Tempo 2.3 into a 1994 Ranger?

[stickboy697]

I have looked through the tech section regarding the 2.3 4 cyl, and if I understand correctly the 2.3 from 83 to 94 were nearly the same with the exception of DIS mounting holes added in 87, and the 89-94 have larger Main journal saddles. I purchased a 1994 Ranger 4cyl 5 spd with a hole in the oil pan from mechanical failure, and am looking at a couple of options for replacement engines. I have located a 2.3 out of a 93 Mustang, that I believe would bolt right in according to what I have read. I have also located a 1992 Ford Tempo with less miles on it for similar cost, and was wondering if it is the same Lima style engine that would bolt in with minimal alterations. I have read elsewhere that it may not be the same style of engine and am wanting to confirm before I make the decision on which motor to get, as it is about a 2 hour driving distance difference dependent on which motor I buy. Thanks in advance for the responses.

 

[97RangerXLT]

While I can't give you an answer as to the differences between the two, I will give you some things to ponder...

First, how big of a difference in mileage? if it is only 20 or 30k, I would go with the Mustang engine, as it is newer, more likely to be a direct bolt in for your 94 Ranger and really 30k is not that big of a difference in mileage for a 20 year old engine...

Speaking of bolt in swaps... even if the mileage is a 60k difference, it might be worth it just to not have to reinvent the wheel to get an engine that was set up in a front wheel drive car to fit in a rear wheel drive truck, and fight the differences between sensors and wiring harness (if any) between 2 years

If your differences are that you need to swap intakes/ oilpans and what not to make it work, that wouldn't be to bad. Add in to your budget for new gaskets, which might not be a bad idea regardless of which engine.

If the engine needs holes drilled into lugs cast into the block that were not machined out because that particular engine went to a fwd instead of rwd... that can be a pain if you don't have machine tools..(thinking about motor mount locations on this one, but I have no clue so I will let someone else answer that one)

Good luck, and let us know what you find.

AJ

 

[Kenneth S]

The 93 Mustang 2.3 is a bolt in, the Tempo has the junky (won't bolt in) 2.3 HSC engine. The 2.3 HSC in the Tempo's are a totally different engine than the 2.3 Lima.

 

[stickboy697]

Thanks for the replies

Kenneth confirms what I had read previously, and I was just hoping to cut the budget a bit by getting one from a Tempo, but it appears that won't be happening. Will probably be going with the Mustang 2.3 as was stated it is more apt to be "direct fit" then dealing with unknown issues. Thanks again for the quick responses guys!

 

[4b316]

as long as you have the motor out,I would put new mains and rod bearings in,pretty sure the pans are different anyways so you might have to swap pans.I would also use the cam and rockers from your 2.3 as it will have a roller cam and the mustang does not.My 2 cents

 

[Mikel89us]

A 91-93 mustang motor will drop right in, similar pan, same cam. All the roller cams are the same. Even the 98-01 2.5 uses the same roller cam.