I'm new to this forum as I just bought an 84 ranger 4wd. I've already fallen in love with the truck. The guy who owned it before me did some modifications to the truck. These include msd coil and box, headers, two barrel carb and manifold off of some 74-78 ford or mercury and some other miscellaneous things. There are some questions I have though.

The engine was rebuilt 3 years ago. When I changed the oil and filled to the specified capacity of five quarts, it doesn't even show on the stick. I put another half quart in it and it's maybe a half inch up on the stick. But not even close to full. Did they have bigger pans for these engines? The pan doesn't look after market. I'm guessing it could also be the wrong dipstick.

I also want to do a carbureted turbo set up on it. I know efi is more efficient and ultimately the way to go. But I'm curious to see how it will do the old school way. What parts do I need to gather from junkyards and such? What turbo manifold will work? Please don't tell me to just do the efi conversion as I don't want to go that way. I was told that a factory na 2.3 can handle six or seven psi if tuned properly. I will change the head gasket and headbolts of course but leave the bottom end stock. I have another 2.3 in reserve if I blow this one up lol. Thanks for your help.

 

you do have the wrong dipstick

 

Are you going to do a pull through or boost the carb?

You gotta pressurize the floats for the carb to if its not a pull through or it wont fuel up when you boost.

Really any turbocharged car you can grab the turbo off of. Mitsubishi Eclipse's and the Chrysler New Yorkers had turbo's. The Chrysler turbo's are very small, they will spool up very quickly, like say peak boost at 2000 rpm or less. Great for a daily driver, but not so much for absolute power. They will do 14 psi unregulated, but will have problems holding a steady ten, seven will be fine. The mitsu ones are probably going to be a great size. Spool up quick, with your peak being at about 3500. They will do seven all day long and love it.

 

Thanks guys. Which would be cheaper carb wise? I'm guessing I should go with a manifold off a turbo coupe or svo? Or I could buy an aftermarket one. I'm not educated in the whole carb turbo area so any help is greatly appreciated. What's the max boost a na 2.3 can handle anyways?