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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => Pinto FAQ => Topic started by: lostandfound on September 08, 2006, 07:05:57 PM

Title: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: lostandfound on September 08, 2006, 07:05:57 PM
I have heard about making the 2.3 a stroker motor is this possable or am i Miss lead i was curious what is involved as i have never done anything like that whats it do for horsepower? how hard is it to do?

thanks
lostandfound
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: joecool85 on September 09, 2006, 07:36:26 AM
From what I gather you should be able to make the 2.3 a 2.5 using the newer 2.5 internals.
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: pintoracer02 on October 26, 2006, 06:36:14 PM
For a stroker kit go to http://www.esslingerengineering.com/ they have the kits to build any size stroker 2.3.  All the guys at our dirt track run stroker motors to get the power they need at the higher rpms.
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: jimskatr103 on October 26, 2006, 07:18:17 PM
i know racerwalsh.com sells a crankshaft for the 2.3 that makes it a 2.5.  www.racerwalsh .com
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: joecool85 on October 27, 2006, 06:49:48 AM
Why don't you just grab the crank off a newer ranger 2.5 ?  Probably cheaper.
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: 78cruisingwagon on November 13, 2006, 10:36:17 AM
Because in 1992 Ford changed the main bearing diameter.
You would have to use a 1992 or newer 2.3 block because
the 2.5 block doesn't have a distributor or fuel pump
mounting. I have heard that Federal Mogul makes a bearing
spacer kit to interchange the 92 up crank to the 91 and
earlier blocks, but I don't know the part number nor
have I seen one. They do make a bearing spacer for a 2.79
main crank into the 3 inch 351 Windsor block, but that doesn't
apply to us.
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: oldkayaker on November 13, 2006, 07:36:38 PM
From what I read to use the late model small journal crank in the early large journal blocks, it is easiest to use bearing inserts.  These inserts fit in the block like stock bearings and then you use the stock small journal bearings on top of them.  It will look like there are two sets of bearings in the block.  Racer Walsh www.racerwalch .com and Race Engineering www.raceeng.co m both sell these bearing inserts for about $130 to $140 a set.  I suspect Esslinger Engineering www.esslngerra cing.com also sells them, but I could not find them in their catalog.  The mid 80's and earlier blocks (Pinto) use a two piece rear main seal and a crank shaft with a slinger ring while the later blocks use a one piece seal with no slinger ring on the crank.  Using a crank with out a slinger ring would put more strain on the two piece rear main seal but I do not know if it becomes a problem (the 2.5L crank would not have a slinger ring).

If you watch the junk yards and ads, you can get complete engines cheap.  In the past year I got a 98 2.5L for $115 and a 93 2.3L for $100.  The 93 is a small journal block and is machined for a distributor.  The dip stick hole and mechanical fuel pump openings will have to be opened up.  It should work, but I have not assembled it yet.

If money is not a big concern, the companies mentioned above all sell stroker kits in many sizes (one up to 3.0L using a tall block).
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: pintoracer02 on November 25, 2006, 11:35:27 AM
If you switch to a newer block the dipstick will be in the back of the oil pan because they come from mustangs.  We ran into this problem with our racecar.
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: turbopinto72 on November 25, 2006, 03:56:18 PM
If you switch to a newer block the dipstick will be in the back of the oil pan because they come from mustangs.  We ran into this problem with our racecar.

Yes, but there is a nice flat spot in the front where you can drill and insert a dipstick tube real easy.
Title: Re: 2.3 stroker?
Post by: fast34 on November 29, 2006, 11:22:51 PM
Using a 1 piece type crank in a 2 piece style block will leak.  It is not alot, but enough to slime your undercarriage.  I did this accidentally in my first 2.3 race motor, I did not know there was a difference.  It leaked, but managed to survive 4 race seasons and is still a good back-up lower end.  The 2.5 also has a longer rod.  You will have to use them or buy pistons and rods that are matched for use.  2.5's are really a waste of money.  We had one racing with us this year, and my mild 2.3 was able to beat it, every race... circle track this is.  Save your money and build a 2.3.