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  #16  
Old 05-08-2015, 09:00 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Right on, ya know I think I might have an idea for what I want to do. Any input is much appreciated. The v8 swap I think is just going to cost more and for sure be more effort in tracking down parts and such. The turbo I also think is going to end up costing quite a bit of time, money and tuning. So here is my idea
Utilize the 2.5 block and crank that I have, and put in some decent pistons. So for the mean time since I have both the 2.3 and 2.5l heads, have the 2.3 milled down .050? Use an adjustable cam gear and stock cam, and roll with that till I can get a flasher and a tune. Any thoughts?

Last edited by Da96Range; 05-08-2015 at 10:08 PM.
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  #17  
Old 05-09-2015, 08:08 AM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Keep in mind the 2.3 Lima to 2.5 Lima is not a direct swap as bosses on the block are different, some sensors and sensor locations are different. If you plan to use the 2.5 you will need engine bay harness and ecu. The only thing that is beneficial to your 2.3 build is the 2.5 cylinder head. Decking the head will not result in much timing change. An adjustable timing gear will aid in some performance as you can find the sweet spot at 4 degrees advanced. Note: use GATES performance/racing timing belt. Green (in color) belt seem to work best. But hard to locate.
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  #18  
Old 05-09-2015, 02:04 PM
Bruce M Bruce M is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

I milled .060 off my old four plug head and it retarded my cam timing 2 degrees that's a big difference when your talking about valve timing. It's not worth milling it with out a cam gear, any gain would be offset by retarded valve timing. Its just my two cents but I do have a lot of experience with the older four plug 2.3s. When it comes to setting up cylinder heads I know my sh!t. Like everyone else has said the 2.5 head is the better head to use. They have lighter valves and beehive valve springs. It was fords last effort to get better fuel mileage.
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1990 Ranger 2wd, 2.3 rebuilt, 5spd, milled head .030, indexing cam gear, tubular exhaust manifold, removed cat, electric fan, XM radio, Lund bedcover, 27X8.50 Generals.
Wish list: 400 horse 289, 4in lift w/ extended arms, fiberglass fenders and bed sides, 33X12.50s rear, 33X10.50s front and 9in rear w/ locked 4.56s
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  #19  
Old 05-09-2015, 05:50 PM
stateranger stateranger is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by terryduanemiller View Post
Keep in mind the 2.3 Lima to 2.5 Lima is not a direct swap as bosses on the block are different, some sensors and sensor locations are different. If you plan to use the 2.5 you will need engine bay harness and ecu. The only thing that is beneficial to your 2.3 build is the 2.5 cylinder head. Decking the head will not result in much timing change. An adjustable timing gear will aid in some performance as you can find the sweet spot at 4 degrees advanced. Note: use GATES performance/racing timing belt. Green (in color) belt seem to work best. But hard to locate.
96 2.3 and 98+ 2.5 are identical in every way except the 2.5 uses a plastic thermostat housing that has ecu temp sensor and dash gauge sensor threaded into it. Brackets and sensors are interchangeable.
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  #20  
Old 05-12-2015, 07:28 AM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

So how can I tell the difference between the 2.5 head and the 2.3? Is milling .050 off the most I could do to run on mid grade? And how do you find the best degree for the valve timing?
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  #21  
Old 05-12-2015, 09:03 AM
ghunt81 ghunt81 is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by terryduanemiller View Post
2.3t are nice lil performers but a stock setup will not make stupid hp. You might be able to reach 210-220hp. Stock svo was rated 175hp and turbo coupe 155hp.
Just had to make a small correction here.

'87-88 Turbo Coupes were rated at 190 hp and well over 200 ft-lbs.
SVO's made around 200 hp.
'83-86 Turbo Coupes were rated lower but they didn't have the bigger injectors and such the later cars did.

Also, on a late-model 2.3T (with the big VAM and 35# injectors), bumping the boost to 17 psi and installing a 3" downpipe will get you 20+ hp. And another beauty of the 2.3T is that it makes lots of torque, VERY easy to make 300 ft-lbs with a 2.3L turbo and it comes on low in the RPM range.

