I have a 1983 Ranger 2.3 2wd-4spd. It spun a rod bearing. I also have a 1990 2.3,4wd-5spd. Can I use the block from the '90, and put my '83 head onto it? First, since the hole for the distributor is still there on the '90 block, can I assume that the distributor drive is also still the same in the '90 block? Secondly, I am concerned if all the oil passages, water passages, etc. will still line up between the '83 head, and the '90 block. Are there any other issues I should be aware of, besides keeping in mind I will have a FRANKENSTEIN'ed '90 block, and "83 head? Can I use the entire '90 motor-block-crank-pistons, transplant it into the '83, drop in my distributor, and mount my entire '83 head assm. to it? What about the timing pulley on the crank? Are they the same, since the crank journals were changed? I am also wondering about things like valve/piston clearance issues. Someone suggested I may be able to use the roller cam and followers from the '90 head, onto the '83 head. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds like the kind of stuff I would get into. I have no first hand knowledge of that particular beast but... the way I would do it is get on a parts store website, see if the part numbers you are in question about are the same. Try a local wrecking yard who is willing to check their books for the major components being able to swap. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for your reply. I decided to sell the complete 2.3 (1990), and do the repairs to the '83. Just seems SOOooo much easier. lol Thanks again.

 

i would buy and install the 2.3 litre stroker kit