2.3 duratec/mazda mzr

rangergt · 02-26-2010, 09:19 PM

I thought I'd share a little info on these engines with some pics. In my research of these engines the last couple of years I've run across a lot of clueless posts on various websites as well as some very good info. Anyway I am by no means an expert but I have torn down a ranger 2.3 dtec and a mazda 2.3 mzr as well I'm in the process of putting together a fairly expensive and healthy 2.3 duratec. There are minor differences but for the most part internal components are interchangeable. I'll have to get my picture files together for comparison of the differences (still working on that with the new computer). Here's a fun pic to start with, the 2.3 mzr(dtec) head in the bandsaw and a pic of the head x-section.

rangergt · 02-27-2010, 12:16 AM

Here is a comparison of the engine bocks. On the left is the ranger 2.3 duratec block that I am using to build my 600+ hp engine with and on the right is the "mazda mzr" engine block. Nearly identical, however the "mazda" block is machined for the balance shafts. The last pic is a close up of the "mazda mzr" engine block, interesting. Right now I have the mazda block in the truck for mock up with the stock ranger crank installed.

Skyy_4life · 02-27-2010, 04:07 AM

wow thats interesting. in your regular build, your using the ranger block right? mzr is just for maching up?

rangergt · 02-27-2010, 01:04 PM

Yes I'm using the ranger block for my build but I could use the mazda block either way. The bores are a little better on the mazda block so I will be saving it to build a budget stock crank engine to see what the stock crank will take

.

The mazda and the duratec focus block are the same, the ranger block is cast at a different factory and not machined for the balance shafts. One of the reason that I am posting this info is I have noticed that the mazda engines were more plentiful in the wrecking yards and in some cases cheaper to buy. Of course there are a ton of 2.0 duratecs out there and a lot of parts are interchangeable with the 2.3 dtec but not all, so this is also a good option for a performance build. Here is a pic of the block with balance shafts and a pic of the bottom of the block with the crank girdle sitting in location.

nagelandy55 · 02-27-2010, 01:54 PM

Awsome info, i can't wait till your done!

rangergt · 03-03-2010, 09:20 PM

Just thought I'd add a bit to this. The first pic is of the 2.3 mazda mzr (duratec) engine assembled as it come out of the mazda 3. Second pic is the of the casting on the side of the "mazda" block. The third pic shows the VVT which is on the intake cam only. The forth pic show the front of the engine w/o the timing cover revealing the timing chain and the oil pump chain drive. The last pic is of the head with the intake cam removed and the exhaust cam still in place. The cams are direct acting over the valves. A lifter bucket rides over the valve and spring under the cams which is also the way the valve lash is setup using a graded lifter bucket. The duratec uses mechanical cams which is why they are a little bit noisy especially when cold. The picture dosen't show it but both the cams and lifter buckets showed some scoring from a lack of oil which destroyed this engine.

speedaddict · 03-04-2010, 10:30 AM

Thanks for this Info GT!!!

I think i see the replacement Lima!!

Kurt · 03-04-2010, 01:13 PM

This is really helpful. I have always wondered about these engines. Is there front wheel drive versions and rear wheel drive versions? Or are they all the same? What vehicles and years are these from? Also, do you know if the variable cam timing is purely a mechanical thing (centrifugally activated) or is it electronically controlled?

rangergt · 03-05-2010, 09:39 PM

I'm happy to hear this is helping. It's not so much that there is a front wheel and rear wheel drive version because one engine can swap to the other. The flywheels are different and I believe the starters maybe be as well but I'm not sure on that. The intake manifold is different for sure an the accessory drive may be as well.

These engines came in 2001 and later ranger/mazda b series trucks as well as the fusion and mazda 6 with vvt, the mazda 3 with vvt not sure what year, the escape/tribute and focus what ever year the pzev (2.3 engine) was intrduced.

The vvt is definetly electronically controlled as well as hydraulically. The hydraulics is what makes the head different.

jfive · 03-05-2010, 10:07 PM

don't forget the mercury milan

02-27-2010, 04:07 AM	#3
Skyy_4life TRF Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH Userid: 637 Posts: 836	wow thats interesting. in your regular build, your using the ranger block right? mzr is just for maching up? __________________ 1994 ford ranger 2X4 2.3 Turbo Lowered 4"-5" HX35 on 21psi, GReddy Frontmount, TC rods/pistons, ARP head studs/main studs/rod studs. 1996 Dodge 2500 Cummins 4x4 12v, no fuel plate, more boost, lifted w/ 37in military M/T's. 6in stacks. built auto 1988 turbocoupe 5spd- DD

02-27-2010, 01:54 PM	#5
nagelandy55 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Shallow Lake, Ontario, Canada Userid: 30 Posts: 1,577 My location	Awsome info, i can't wait till your done! __________________ ____________________________________________ 96 2.3T Tuned with SCT Big Valve Head - P&P'd 2.1 Bo-port Cam Turbo Rods & Pistons 60# Injectors PMAS HPX MAF - Blow Through T3/T04B - Stock dp to 3" Exhaust T5 Swap with B&M short throw AEM Water/Meth

03-04-2010, 10:30 AM	#7
speedaddict TRF Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Ga Userid: 805 Posts: 1,633 My location	Thanks for this Info GT!!! I think i see the replacement Lima!! __________________ A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

03-05-2010, 09:39 PM	#9
rangergt TRF Dura Tech Advisor Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Userid: 675 Posts: 1,756	I'm happy to hear this is helping. It's not so much that there is a front wheel and rear wheel drive version because one engine can swap to the other. The flywheels are different and I believe the starters maybe be as well but I'm not sure on that. The intake manifold is different for sure an the accessory drive may be as well. These engines came in 2001 and later ranger/mazda b series trucks as well as the fusion and mazda 6 with vvt, the mazda 3 with vvt not sure what year, the escape/tribute and focus what ever year the pzev (2.3 engine) was intrduced. The vvt is definetly electronically controlled as well as hydraulically. The hydraulics is what makes the head different. __________________ A dyno can't put a smile on your face like the 1/4 mile can 10.97@124.29mph 2.3 duratec

03-05-2010, 10:07 PM	#10
jfive The Patient Ninja Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Minot, North Dakota Userid: 878 Posts: 4,224 My location Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	don't forget the mercury milan __________________ 2010 Jeep compass 2.4 vvt 4x4 1979 Ford F150 400m with edelbrock intake carb and cam. Heads ported. 1984 Ford Ranger 2.3 one barrel. 5speed. long box waiting for 351w, turbo. 1995 Ford F250 302 5speed. 2003 Dodge 2500 cummins 75hp inj, chip, air dogg II pump, cold air intake.

03-04-2010, 01:13 PM	#8
Kurt TRF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Wauwatosa, WI Userid: 18 Posts: 154 My location	This is really helpful. I have always wondered about these engines. Is there front wheel drive versions and rear wheel drive versions? Or are they all the same? What vehicles and years are these from? Also, do you know if the variable cam timing is purely a mechanical thing (centrifugally activated) or is it electronically controlled?

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