I was told that the 2.3/2.5 Lima engines are swapable, is that true?

Looking to put a 96 2.3l in my 99 2.5l manual trans.

 

Yes, 2.5l is a Stroked 2.3l
They have the same block, same pistons and same head
2.5l has different crank and longer connecting rods.

Because of the year difference there were changes in sensor placement and fuel pressure.
So you should use the 1999 2.5l intake/injectors on the 2.3l also exhaust manifold.
They use the same head so both will fit.

In the late 1990's Ford was changing from a 3 wire Cam Sensor(hall effect) to a 2 wire Cam Sensor(variable reluctance).
Not sure they did that with the 2.5l but check if Cam sensor is 3 wire or 2 wire, this needs to match so the 1999 computer can understand the sensors signal.

 

So the one and only thing I have to make sure of is that both my 2.5l and this donor 2.3l have the same 3 wire cam sensor?

 

It looks like my ranger has only 2 wires.



So what are my options?

 

So move that CPS to the 2.3l engine, I think the AUX gear it reads is the same.

 

Not trying to discredit your knowledge ronD but when I do a search for a 2.3l or even 2.5l Lima cam position sensor it's coming up with both being 2 prong/wire.

 

Then you should be fine with either, the V6 engines used hall effect 3 wire Cam sensors until the late 1990's