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Author Topic: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement  (Read 1059 times)

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Offline SpaceCowboy1979

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2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« on: July 19, 2020, 10:17:42 AM »
Can any one tell me what year
Ford ranger I need to buy

Offline rob289c

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #1 on: July 19, 2020, 05:25:27 PM »
I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in but if you plan to use the EFI from the Ranger you will need the computer and wiring harnesses. 
rob289c

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2020, 03:31:44 PM »
Need more information about what you're trying to do.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline SpaceCowboy1979

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2020, 06:38:33 PM »
I have a 1979 ponto wagon
Missing engine and transmission
Will ford ranger engine and tranny fit right up
What year?

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2020, 06:44:53 PM »
Manual or automatic?
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline SpaceCowboy1979

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2020, 10:00:41 AM »
The pinto wagon is set up for manual

Offline Wittsend

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2020, 12:02:42 PM »
"Will ford ranger engine and tranny fit right up"

"Fit right up" is a broad expectation. It can primarily mean do the engine/transmission mount positions bolt right in, the driveshaft slip right in (without yoke or length alteration) and that the engine intake, exhaust, fan and accessories not hit the the inner panels, hood, crossmember and radiator in the Pinto. Secondary concern is the fuel plumbing/wiring for the engine especially if the engine is EFI. The VAM (if older EFI) and air cleaner location can also be an issue. Even "2.3 engine" is ambiguous because does that refer to the 2.3 Lima engine (such as the Pinto and older Rangers used)..., or the Duratec 2.3 in the newer Rangers.

The bottom line is that if some here had that information they can likely suggest that things MIGHT fit but I doubt that anyone could guarantee anything because there are too many variables.  In any case the more information provided the better chance you will have of getting an effective answer.

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2020, 02:31:43 PM »
A carbureted 2.0 or 2.3 '80s Ranger engine will probably swap in with little issue. The manual transmission, no.

Keep in mind that the Ranger 2.0 is a small bore/small valve version of the 2.3 and not related to the "Pinto" 2.0 EAO.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2020, 02:49:25 PM »
Being that the car has no engine the Pinto specific front sump oil pan and pick up tube will need to be sourced even for the easiest of swaps.

To elaborate on what 65SC said, the Ranger transmission will bolt to the engine as is obvious (that is what it came with) but the shifter placement, trans mount point and yoke/driveshaft length will be issues.

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-manual-transmissions/  The Ranger trans ratios may be better than the 3.97 T-5 but I recall the transmissions are not said to be good. Not sure if the Rangers used a cable or hydraulic for the clutch. I've see ONE example where someone fit a hydraulic to a Pinto but space is tight. For reference the 87-88 Turbo Coupes had the hydraulic master cylinder under the dashboard.

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2020, 02:55:57 PM »
Good point about the oil pan.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline Vicrydr

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #10 on: October 10, 2020, 08:07:24 AM »
I installed a 2.3L from a 1986 2 wheel drive Ford Ranger into my 1977 Pinto Cruisin Wagon. Did not use the 5 speed trans with hydraulic clutch because of all the issues of shifter, driveshaft, and hydraulic  clutch. I kept the EFI intact and mounted the computer box inside on rh kick panel wall. Getting all the vacuum and wiring to work was fun but did get it to run after many hours of work. I used the air cleaner setup from the Ranger mounted in front of battery. I used the Ranger exhaust manifold, but had to modify exhaust down pipe to except. Had to use air connection from 88 Turbo Coupe which is lower so hood would close properly. I did initially used the Ranger clutch, which is a little bigger and heavy duty but changed back to original clutch and flywheel as the Ranger clutch was to hard to push and I thought clutch cable would snap. Besides my leg couldn't take the strain of pushing clutch pedal. I had to use the front sump oil pan because the Ranger motor is rear sump. Along with that change is using oil pump and piping for front sump and drilling block for original dipstick. Fuel return to gas tank must be observed. Runs good now but still seems like an ongoing project. Good luck.

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #11 on: October 10, 2020, 05:06:19 PM »
and drilling block for original dipstick.
It didn't have a forward dipstick hole already?
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline SpaceCowboy1979

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #12 on: October 11, 2020, 08:23:28 AM »
Thanks for everybody's help

Offline Vicrydr

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2020, 09:34:12 AM »
The Ranger dipstick is toward the rear of block for 2.3L motor.

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #14 on: October 12, 2020, 12:20:22 PM »
I know, my '86 2.3T was the same, but a lot of the blocks from that era have two dipstick holes with the unused one being plugged. Mine was one of them.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline Vicrydr

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #15 on: October 12, 2020, 06:13:29 PM »
That plugged dipstick hole would have made life a little easier. Thanks for the info.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #16 on: October 13, 2020, 12:16:07 PM »
Yep, my 2.3 from the '88 Turbo Coupe had rear sump oil pan. When I went to the front sump Pinto oil pan I just tapped out the plug (from behind), moved the dipstick and even reused the plug. It is EZ with the pan off. Otherwise drill a small hole, thread a wood type screw into the hole and by whatever means possible extract it. Assuming minimum damage just solder up the hole and reuse the plug.

BTW, even though it was nearly 20 years old I reused the silicone oil pan gasket (they aren't cheap) and it wasn't a problem. If I recall correctly they have the steel inserts where the bolts go through and it helps to keep the gasket from distorting.

Offline Vicrydr

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #17 on: October 15, 2020, 11:12:07 AM »
I have a motor and trans out of an 88 Turbocoupe and have thought about installing in the Pinto. Have to open up motor to see how good it is first. Someday!

Offline Wittsend

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Re: 2.3 engine and transmission replacement
« Reply #18 on: October 15, 2020, 10:04:45 PM »
The 87-88 factory wiring is a nightmare. I spent DAYS sorting out the harness and still had about 20+ (hummm..., not sure) wires. But then I transferred the fuse block, the steering column (see picture - and enlarge), gauges etc. so that added to the difficulty.