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[forcefeedranger]

i have just purchased a 1997 ranger with an 88 turbo coupe swap. the motor is all stock and has the ranger 5 speed in it. i am wanting to start buying parts for it but have never worked with the 2.3l before. if anyone can help me out on learning more about what i have and help point me in the right direction it would greatly be appreciated. by the way glad to find the forum.:peelout:

[D94R]

welcome homey

theres an infinite path of options to start you out with

instead, ask away with what you want to know and we'll help ya out

[forcefeedranger]

ok first i was told that a ranger 2.5 cam would give me more horses. second what kind of 1/4 mile times am i looking at stock? last how strong is the block and tranny i have?

[D94R]

2.5 cam won't give you horsepower. What it will do is give you a roller setup reducing friction and wear on the valve train. Its a lateral move for power, but a plus for longevity of the cam.


In a stockish 2.3/2.5T you'd be looking at anything from a 17 sec to 15 sec, its more of a driver game than a power game. Other factors on your entire trucks setup will affect the times too.


If you swap turbo pistons into your Ranger block, it will be just as strong as the Turbo blocks. If you go 2.5T it will take new rods and pistons, if you go 2.3T with it you can find decent used pistons and rods on turboford to start with.

[D94R]

No, I'm not jokeing. A lot of guys, my self including have swapped used pistons into their blocks with little more than a hone clean up.


The higher nickel % is questionable. As far as anyone can prove it's nothing more than a myth. No solid evidence has ever been produced to determine whether or not it is higher in nickel or not. I myself feel the turbo block may be better, but it hasn't be proven. The thicker webs again are a moot point. The blocks are designed all but bullet proof as is. The Ranger block will take whatever you want to throw at it short of 20,000 RPM (exageration).

Now, if the plan is to make 1200HP, blow 50+PSI, and spin it at 10,000 RPM, then NO, I wouldn't use the Ranger block. Anything less than a all out performance build though and the Ranger block will be fine.

[Jesshwarren]

I know the ranger block is good for 400+ HP

[forcefeedranger]

the block is a turbo block with 80,000 miles or so. my plans are for a hx-35 or 40 turbo, fmic, 42lb injectors, 6al box, mini spooled rear with 4.10 gear, 25lbs of boost, nos 25 shot to cool the intake air, trac bars, header, rotated and gutted intake, 3" exhaust, 255l fuel pump, and 65 or 70mm throttlebody. i'm hoping that setup will give me 300hp.

[fordnut71]

fords motors that are cast in south america have a higher nickel content then motors cast in north america.i dont know y but thats how they do it. 1 thing you dont find to often is a 2.3 bottom end wore out its always the top end.

[nagelandy55]

No, I'm not jokeing. A lot of guys, my self including have swapped used pistons into their blocks with little more than a hone clean up.


Hell i didn't even need a hone, i just cleaned up the old pistons and threw some new rings on em and slapped them in (all new bottom end bearings of course). Works great!


forcefeedranger the block is a turbo block with 80,000 miles or so. my plans are for a hx-35 or 40 turbo, fmic, 42lb injectors, 6al box, mini spooled rear with 4.10 gear, 25lbs of boost, nos 25 shot to cool the intake air, trac bars, header, rotated and gutted intake, 3" exhaust, 255l fuel pump, and 65 or 70mm throttlebody. i'm hoping that setup will give me 300hp.

Oh ...... i think you'll be maken a little more than 300hp with that setup. The thing that would be holding you back would be the 42lb injectors. I'd get the 60lb ones, but then again if you only wanna make 300hp the 42lb ones will be fine.

[forcefeedranger]

what kind of horse power do u think i'm looking at with the 60lb injectors and also add a cam to the list thinking a .480/.480 lift and 286 dur.?:ford:

[bruiser]

ALOT haha read jess thread on garenteed 300+ and add what you want ill say with that setup youd be close to 350-380 but thats just a guess and if your looking for that much deff. go with 60lbs

[forcefeedranger]

i will use the 60lb ones then i didnt think i would get that much