Was there ever an aluminum block ranger?

[sirhk100]

I can see talk here and there of a 2.3L 4 cylinder that was possibly aluminum block after like 2002 time frame maybe? Is there truth to this? I've seen conversation on forums and what not but haven't seen it actually listed somewhere in writing from a source with merit. If it exists or if any aluminum ranger block engines exist, what are they? Like what's the official code designation for the engine? Like I think the old pinto 2.3 is referred to as the lima engine...

Disregard rumors of the future ranger to be released. I'm asking strictly in regards to existing models. US only btw...

Thanks

 

[stmitch]

Yeah, beginning with a mid-year change in 2001, all Ranger 4 cylinders were the all aluminum, DOHC Duratec 2.3l engine. They're lighter, more powerful, cleaner and more fuel efficient than the previous Lima 4 cylinders.

You can do your own research but the basics are that it was a joint venture with Mazda and the same basic engine architecture was used in various configurations and displacements. When put in a Ford, they were called Duratecs, and in Mazdas they were known as MZRs. It's the 4 cylinder that came in pretty much every Ford or Mazda product from 01-2010 or so. The first generation of 4 cylinder EcoBoost engines are based on the same design too.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^

Mazda L engine was the all aluminum base for the Rangers Duratec 23

Designed for Front WD cars and transverse mounting, when used in the Ranger this engine has a PITA cooling hose and fitting in the back of the head, accessed by dropping the trans or pulling the engine.
Although some have fixed a leak there without doing that

Ranger 2.3l(lima), 2.5l(lima), 2.8l, 2.9l, 3.0l and 4.0l(ohv/sohc) all had cast iron blocks

2.0l/2.3l/2.5l were all made at Ford's Lima, Ohio engine plant, hence the name, first used in Pinto cars which is where it got the nick name Pinto engine
2.0l was an under bored 2.3l
2.5l was a stroked 2.3l

 

[pjtoledo]

I'll add that the 2.3 Duratec is a great engine. I now have 311,900 miles on my 2005. they love to rev, get good mileage, easily pull trailers, and being light weight enhance handling.

 

[sirhk100]

Awesome! Thanks for the info guys! I really appreciate it!