I am in need of a different engine for Project Cat but i need to know what will interchange. basically i need the block with the pistons as they are froze in place. I guess that is what happens when it set with a blow head gasket for 10 years.
I have considered the86/87 turbo swap but would still need to find one as well. any help is greatly appreciated
phils toys
I'd hazard a guess that the later blocks would be the same. I dunno about the Ranger 2.5's but I'd say they are too.
If you can find one, Ford made 2.3 industrial motors. These are all cast iron, like the earliest 2.3's
If it has a rear sump oil pan, the dip stick is in the wrong place to use a Pinto oil pan. And I thought all 2.3 engines in Pintos and Mustangs were cast iron.
The blocks are, but the later heads are aluminum.
Quote from: crazyhorse on April 05, 2008, 09:08:11 PM
The blocks are, but the later heads are aluminum.
I do not think I ever saw a 2.3 with an aluminum head???
Unless I was drooling over Brad's T2.3 in his green 72!!!
Maybe that funny engine that was driveing by the WRONG wheels in the Tempo??? CVH???
From Pintony
Only if its got ESSLINGER wrote on it.
Quote from: crazyhorse on April 05, 2008, 09:08:11 PM
The blocks are, but the later heads are aluminum.
Quote from: dick1172762 on April 05, 2008, 08:43:16 PM
If it has a rear sump oil pan, the dip stick is in the wrong place to use a Pinto oil pan...
Every 2.3T that I ever owned had two dipstick locations in the block so mounting the Pinto oil pan was easy.
Quote from: crazyhorse on April 05, 2008, 09:08:11 PM
The blocks are, but the later heads are aluminum.
??
Bill
The following Racer Walsh link is a helpful starting reference for Lima 2.3L engine heritage. http://static.zoovy.com/merchant/racerwalsh/Back_2_Basics_Sheet.doc
Besides Esslinger, Rapido makes(made) a replacement aluminum head. There may be others. http://www.rapidogroup.com/newprod.htm#cylinderhead
For a Pinto replacement block, look for a 2.3 with a distributor (up to about 89 or 90). The 80's block have the front dip stick hole drilled and the fuel pump hole is machined out (both capped). The early 90's dual plug engine blocks could be modified to work (drill dip stick hole and machine out the fuel pump hole) but they have some internal differences. The later engine blocks with no distributor hole and integral oil pump (including the 2.5) will not bolt in as the motor mount bosses are different.
Thanks for the info so far it gives me a lot to work with as i do have the compleat engine but the pistons are froze. I have the head off andhave been soaking them with oil and using a long breaker bar trying to get them to move but with no luck. Also the engine has at least 166,000 miles and i am not sure it is worth all the trouble in the end to free the pistons up.
just as a summery if i can find a 2.3 block from 75-89 " i should be OK" sense i have the other replacement parts.
Phils toys
Update I think i found a motor from an 88 ranger and the price is right.but owner is not sure if is a 2.0 or 2.3 How would i be able to tell the differance?
Phils toys
In 88 the only carb'd engine was the 2.0. If it's got Fuel Injection then it's the 2.3. I got this right off Partsamerica.com