I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 3.0 Vulcan automatic that has 230k on it with its second head gasket. It's pretty much wore out and I'm wanting to go with a 2.3 DuraTec. I'm going forced induction AKA turbocharged with this one but due to having four back surgeries, I have to keep the automatic transmission. I'm done swaps before with other vehicles so I know it's easier to just go with the same year and everything if you're doing the same engine but I've been told that the 2004 2.3 is the strongest one available. I'm only looking at getting 300 wheel horsepower out of the engine because that's all I need...and this is considerably more than the 3.0. Will the 2.3 automatic transmission be able to handle 300 wheel horsepower? Of course I would rebuild the transmission since it's out of the truck already but just wondering if there's any upgrades that I should look into?
Is there anything that will transfer from the 3.0 to the 2.3 also?
Thank you so much in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum

Rangers went to digital dash in 2004, so the computer and instrument clusters are "matched pairs" can't swap either without Fords software to "re-match" them together
This was to prevent odometer/cluster swapping
Can be done just adds a few levels of complications in dash wiring

I would stick to 2001-2003 2.3l computer, engine year is up to you
You can eliminate the 2001-2003 IMRC and the heated thermostat Check engine lights, there are work arounds as far as I know

There will be PATS(passive anti-theft system) to deal with(in any year computer after 2001), so if you can get keys with the computer your ignition lock and door locks can be re-pinned for those keys
OR
You can have your current keys added to the new computer's PATS memory, has to be done in the vehicle

But you are most likely going to need computer programming for the boost, and programmer can delete PATS test, and maybe IRC and Heated thermostat test as well

Of course the transmission for the 3.0l won't fit/bolt to the 2.3l engine even though they are the same model, 5R44E, so need the transmission with the 2.3l engine
Yes, 5R44E is rated at 440ft/lb torque so should be fine with 300hp

If doing a rebuild you can swap bell housings, but still need the 2.3l duratec bellhousing to swap in

If the 3.0l Trans is working well then it might be worth while selling it as is and using that money to buy and rebuild the trans that comes with the 2.3l

 

First off Ron, thank you!
That was way more information than I thought I would get on the first reply LOL. I really appreciate it.
Yeah I found some really low mile, JDM Mazda "L" engines. Both turbo and non turbo versions. I just remembered that they are the same engine as the Fords when you're talking about just the engine itself. So then I either have to locate a harness and ECU from the same year as my vehicle or do a stand alone engine management setup.
As long as I know what my options are I can make decisions although it may be hard decisions but at least know what they are LOL.
My engine is still decent I mean I can tell it's getting some wear and tear on it and the transmission is in really good shape as I had it rebuilt about a year and a half ago so I would be able to sell the drivetrain to help fund the new automatic transmission. Since they are the same transmission model codes, how do I search for a 2.3 automatic transmission and make sure I'm getting the right one?
The biggest decision again is do I buy a low mileage non-turbo 2.3 for $900 and put my own manifold turbo and so forth on it or by a turbo version with everything for $3000?
How are the stock internals on a naturally aspirated 2.3? I'm betting you're going to be good enough for what I want to do which is no more than 8lbs of boost. If this is the case I'm pretty sure I can find all the stuff I need to turbo the na 2.3 for a lot less than the two grand difference.
Course let me know your opinion.... that's why I'm here!

 

The man you want to answer these questions is Mediasvi, he loves the 2.3l DOHC Durtec

I sent him a PM so he will see it next time he is here

For now scroll to the top of this screen
Click on the "SEARCH \/" icon in the tool bar
Select Advanced Search
In the "user name" slot type in Mediasvi

The scroll down and select Search Now
You will see all his posts, start reading

 

I do not think you will get 300HP from a 2.3 durtec without power adder. Another thing you can do is use a 2.5 duratec block with a 2.3 duratec head which is the way to go because low mile 2.3 duratec engines are very hard to come by a d 2.5 duratec are very easy to find.