I have a 1996 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4cyl 5spd Manual 193K miles an I’m wanting to get some power out of this little thing! I kind of want to stay on the cheaper end of the deal but a turbo sounds so fun, I have a stock Engine, I Heard that taking the silencer out of the air intake piping and it may have helped a little but I’ve really haven’t done anything else to it motor wise. New Slave cylinder and fresh tranny fluid and ive done visual things to it but back on track to the turbo now lol. I’ve wanted to know How different are the Tbird engines and just the 2.3 out of the ranger? Injectors, Cams, Heads, etc. different? I was thinking if i did go thru on this If the Tbird Parts are different switch them to my 2.3 and new Gasket Set hi flow water pump 190degree thermostat Open up the exhaust cold air intake and a fresh tune up plugs wires and what not. If i did turbo it wouldn’t be any more than 7-10psi of boost. I know you would have to change the pistons for a turbo for compression, An Turbo I was thinking t3/t4 possibly, And ECU possibilities. What would be a good starting point for this project or what would be some good idea for getting this engine turbo ready. Ive also thought of regearing I have the 3.73’s now really wanting to change them, I do a lot of highway driving and would be fun to have a turbo or a nice performance upgrade. Looking for opinions and thoughts.. Hope to hear something soon!

 

Your better off swapping in a 5.0L. With the amount of money you have in parts you listed it'll be cheaper.

 

Like Adam said, go the 5.0 rout. Will save you money in the long run. Plus 198k is kinda high to dump the amount of money you want to into it.