So I just got a 88 ranger 2wd 5 spd 2.0 and I noticed that while its still drivable id really like to get a new motor trans and rear end and I was looking and noticed that there was a 2.0 2.3 and 2.5 and that the mustang also uses the 2.3 and I was wondering what year mustang motor/trans would bolt in with no extra modifications aside from ecu and wires and would I be able to use the mustang wires and ecu and could I also use the mustang rear end I'm not planning on hauling anything with this truck I just got it to have it but its a lil slow is there also maybe a good turbo motor that would bolt up?

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, the Lima engine came in 2.0l/2.3l/2.5l using the same block
So can be swapped using same transmission and motor mounts

1989 to 1994 Ranger 2.3l with ECU and engine wiring harness would be easiest swap
But Mustang 2.3l with ECU and wiring harness can also be used just using different relay pack, so you would need to check Mustang forums for that wiring

Read here for 2.3l Turbo swap info: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...y/Turbos.shtml
And here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...oInstall.shtml

 

So I just got the truck and I noticed its actually a 2.3 and fuel injected so what motors would i be able to just bolt straight in with little to no extra work

 

Another 2.3l Lima engine.....................thats it
Or a Turbo version of the same

Only size swap would be V8 because its the same work as ANY size swap, new engine and transmission
So might as well go for the biggest, 302/5.0l V8 fits, but barely, larger doesn't, and OHC versions don't fit either

 

I'm trying to find the best gear ratio for like highway and getting around town but I don't want it to take 20 minutes to get to 60 what all would I need to do to make sure the speedometer is right and that my trans won't mess it up should I just get the rear end from the same truck as the transmission or does the transmission matter with ranger rear ends

 

3.73 Ratio is the most popular for city and highway driving
4.10 ratio makes acceleration better, but lower MPG at highway speeds
3.45 ratio is better MPG at highway speeds but slower acceleration

No, the transmission doesn't matter for rear axle ratio in Rangers

Speedometer is calibrated by a removable/changeable gear on the transmission end of speedometer cable, once you have the axle ratio set and tire diameter set you can calculate what speedometer gear to use to calibrate speedo/odo in dash

 

I have a1990 ranger w 2.3l. Can I swap it out w 92 2.3l or does everything attach different. Guy at salvage yard says it won’t work

 

The 1989 to 1994 2.3l Lima engines can be swapped, 1995-1997 2.3l Limas were different, also the 2001 to 2011 2.3l Duratecs are a different engine entirely

 

Can I use the 90 ecu etc. will I need some sort of new wire harness? Any info would be appreciated. If I buy the engine from salvage what else would I need to swap the 90 to the 92 ? (2.3l)

 

Should be plug and play, no swapping over of parts or computer and wiring

You will want to install a new timing belt, they need to be changed every 80k miles and you won't know the age of the used one
Also I would install a new thermostat just because, as well as spark plugs but that's your call

 

Hi everyone. I realize this is an older thread but I hoped you could help me anyway. I've got a 1988 for ranger 4x4 that came with a 2.3l. I'm swapping a 2.3l turbo into it. I don't want to run the engine lean and damage it. Does anyone know if the stock fuel pump will keep up with the turbo motor?

 

Yes, the TWO stock pumps will work fine to feed the 2.3l turbo
There is a lift pump(low pressure, high volume) in the gas tank
And a High pressure pump in the frame rail under the driver seat area, its capable of 80+psi, and at least 60gallons an hour
So this system is OK up to about 400 horse power on turbo or super charged engines


The reason there are two is because Ford didn't have the high pressure in tank pump assemblies ready in 1986 when Rangers got fuel injection
And high pressure pumps have no suction, so they couldn't pull fuel out of the tank on their own, i.e. up and over the top of the tank

In 1989 Rangers got high pressure in tank pumps, so just the one pump, but............Ford also change the way the fuel gauge worked in 1989, so the newer one pump assembly will fit your 1988 but gas gauge wouldn't work

 

hope this thread is still active… just picked up a 87 ranger 2wd 5 speed 2.3l with blown head gasket and rod knock. Found another 2.3 that I thought was the same but has a diferent head with 8 spark plugs. I was also told the “new” 2.3 is a Lima. How can I tell if it is?
I think if I just swap the heads I should be fine but is there anything else that I would need to change?

 

Welcome to the forum

Lima engines were first used in 1974 Pinto, so have nick name "Pinto engine"
They were only made in Ford's Lima, Ohio engine plant, so called Lima Engine as well
They are SOHC, single over head cam

They are very heavy and used a Timing belt
Had 4 spark plugs and a distributor from 1974 thru 1988
In 1989 they got 8 spark plugs and no distributor

You can read more here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...inder-engines/

Your 1987 Ranger 2.3l will have a distributor, 8 plug 2.3l will not and if its 1992 and up model it may not have a hole for distributor, so heads up on that
1987 2.3l can be Fuel Injected or still use a carburetor
Without the specific year of the "other" 2.3l there is no way to say if it can work in a 1987 Ranger
Also need to know what your 1987 Ranger 2.3l has, EFI or Carb


2001 and up Ranger 2.3l is DOHC(double over head cam), timing chain, and is a Mazda L engine, so not a Lima engine, and without rewiring and new computer and new transmission not a swap candidate

 

thanks RonD. the new engine does still have a hole for the distributor. both motors are fuel injected. but im curious which would be easier either trying to swap the head,throttle body,and intake minifold to the lima block or dropping in the lima as it is and try to make all necessary conversions ?

 

Swap in the engine with head
Use the old engines intake and parts so all the wiring and plumbing fits
Just leave 4 spark plugs in one side unused

Check the intake match ups to head

 

intake does not match up to the new head

 

how can I clean out all the milky oil out of the old head to swap it?