Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 05-06-2013, 06:27 PM
KnuckleBeast KnuckleBeast is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Thumbs up Building 2.3 from scratch

Hey fellas

I just bought the momma to all the rangers, a 1974 ford courier, and man its sweet. But I must say the original 4.11 gears, 4sp transmission, and 1.8 liters of fury under the hood is not quite cutting it as far as power.

So... I'm redoing the whole thing. I'm not leaving Ford because that would be an abomination, figured I'd put a 2.3 in it, I've read on various forums that they fit in pretty easy.

I want to build up a 2.3 or 2.5 from the block up. I have all the time in the world and anything I don't know is ok I have a lot of help.

What I want out of this truck is as much power as I can get without sacrificing bullet proofness. It'll be 4x4 truck (but I won't be 4 wheeling it) I'm pretty sure I'll go EFI and turbo'd, that being said if you were building an engine up from scrap what would you do?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMAG0305.jpg (99.4 KB, 49 views)
File Type: jpg IMAG0298.jpg (98.0 KB, 43 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-06-2013, 06:39 PM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
Mustang Owner
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 14,046
Default

Truck looks absolutely amazing

Sent from my iPhone 5 so I can tell you to search wherever I may be
__________________
2017 Lightning Blue Mustang GT PP 430/402
CJ Pony Parts Lowering Springs | Texas Speed Longtubes | PMAS CAI | Lund Tuned | Borla S-Type Catback
2013 F150 FX4 5.0 - Sold
1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 5spd - Sold
2001 Mustang Bullitt - Sold
2005 Level II - Sold
2001 Integra GSR - Sold
1999 XLT - May 2013 TOTM - Totaled

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-06-2013, 06:39 PM
Offy Offy is offline
Buy a Ford
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 186
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

Wow that sounds like an awesome project! But I know almost nothing about the advice you need and I would say most on here don't either. Visit this cite to find how to build the motor, don't know if anywhere there is doing what you are either but there should be good engine advice.
http://turborangerforums.com/
__________________
current - 2001 2.5 5spd 3.73 XLT reg cab short box 165K
dead - 2001 2.3 5spd 3.73 XLT reg cab short box 70K
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-06-2013, 07:14 PM
4Banger5speed 4Banger5speed is offline
F T P !
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 155
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

What a sweet looking ride! It looks like everything is there and all stock. Is it? Or is that just my ignorance in not knowing what I am looking at? If it IS are you sure you want to do all that? The 1.8 may be severely under powered but if it doesent burn oil and has good compression it will probably get better gas mileage than a 2.3 or 2.5. And any car or truck from that era is more appreciated and worth more if it is unmolested. Have fun either way whatever you decide. Do you want to sell it?
__________________
Red 1994 Mazda B2300 Base Model With A/C--2.3L--140cid-100hp--4Cyl--D.I.S. Engine Code [A]--Bosch (4505) Fusion Iradium Spark Plugs-- "Cheap" 8mm Silicone Plug Wires--Gatorback Belt--Blocked Off/Disabled EGR Valve--Coil Mod--Throttle Cable Mod--Magnaflow Muffler/No CAT--5 Speed M5R1-RWD--3.45 Non Limited Slip Rear End---Lowered 5" Rear 3 1/2" Front---269,000 Miles as of 11/1/2013---If its a Ford you will need to keep a lot of tools and a good fire extinguisher handy.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-06-2013, 07:16 PM
thatranger thatranger is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,061
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

Quote:
Originally Posted by KnuckleBeast View Post
Hey fellas

I just bought the momma to all the rangers, a 1974 ford courier, and man its sweet. But I must say the original 4.11 gears, 4sp transmission, and 1.8 liters of fury under the hood is not quite cutting it as far as power.

So... I'm redoing the whole thing. I'm not leaving Ford because that would be an abomination, figured I'd put a 2.3 in it, I've read on various forums that they fit in pretty easy.

I want to build up a 2.3 or 2.5 from the block up. I have all the time in the world and anything I don't know is ok I have a lot of help.

What I want out of this truck is as much power as I can get without sacrificing bullet proofness. It'll be 4x4 truck (but I won't be 4 wheeling it) I'm pretty sure I'll go EFI and turbo'd, that being said if you were building an engine up from scrap what would you do?
The older 2.3/2.5 is crap. You want the newer 2.3 most likely. However ford states those engines are 'not rebuildable' however you still can. Ford doesn't list tq specs on the engine bolts and parts when putting it back together, but doesn't mean you can't do it, ford just got retarded. Also is its 4x2 then leave it alone, no need to waste time or money making it 4x4 since its so low down to the ground, but it is your call. I'd also grab a 5speed from a 2.3 as well as the drive shaft, axle, pretty much you'll need a donor truck. But whatever way you want to build it is your call, just depends on how big your wallet is. I'd say $8,000 to do a complete turbo build.
__________________
2002 Ranger 3.0 XLT | 5Speed | Flareside | 2wd | 3.73open |
__________________________________________________

Quote:
"You rev it, and rev it, and rev it until the valves come out and dance on top of the bonnet. And then you change gear" - James May
Quote:
"9,000rpms into third!"- Jeremy Clarkson
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-06-2013, 07:23 PM
Offy Offy is offline
Buy a Ford
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 186
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatranger View Post
The older 2.3/2.5 is crap. You want the newer 2.3 most likely. However ford states those engines are 'not rebuildable' however you still can. Ford doesn't list tq specs on the engine bolts and parts when putting it back together, but doesn't mean you can't do it, ford just got retarded. Also is its 4x2 then leave it alone, no need to waste time or money making it 4x4 since its so low down to the ground, but it is your call. I'd also grab a 5speed from a 2.3 as well as the drive shaft, axle, pretty much you'll need a donor truck. But whatever way you want to build it is your call, just depends on how big your wallet is. I'd say $8,000 to do a complete turbo build.
Hey now that isn't very nice! I wouldn't go as far to say as they are bad. I would agree the duratec is more maintenance free (timing chain not belt) but they are pretty equal to quality otherwise I would argue as long as others on this forum (minus the base mpg and power the duratec has).
__________________
current - 2001 2.5 5spd 3.73 XLT reg cab short box 165K
dead - 2001 2.3 5spd 3.73 XLT reg cab short box 70K
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-06-2013, 08:05 PM
J's 05 J's 05 is offline
Same Shirt, Different Day
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,582
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KnuckleBeast View Post
Hey fellas

