2.3 turbo swap

ebgbz · #1 03-08-2015, 12:18 AM

I have a '94 std cab w/2.3 and auto tyrans AND I have access to a mustang 2.3lturbo motor for VERY low $. Anyone made the swap?

casey.mikl · #2 03-09-2015, 06:27 AM

Your swapping the whole motor? The swap is pretty straight forward. The motors are virtually the same. You will need the Ecu and full harness. Also what trans are you planning to run? Factory ranger automatic will not hold up to boost. It will blow up on you. The trans will need to be built to hold boost. Or swap in 5 speed. Very interested as Im planning this swap in the future.

Bigcat1911 · #3 03-09-2015, 06:30 AM

where's the build thread? i want to see how this pans out

casey.mikl · #4 03-09-2015, 07:47 AM

For him or me? I don't have a build thread. lol

dvrich · #5 03-09-2015, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casey.mikl

Your swapping the whole motor? The swap is pretty straight forward. The motors are virtually the same. You will need the Ecu and full harness. Also what trans are you planning to run? Factory ranger automatic will not hold up to boost. It will blow up on you. The trans will need to be built to hold boost. Or swap in 5 speed. Very interested as Im planning this swap in the future.

You don't know what turbo it is. There is a new 2.3 Ecoboost and there is the 2.3 turbo from the 1980s.....completely different engines.

stateranger · #6 03-09-2015, 09:25 AM

Before you put the turbo engine rebuild it because it probably needs it.

casey.mikl · #7 03-09-2015, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvrich

You don't know what turbo it is. There is a new 2.3 Ecoboost and there is the 2.3 turbo from the 1980s.....completely different engines.

Yeah, but being the new 2.3 ecoboost is so new he's not gonna be getting it cheap as he stated.

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Your in tampa. If you decide against it let me know.

ebgbz · #8 05-30-2015, 08:53 AM

OK...the saga begins!
I am now in possession of the '86 svo 2.3T motor and have begun planning this "thing."
I remain excited but there are apparently major wiring issues!
I don't have a wiring harness or ecu for the turbo motor.
The 2.3 in my 94 is an 8 plug motor...that's confusing me because the turbo is apparently a distributor motor and the 94 is a distributorless motor. Not sure what that means to the process.
Has anyone done this kind of thing and where can I go for input?

turboeeyore · #9 05-31-2015, 01:28 PM

i did the swap in my mustang and did not change the harness just repinned the ecu. you need the ecu and vane air meter, and the fuel pump needs to be 155lph or higher.(im running a 155) your 1994 ranger is obd1 so you may be able to repin your harness, but you will need alot of wiring diagrams, seeing as youre going to a distributor.i wouldnt be scared away from the t50 ranger trans right away. get the swap done, get the engine working properly with boost( you can safely run 15lbs of boost on hi octane, 10lbs on regular WITH AN INTERCOOLER!!!) then worry about the tranny. if the wiring worrys you...megasquirt. also that is a garrett t3 turbo in the pic.

99RangerRod · #10 06-23-2015, 04:32 AM

Hey guys. I have a 99 2.5L I want to turbo. Been thinking of bolting mustang parts, using turbo 2.3 pistons, beefing up the bottom end a little and calling it a day with pushing 8-10 lbs of boost in. I'm definitely going to need an intercooler (I live in Phoenix, AZ) and a ECU tune, but I'm weighing my options on that or rebuilding and hopping up a 4.0 V6.

Thoughts? Ideas? I'm really looking for more of a 2nd and 3rd opinion. Had the truck for 2 1/2 years and have left it stock since cos I'm indecisive. 😤

Either way, I wanna hear what y'all have to say. I'll be posting this journey on the forums the whole way.

Happy hotrodding guys!