I did a cheap DIY build on the 2.3T I built for my old Turbo Coupe, ported the head myself, got a couple fun parts like a used Motorsport A237 cam, tubular log manifold, etc. Had maybe $1500 in the whole shebang including the go-fast parts, still on stock injectors running 17 psi and I estimate hp around 275-280, I never did get it dynoed though.

I find it hard to believe you could build a 450 hp stroker SBF for $1100 though.
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Last edited by ghunt81; 05-12-2015 at 09:05 AM.
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  #22  
Old 05-13-2015, 09:13 AM
Bruce M Bruce M is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by Da96Range View Post
So how can I tell the difference between the 2.5 head and the 2.3? Is milling .050 off the most I could do to run on mid grade? And how do you find the best degree for the valve timing?
The 2.5 has smaller valve stems, I believe 7mm and they have beehive valve springs. I wouldn't mill it at all if you don't plan on running high test fuel. Its already 9 to 1. The reason new cars run higher compression ratios on reg. gas is because they're aluminum, which dissipates heat better. Cast iron holds the heat in the chamber which will cause spark knock if you don't run higher grade fuel. You're only talking a few dollar between fill ups. I run high test in everything I own, it burns cleaner and is better for the motor. My ranger had 140k miles before I rebuilt (oil pan gasket sucked in and clogged the pickup tube)my motor and it was super clean when I tore it apart.
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1990 Ranger 2wd, 2.3 rebuilt, 5spd, milled head .030, indexing cam gear, tubular exhaust manifold, removed cat, electric fan, XM radio, Lund bedcover, 27X8.50 Generals.
Wish list: 400 horse 289, 4in lift w/ extended arms, fiberglass fenders and bed sides, 33X12.50s rear, 33X10.50s front and 9in rear w/ locked 4.56s
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  #23  
Old 05-13-2015, 01:27 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Alright, so I take it that I couldn't run regular gas on say 10 to 1 or so compression? And would I get a good power difference or fuel economy out of milling it till it needs premium? Would either way net better fuel economy per price of gallon? Is there a good medium between getting it decked enough to run mid grade fuel and not paying a lot per gallon but get some gain in performance and economy?

----------

Also how much better flowing is that 2.5 head from the 2.3? Is it just because it has lighter valves or are the chambers and runners different? Unfortunately the head that is on it the original 2.3 head is just 3 months fresh from the machine shop with all new valves cam bearings and everything. Which already cost $350. Is there anyway to make this 2.3 head flow better?
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  #24  
Old 05-13-2015, 01:34 PM
Bruce M Bruce M is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

I'd leave the engine alone if you're worried about mpg. The 2.5 head might give you a little more with the lighter valvetrain. Put a better flowing airfilter and catback exhaust, might give you a few mpgs.

Since you head is fresh I'd just leave it alone, you could port it but I don't think the gain would be worth the money. The best thing you could do for power and economy in my opinion would be an electric cooling fan. Your money would be better spent on filter, exhaust and fan. I think you'd get more bang for the buck than doing any internal work.
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1990 Ranger 2wd, 2.3 rebuilt, 5spd, milled head .030, indexing cam gear, tubular exhaust manifold, removed cat, electric fan, XM radio, Lund bedcover, 27X8.50 Generals.
Wish list: 400 horse 289, 4in lift w/ extended arms, fiberglass fenders and bed sides, 33X12.50s rear, 33X10.50s front and 9in rear w/ locked 4.56s

Last edited by Bruce M; 05-13-2015 at 01:42 PM.
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  #25  
Old 05-13-2015, 01:54 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Alright, I do have in the plans to an electric fan and new exhaust. I'm just looking to see what I can do internally while I have the chance here an now to do it. I'm certainty not afraid to run mid-grade fuel for sure, and even premium if its only a few bucks more a fill up in the little truck if its going to net some decent performance. And like you said better fuel keeps the engine cleaner too. So you think I could port the head and mill it a few with an indexing cam gear would be worth it? Since you have done it do you feel it was worth doing?
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  #26  
Old 05-13-2015, 07:06 PM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghunt81 View Post
I find it hard to believe you could build a 450 hp stroker SBF for $1100 though.
I didn't come here to argue "your specs". But, I do have an answer to your question.

Answer: you have to do it all yourself. It's what I do.
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