93 2.3 cant get out of its own way.
 

So I bought a 1993 Regular Cab 2.3l manual. I used to own a 2002 4cl auto. Compared to that, this thing cant get out of its own way driving down the road. It isnt the worst ive driven but I'm just dissapointed.

I know that this 2.3liter is of the same family as the 2.3 turbos and N/A motors from the merkur, mustang, and t-bird. Has anyone looked into just how closely they compare? Could i swap some heads and a cam to gain a little extra power? Maybe a transmission with better gearing is out there? trried to search some but this does not seem to be popular. (maybe that is my answer)

Thanks

'02 Ranger had the 2.3l DOHC Duratec engine, 143 horse power and 154ft/lb torque

'93 Ranger had the 2.3l SOHC Lima engine, 100HP with 133ft/lb

So not even a close match up, and no they are not a plug and play swap.

The turbo helped alot for the Lima engine, like you said found in the merkur XR4Ti , mustang, and t-bird, depending on boost and inter-cooler they got horse power up to 145 to 175.
Many have done the Lima turbo swap with very good results

Outside of the turbo there are not any parts to swap that would be worth more than a few HP.

I would check your compression, '93 2.3l would be 9.2:1, so should have 165-170psi compression.
If timing belt is off by a tooth then compression drops and so does power

Im planning to check compression when i have the time just to be sure.

So the turbo swap is possible. i guess I will try to find some posts about it.

Thank you

Check this link out from Turbo Ranger Forums. So many people have done this, the hard part is already out of the way in terms of knowing what you need.

List of parts for 300WHP 2.3/2.5 Lima Turbo Build:
Parts list of what you need to make 300+ RWHP - Turbo Ranger Forums

Good reads here as well, look under turbos: The Ranger Station - Engine & Fuel Systems Library

Thanks everyone!