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  #1  
Old 04-27-2015, 08:38 AM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Has anyone built one of these engines? I have an Industrial 2.5 that I am looking to rebuild and was wondering if there was any good performance builds or suggestions anyone has. I can provide more details about the engine. I am looking to put mine in a 96 ranger which originally had a 2.3l. Just looking for a little more performance out of it, while retaining decent fuel economy. I have heard and read about the v8 swaps and the 2.3t swaps. This is the route I would like to go any advice is appreciated, thanks.
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  #2  
Old 04-27-2015, 03:25 PM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Building a performance LIMA engine is extremely expensive. Go have a look at prices on Esslingers website. 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. I can build a sbf 331 stroker 450hp 480trq for $1100. Esslinger has 2.3 cam shafts that cost $1000. And require serous head modifications.

image-1707779205.jpg
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Last edited by terryduanemiller; 04-27-2015 at 03:29 PM.
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  #3  
Old 04-27-2015, 04:11 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Yeah, I'm aware of the prices from those kinds of places. I suppose I should outline better what I'm trying to achieve. I am basically replacing the 2.3 that is in the truck with a 2.5. This is one of those builds that is more about what I can affordably do while I am in there, spend a little and get a little more efficiency out of it. I am also looking to possibly stay within the limits of the ecu. Some things I had in mind were:
- 2.5 crank rods and new stock or .30 pistons? Not sure what rings to use, molly stock ect..?
- Deck head, as much possible before having to run over premium gas
I am aware taking so much off will eventually loose the non interference aspect of the engine. How much can it be decked?
- Cam for a little aggressive street driving, it will be a daily driver. Any suggestions?
- Injectors, I believe stock are for both 2.3 and 2.5 are 15lbs, with current modifications would there be any benefit from 17 or 19? I am aware they must be low impedance. Would they severely compromise fuel mileage just daily driving?
- Also looking to stay within the limits of the computer if possible
I am open to any suggestions and advice, If modifying the computer is necessary how intensive or expensive is it? Is the 2.3 computer the same as the 2.5?
I know that its not going to be a drag engine, and that for any big performance you're gonna spend some Big money. I'm just looking to find the best combination of the modifications above, as well as if modifying for the computer for a little more performance is worth it. Thanks.
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Old 04-28-2015, 05:20 AM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Crane cams
Stock Injectors are 14lbs
Your stock ecu will prolly only handle 8psi with injector, regulator, and fuel pump upgrades
Use the 2.5 head on a 2.3 rotating assembly No need to deck as it will raise compression, turbo engines are low compression

----------

Use arp head studs
And coated Pistons
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  #5  
Old 04-28-2015, 11:53 AM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

For now I am looking to keep the engine N/A. I do have 2 sets of heads and one I am wanting to deck down as far as I can to raise the compression, but not so far that I need race gas. I will save the 2.5 head for a turbo build for down the road. Any suggestions on the cam lift and duration, and how much I could deck the head? And are the stock injectors good enough or will there be any gain for going to 17 or 19 lbs injectors?
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Old 04-28-2015, 05:53 PM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Da96Range View Post
For now I am looking to keep the engine N/A. I do have 2 sets of heads and one I am wanting to deck down as far as I can to raise the compression, but not so far that I need race gas. I will save the 2.5 head for a turbo build for down the road. Any suggestions on the cam lift and duration, and how much I could deck the head? And are the stock injectors good enough or will there be any gain for going to 17 or 19 lbs injectors?
I can't remember max lift without head modifications 450? Call boport or Esslinger. No on the injectors, although the 19's do atomize better than any other. The 2.5 head is the best flowing Lima oem head. The floors in the 2.3 heads have to be filled and re shaped for serious performance.
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Last edited by terryduanemiller; 04-28-2015 at 06:07 PM.
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  #7  
Old 05-07-2015, 12:12 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Would there be any performance gain from decking the head .050 with the stock camshaft? I am also thinking about getting the block bored .030 over since I'm replacing the pistons anyway with stock ones and maybe some better rings? Any suggestions on rings?
I was also wondering if anyone creates tunes for these engines? and if so is it worth getting a flash tuner to upload them? Thanks.
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  #8  
Old 05-07-2015, 12:38 PM
stateranger stateranger is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

