I have an 89 Ranger w/ a 2.3. Since I live in California, I have to have it smogged every two years. I want to build up a second 2.3 so I can just swap the entire engine when it's time to get it smogged. What is available to hop up these motors? I would rather not turbo or supercharge it. Switching to carburated would be fine too.

 

Your going to swap motors just to get it smogged? That seems like an awful lot of work.

 

True, but the 4 cyl wouldn't be that hard to take in and out really quick. I do agree with Adam though. Still kinda pointless. Are you just trying to build the 2.3 with just higher compression and little bolt ons? If you are going to put money into internals you might as well swap in a 5.0 or 4.0 and BAR it. Just my 2 cents. Since yours is an 89 you have A LOT of options. V8 that thing and call it a day. Going carb would be easier to swap it. (Less wiring but definitely wont pass smog.)

 

I do agree the V8 swap would be the most bang for the buck. However then I have to change the radiator, ect. Also the cops can do a visual inspection during a traffic stop. A set of headers and intake might be overlooked but definately not a V8. Im not looking to build a pavement pounder, just something that will keep up on the freeway and maybe let me pass someone once in a while.

 

Yea I understand that but if you bar it you would be street legal as well as being able to smog it. Either way the 2.3 would be easier I suppose.

 

Why not turbo charge it? wouldn't that pass emissions?

 

Unfortunately not in California


I tried the BAR thing a couple of years ago when I moved to Cali. I had a 76 Corvette with an LS1 swap. After a huge run-around and multiple trips to the referee, I bought a 68 Corvette body and chassis and swapped the LS1 into it. Might have just been my experience but in all the car shows I've been to here I have only seen one successful BAR transision

 

Wiring must not have been right or something. LS1's are swapped and BAR'd in tons of cars in Cali. Everything has an ls1 it seems. haha

But I think the 68 was a big upgrade. Pre smog for the win.

 

Cosworth makes everything you'd need to chuck out massive amounts of power from your 2.3.