Hello everyone,, I have a mustang dirt track car and I was thinking bout putting a 2.3 duratec and 5 speed trans out of a ranger in it,, my question is how powerful and how dependable is this engine?

 

The 2.3l Duratec is a Mazda L engine
DOHC and a good reliable engine.
The M5OD-R1 transmission is bullet proof, very reliable, make sure to change the 3 shift rail plugs from stock rubber ones to metal ones, rubber ones would leak as they got older, costs under $2

The 23EW(east-west) was used in cars, transverse mounted(FWD), which was original design
The 23EW has cams that produce less torque but more horse power

The Ranger got the 23NS(north-south) it had cams that produce more torque and less horse power, and of course was mounted longitudinally(RWD)

The 2004+ Ranger 23NS had 10 more horse power(143) than the 2001-2003 versions(135)
The 2001-2003 versions also had a POS electric thermostat, so I would just get a 2004 or newer model

Google: Mazda L engine

Because original design was for transverse mounting there is a cooling line that comes out the back of the engine which is easy to get to in that configuration.
When they put the engine into a Ranger that cooling line became a problem if it should leak, can't get to it without dropping the transmission.
In a racing car you may have more clearance, or could cut a hole in firewall and install cover plate, before installing engine so you could have access there as needed.

 

Duratec 2.3's can be tuned for up to 300hp if your wallet is deep enough