Technally speaking, is a 1996 2.3 considered a "Lima" engine?

 

Yes, 2.3l SOHC was nick named the "Lima engine", as it was made in Ford's Lima, Ohio engine factory 1974 thru 1997, 1998-2000 2.5l was also a "Lima engine", stroked
There was also a 2.0l version, smaller pistons
Also nick named "The Pinto engine" as it was first used in 1974 Ford Pinto

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1995-2000 Limas had a different Crank sensor set up so not interchangeable with 1989-1994 models and visa versa