Supercoupe engine?!?

[Sevensecondsuv]

Well, I'm starting with a EEC-IV (1994 down) 2.3 ranger which is the same motor. The exhaust piping and intercooler piping are the only things that will take custom fitting. Other than that is just wiring the whole thing, but that isn't much different than putting a 2.3T in a 87-93 2.3 mustang, but moving different pins on the computer, obviously.

 

[92MiniMonster]

Well, i would very much like to do this conversion, however a couple questions arise. Such as, is it too much stress on this engine to spin 33's, and, some wiring questions:

Since i currently have the 2.9l engine harness in my truck. Should i be looking to get a 2.3l engine harness, install it, and then start like i had a 4 banger and then add the Misc. plugs and pins for the new engine, or Should i find a turbo harness and install it in the truck and be done with it? Which would be easier? Also, do the turbo cars, ie: XR4Ti, XR7, SVO, and TC's have the same harness adapter into the firewall as our trucks? Basically i just want to know which way to go with this on the harness. Thanks,
Shawn

 

[92MiniMonster]

Yeah, all the later (and therefore more desirable) 2.3T's used the A4LD for the automatic, which is the same trans used in the ranger thru 1994. However, the bellhousings are different between the 2.3 and V6 ranger A4LD. So you'll either need to find a 2.3 4x4 auto ranger trans (good luck finding that combo )or you could reuse your current trans if you installed a 2.3 bellhousing on it. I had a tranny shop do this on an A4LD and it cost 100 bucks with all new seals etc.

In reference to the above^^^^^
1. Are these A4LD trannys the same inside, or were the turbo trannys a bit stronger, i just had mine rebuilt, but i would rather not blow the b*tch up on the first pedal mash either.

 

[Davis]

i am not certain on this one but i think they are the same. it seems though, those running the stock auto on a 2.3 want to switch to either a t-5 manual or a c4 auto as the stock autos dont do all that well with increased power and also seem so drain a lot of power.

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

Well, i would very much like to do this conversion, however a couple questions arise. Such as, is it too much stress on this engine to spin 33's, and, some wiring questions:

Since i currently have the 2.9l engine harness in my truck. Should i be looking to get a 2.3l engine harness, install it, and then start like i had a 4 banger and then add the Misc. plugs and pins for the new engine, or Should i find a turbo harness and install it in the truck and be done with it? Which would be easier? Also, do the turbo cars, ie: XR4Ti, XR7, SVO, and TC's have the same harness adapter into the firewall as our trucks? Basically i just want to know which way to go with this on the harness. Thanks,
Shawn

Actually the simplest thing to do would just be to modify the few parts of the 2.9L harness that actually need changing as most of the hookups are the same. Some wires may need lengthening, and you'll have to wire in the VAM, etc. But I'll bet much of the 2.9L harness can be used as-is, and then just swap pins at the computer.

 

[92MiniMonster]

Davis:
I would prefer not to go to manual, although its no big deal. I really didnt want to think about mounting new pedals, however like i said, if i have to i will. Also, i was still shooting for my stock trans because i would still have 4wd. Unless there is another non-headbanger solution for using a t-5. My concern isnt my tranny robbing HP, i mean i love power, but, it is just a daily driver.

SevenSecondSUV:
The 2.9 harness being ok, would i basically just be using the wires and splicing/connecting the turbo plugs on the ends?

 

[mitchellcustom]

3.8 Sc

I have 2 Supercoupes one I wrecked so then I built the other one both have shown #s of 270+ Hp to the rear wheels witch is over 300 at the crank and I have less than $1800 in either one both of mine were built with a non Super charged shortblocks their isn't that much difference in the non charged and the charged engines. Good luck on your engine swap if you do go with the 3.8SC share the knowledge I would love to do the same thing.

 

[Davis]

the early 5-speed 4wd s-10 had a t-5. so if you really wanted to go that route, you would just have to find a t-case and rear section from a 4wd 5-sp s-10. of course it would require some driveline fabrication and would be a lot of work, but you would definitely have a stout drivetrain.

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

The easy choice for manual is the M5OD. They are used in all manual ranger with 2.3 after 1989. They are plenty easy to find in 4x4 version which will bolt up to your transfer case. They will also bolt up to the 2.3T using the ranger clutch set up (don't cheap out on the clutch though as it will be holding much more torque than a stock 2.3). Many have tried this combo and the verdict is generally that the M5OD is plenty strong for even a modded 2.3T.

The 2.9 harness has many of the exact same sensors used in the 2.3T and every other EEC-IV ford product. Obviously there are some differences between a 2.3T and a 2.9, that's where you would have to modify it.

 

[Davis]

I had the M5OD and it did okay, but after a while, it started to die. It never did break on me, but that is probably because I don't let things get that bad.

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

If I break mine I will rebuild using parts for the 01-03 explorer sport 4.0L SOHC M5OD-R1HD tranny. Same trans, but with 4.0L gear ratios (steeper first and closer gears thereafter, which are great for use with a powerful engine) and supposedly stronger guts.

 

[92MiniMonster]

Cheaper than just finding a used one of those years? Will those internals fit in the older M5OD version without any modifications? That interests me

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

Will those internals fit in the older M5OD version without any modifications?

That's what I hear, but I've never done it so I can't confirm for sure. The only reason you can't use the entire trans from the 4.0 donor is because the 2.3 and 4.0 trannies have different bellhousings.

 

[ejholmgren]

i am not certain on this one but i think they are the same. it seems though, those running the stock auto on a 2.3 want to switch to either a t-5 manual or a c4 auto as the stock autos dont do all that well with increased power and also seem so drain a lot of power.

Good luck on finding a t5 or c4 to bw1350/1354 adapter. Most places stopped making them and they were ~$600 when you could buy them.

 

[Nighteyez]

Your other option that you haven't mentioned is a 2.3 turbo. Don't laugh, they easily make as much power as a lightly modded V8. I'll complete my 2.3T swap for about $1200 when it's all said and done (I've been quite "resourceful" in gather parts though). And that includes an extremely ported head (did it myself), a tubular turbo header, 3" exhaust, front-mount intercooler and some other performance upgrades. I'm hoping for 250 HP /300 ft*lbs.

I am thinking of doing the same thing to my '85 Ranger when it gets here. However, I am just going to put a stock 2.3 turbo engine in it for the time being, with the only possible exception being a larger front mounted intercooler. Definitely post your progress I am very interested in this swap.