How's Everyone doing? Names Jax I have a 1997 ford ranger xlt ext.cab 2.3l 5speed. Alot of things planned for this little truck. Been working on cars since I was 12 got alot of knowledge. But we all know there always something to learn. Hope to gain some friends and some knowledge. Deal I made when I bought this truck I'm never allowed to sell it. So who's with me to turn this thing into something this lady would be proud and happy she finally sold it to me. Nice to meet everyone. Glad to be here.

 

Welcome to the forum

1997 was last year of the 2.3l SOHC Lima engine in Rangers, it was Stroked in 1998 to a 2.5L and used until 2001 in Rangers
1997 was also last year of Generation 2(1993-1997), 1998 was Gen 3
Its "built like a tank", these engines last a long time, poor power/weight ratio but they run and run and run, lol
They use a Timing Belt, but are non-interference so if belt should break no engine damage would occur, but best to change the belt before that happens, 90k miles is the average life of these timing belts

In mid 2001 Rangers got the 2.3l DOHC Duratec engine, so Google searches using "Ranger 2.3l" can get mixed results, so heads up

2.3l SOHC used Dual spark plugs for extra power, its a good idea to test if all 4 spark plugs on one side are working every year
Unplug 3 wire connector on either coil pack
Start engine
Should idle smoothly, no misfires
Shut off engine
Plug in unplugged coil pack and unplug the other one
Start engine
Same test other coil pack

If a spark plug/wire fails you would have no way of knowing until BOTH spark plugs in one cylinder fail, that's why this test

2.3l SOHC was first used in 1974 Pinto, nick name is "Pinto engine"
It runs fine on 4 spark plugs, did so from 1974 thru 1988, in 1989 dual spark plugs were added

If/when you change spark plugs only use regular copper or Double Platinum, single platinum are a waste of money on this type of Waste Spark system

You have an M5OD-R1(M5R1) manual transmission, it uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual trans, Mercon V is spec
M5R1 was used from 1988 thru 2011 in Rangers, good reliable trans

 

Appreciate the info didn't know it took automatic fluid I greatly appreciate that peice of information. Thanks for the spark plug bit I was wondering about that. Simple test witch is kinda awesome honestly. So when they stroked it to the 2.5 just curious but is it the same head.. or when they did that did they switch to the dual at the same time. If not do you know if the 2.5 head will bolt to the 2.3 if so what gains could be got by doing so. Another question is do you know of anyone that has worked the head or I guess I could say know of anyone that has put time into the engine and increased power from the stock engine. Again this is all just odd questions that I've tried to look up info on and get mixed info on and what you said about looking it up explains why I have gotten some mixed info. Thanks for your info much appreciated sir.

 

The 2.3l Lima and 2.5l use the same heads and pistons, different cranks and connecting rods for the longer stroke
So yes, heads are the same, so no gains swapping either way

1989 was when the 2.3l Lima went distributorless and got the dual spark plugs, 1988 and earlier had distributor and 4 spark plugs

Have a read here: https://www.route66hotrodhigh.com/2300.html

Anything used on the 2.3l Lima can be used on the 2.5l, pretty much

 

Thanks Ron it's much appreciated .. I just posted about my rough idle I'm having I feel bad because my post are long but I try to give everything I did and was thinking in the process figuring more information the better help I can get. Ya know like if I'm wrong in a thought I can be corrected. Kinda thing. Appreciate your help and info. I have kinda fallen. In love with this little thing and considering I'll never get rid of it I guess that's a good thing. Lol