2.3 5 speed performance
#1
08-06-2023
2.3 5 speed performance
Had my 2.3 engine rebuilt and it runs great on flat roads but cruising in OD (5 speed manual) at 70-80 as soon as I hit any up grade it just seems to fall on its face and quickly loses speed. Requiring a down shift. Since this is not my daily driver am I expecting too much from this little 4 banger or is this typical? This is with no load so I'm wondering if any performance up grades would help and what they might be.
#2
08-06-2023
Always include the year of the Ranger, as there were 2 different 2.3l engines and groups of years had different horse powers
You have a 1994 2,3l SOHC Lima engine, also called "the Pinto" engine because if was first used in a 1974 Ford Pinto
1994 2.3l would be rated at 100HP(at 4,600rpm) with 133ft/lb torque at 2,600rpm
The 2,600rpm is when the engine has the most torque/"power", so if you are in 5th gear and going up a grade at 2,000rpm you WILL lose speed, need to downshift to get engine RPMs near the 2,600rpm
Cruising on flat roads at 2,000-2,200rpm is fine
Also check your rear axle ratio
Look at the Build Label on the back edge of drivers door, take a picture of it so you have it handy, lots of info on that label about this one vehicle, this is what it came with from Ford Factory
At the bottom is has AXLE, and under it a code
Then go here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ag-door-codes/
Scroll down and look up your code
Many 4cyl Rangers came with low axle ratios to get better MPG, new buyers were not interested in power they wanted MPG
3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.55 are the lower power but higher MPG ratios
3.73 was the standard ratio in most V6 Rangers
4.10 was best for towing or hauling loads, but lower MPG
The lower the ratio the lower the engine RPMs at speed, so a 3.08 ratio would have a much higher top speed, than a 4.10 but lower 0 to 60mph time to get up to speed than a 4.10
3.73 was the compromise ratio, lol
You have a 1994 2,3l SOHC Lima engine, also called "the Pinto" engine because if was first used in a 1974 Ford Pinto
1994 2.3l would be rated at 100HP(at 4,600rpm) with 133ft/lb torque at 2,600rpm
The 2,600rpm is when the engine has the most torque/"power", so if you are in 5th gear and going up a grade at 2,000rpm you WILL lose speed, need to downshift to get engine RPMs near the 2,600rpm
Cruising on flat roads at 2,000-2,200rpm is fine
Also check your rear axle ratio
Look at the Build Label on the back edge of drivers door, take a picture of it so you have it handy, lots of info on that label about this one vehicle, this is what it came with from Ford Factory
At the bottom is has AXLE, and under it a code
Then go here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ag-door-codes/
Scroll down and look up your code
Many 4cyl Rangers came with low axle ratios to get better MPG, new buyers were not interested in power they wanted MPG
3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.55 are the lower power but higher MPG ratios
3.73 was the standard ratio in most V6 Rangers
4.10 was best for towing or hauling loads, but lower MPG
The lower the ratio the lower the engine RPMs at speed, so a 3.08 ratio would have a much higher top speed, than a 4.10 but lower 0 to 60mph time to get up to speed than a 4.10
3.73 was the compromise ratio, lol
#3
08-06-2023
#4
08-06-2023
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