It is worth it, go with forged pistons.

for tuning lasota racing does custom tuning and has a good reputation.
http://www.lasotaracing.com/
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  #9  
Old 05-07-2015, 01:54 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Why are the forged pistons worth it, just for compression or real high rpm? And so those people listed above can make a tune for anyone's engine?
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Old 05-07-2015, 05:54 PM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Da96Range View Post
Why are the forged pistons worth it, just for compression or real high rpm? And so those people listed above can make a tune for anyone's engine?
cast change shape under heat and load more than forged or billet. It's seems you're headed towards a $1000 build for very little hp/trq, when you can do an explorer swap for same money. 250hp. (W/ Minor mods) and over 300 torque. And that my fellow ranger owner is simple math.

I can't see spending that kind of money on 140-150hp/150-180trq Start with a 2.3t turbo coupe swap or a 5.0 explore swap
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  #11  
Old 05-07-2015, 06:31 PM
Bruce M Bruce M is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

I ran .480 lift without any head machining. You'll need valve springs though. As for the 2.5 stroker, you'll need bearing spacers (the 2.5 mains are smaller). As for milling the head, you'll need an adjustable cam gear to correct the cam timing (milling the head closes the distance between the camshaft and crank which retards the cam). I'm not sure about the 8 plug head but I milled .060 off my old D-port head. With boring it .040 and milled head brought it up to about 10.1. I wouldn't mill more than .040 or .050 for pump gas. The late model 2.3s are already 9.1.
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Last edited by Bruce M; 05-07-2015 at 06:36 PM.
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  #12  
Old 05-07-2015, 09:20 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Could I really do all that swap for $1000? If that's for sure then yes I could consider doing that, but I haven't researched that swap very much, and I'm not sure what transmission came in this ranger, other than its a 5 speed manual. If I had to buy an engine, maintenance the engine before putting it in, and buy the computer and stuff, as well as the swap kit, do all those stock parts work? No oil pan clearance or exhaust manifold issues? Can all that really be done under $1000 and work with the stock transmission?

I'm all about cheap power, the truck is a daily driver. I would like to enjoy driving it and having a more power. My initial idea was to put this 2.5 engine in after I rebuilt it and added a few little things here and there to get a little more out of it. But if I really am going to spend the same money that I could put a 302 in for, then my ears are open I definitely want my money best spent. Thanks.

I guess when it comes down to it, whether it be a 302 or a turbo swap, or building a N/A 2.5 I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. I'm not trying to turn it into anything spectacular but like before if I can really spend the same money and get a lot better deal them I'm down for new ideas. I do already have the 2.5 engine, with the head, pistons, crank, etc. And with doing the turbo swap, I'm not sure of the stock computer will handle those changes, and then have to spend more money to get it tuned and stuff.

Last edited by Da96Range; 05-07-2015 at 09:28 PM.
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  #13  
Old 05-08-2015, 01:47 PM
Bruce M Bruce M is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

The 2.3 and 2.5 are almost the same. The intake and exhaust will interchange. I'm not sure about the motor mounts but I bet they're the same too. I believe the only difference is the oil pump bolts to the front of the engine where the older 2.3s had the auxiliary shaft. A 2.5 should bolt in and the 2.3 parts should interchange. Might be cheaper than swapping crank and rods.
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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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  #14  
Old 05-08-2015, 02:42 PM
Da96Range Da96Range is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

Yes, I've actually got the whole 2.5 engine minus the intake and exhaust. I do however have those already on the 2.3 that's in the truck. So how much did you gain from decking the head and using the adjustable cam gear and such?
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  #15  
Old 05-08-2015, 05:54 PM
Bruce M Bruce M is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l Stroker build for 96 Ranger

I think it was worth it, but I've always run 93 octane so I had nothing to loss. Its more responsive, power band feels better, more usable if that makes any sense. Could just be a fresh motor though, my rings were wore out. The best thing I've done for power on this truck was an electric fan. The clutch fan kills these little motors. I think my next step will be a little bit bigger cam or maybe in a few years a 289 I've been getting parts for fore a few years.
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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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