Anyone know if a 87 2.3 block is the same as a 78 2.3 block.
The 78 spun a rod bearing and a friend has a good running 87 that i can get cheap. I know that the head is different on a fuel injected engine, but I don't know if the block changed.
My plan is to bolt the 78 head on the 87 block and be back on the road in a flash.
If they are not the same, will the crank from the 87 work in the 78. Even if I rebuild the 78, I will probably still need a crank.
Also, what is a good source for 2.3 rebuild kits?
yes the 87 block will work. You can get rebuild kits from summit that come with pretty much evrything.
OR, you can get a Ranger 2.5 short block ....... ;D
don't they have a smaller jounal on the crank? (the 2.5)
Got the block. Everything looks OK so far, but I have not pulled the head off. One thing that I noticed, the mechanical fuel pump mount in the block is not cut out. No prob, I can use an electric. Might even use the serpentine belt.
It was a clutch car and mine is an auto, I hope the crank balance is the same so I can use the old flex plate.
I'll let you know.
My racecar is so much easier to deal with. :)
Yes , the crank journals are smaller than the 2.3.
I thought the smaller crank journals showed up around '89 or '90. Could be wrong however.
One thing that is different for sure is the '87 block has a one piece rear main seal.
I think that due to the different seal, the crank would have to be different also.