you are attempting. "they" also told me I couldn't put an older 2002 in my 2005. it's been in and running fine for several months.
the basic block and head are identical, it's the stuff that bolts on that differs.
you can take all* of your 2002 externals and bolt them on to the 2007. that includes the intake manifold and thermostat.

I left the head attached, and the exhaust manifold attached. the exhaust is slightly different in design but it bolts exactly the same to the down pipe.
the valve cover on a 2002 is aluminum, 2005 is plastic. the PVC port near the oil cap is slightly different.

the intake is different do to the runners and the vacuum ports at the rear. keep the 2002 manifold.

* the only part I had to improvise was the PVC tube going from the big air intake tube to the port on top of the valve cover next to the oil cap.

DO NOT LOOSEN THE HARMONIC BALANCER BOLT. LOOSENING THAT BOLT IN THE SLIGHTEST REQUIRES THE ENGINE TO BE RE-TIMED

 

[chris g]

fantastic thanks so much!!!

 

[pjtoledo]

here are some pics, mostly of the 2005. once the engine is out dealing with all the hoses isn't too bad.

2.3L ('02-'11) - 2005/2002 duratec engine pics, hoses | The Ranger Station