I just bought the momma to all the rangers, a 1974 ford courier, and man its sweet. But I must say the original 4.11 gears, 4sp transmission, and 1.8 liters of fury under the hood is not quite cutting it as far as power.

So... I'm redoing the whole thing. I'm not leaving Ford because that would be an abomination, figured I'd put a 2.3 in it, I've read on various forums that they fit in pretty easy.

I want to build up a 2.3 or 2.5 from the block up. I have all the time in the world and anything I don't know is ok I have a lot of help.

What I want out of this truck is as much power as I can get without sacrificing bullet proofness. It'll be 4x4 truck (but I won't be 4 wheeling it) I'm pretty sure I'll go EFI and turbo'd, that being said if you were building an engine up from scrap what would you do?
Freakin sweet! My dad had a red 77? Courier. Not even close to as nice as yours though lol

05 xlt 4x4 auto, Aries grill guard, shield & deflectors, led tailgate light bar, tonneau, tbar crankish, k&n air filter
__________________
Gold 05 xlt 4.0 auto 4x4.

My build thread
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...build-log.html
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-07-2013, 04:26 AM
4b316 4b316 is offline
Ford Tough
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 293
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

Nice truck.i know a couple guys that race these trucks when the rule was you couldn't run anything newer than a 95 and they wanted the IFS.As the Courier came with a 2.3,it is not hard to put one in.I would get a 88-94 ranger running gear,motor,trans etc and change over to carb,bore 40 over,mill the head 60,do some porting(talk to Bolaws)a schoenfeld header and a 88 FI bottom intake and run a 350 holley.I,d slam it to the ground instead of 4WD but to each his own.You would save a lot of wiring headaches and still could turbo charge it.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-07-2013, 04:19 PM
KnuckleBeast KnuckleBeast is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Thumbs up Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

oh yeah I was thinking about leaving it original. But top speed on this dude is 60 65 ... and thats to the wall man. I don't know if anyone here knows what the sasquatch addition is (its the 4x4 version of this truck). I'll put a picture down. There were only like 3500 of them converted to 4wheels off the production line. They are awesome and I must build one. I'm going to get all the new original parts I need for it and put them in along with a new engine all at once. (but I've got that handled its the engine I'm still pondering about)

I really like the idea of keeping it carburated (no computer) but am worried I won't be able to get enough power out of it. How much power can you get out of them (maintaning bullet proofness) with a carb?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg courier2 sasquatch.JPG (90.7 KB, 14 views)
__________________
Stock 1974 Ford Courier
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-07-2013, 04:20 PM
KnuckleBeast KnuckleBeast is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

and thanks everybody for your input. Yeah like I said I'd love to keep it carburated but at the same time... i want to be able to go 80 mph if I have to.
__________________
Stock 1974 Ford Courier
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-07-2013, 04:21 PM
imaprobowler imaprobowler is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,496
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

Man that is a good looking machine. Love seeing the older trucks. I'm on TurboRangerForums.com and I must say that is the place to be for turbo'ing a 2.3. So many guys have done it there and they're really smart and know their sh*t. Go onto there and check out a section called "Lima General Discussion" and "Lima Engine Builds" and there should be sticky threads at the top. 99% of every question you could possibly ask will be answered in those threads. The best year of 2.3 to use would be 95-97 because there have the better heads, unless you plan on using parts from an 88 TC. You could put the rods and pistons from an 88 turbocoupe into a Ranger 2.3 in those years, and it'll go in fine. Just check out TRF and I bet a lot of your questions will be answered. I'd also pick up a Ranger tranny (M50D) while you're at it. A lot of the guys over there run 15 psi through them and they hold their own pretty well. They're strong little buggers. Just note, if you do everything right and by the books, this truck can be as reliable as a brand new car. Once you start cutting corners, that's when sh*t hits the fan. Not saying you will, just saying what I have seen since I've been on TRF for many years now. This sounds like it will be an awesome truck to watch get built though!!!
__________________
Tim IRONMAN "The bowler" Eagle Scout
1999 Ford Ranger XLT 2.5l 5spd N/A std cab
Lowered 4/6, Intake, Exhaust, Centerlines, and BFG T/A's. Much more
Kicker speakers and 10" Kicker sub with 1,220 watts.
2.3 turbo being built; the Ranger with the iron lung.

1984 Porsche 944 N/A (totaled by old grandma)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 05-07-2013, 08:25 PM
KnuckleBeast KnuckleBeast is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

Thanks brother. I'm checking it out right now. and you're right tons of good things on here!

----------

turbo ranger forums is the best thing i have ever discovered ever in my life Thank you Tim Imaprobowler
__________________
Stock 1974 Ford Courier
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 05-07-2013, 08:26 PM
Shredxcam Shredxcam is offline
Ford Tough
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 365
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

You were wonder about power with carbs. NASCAR ran carbs up until recently
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-07-2013, 08:58 PM
RangerEdgeWhite RangerEdgeWhite is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,720
Default Re: Building 2.3 from scratch

carbed 5.0 is what i would do
__________________
2003 Ranger Edge ... crashed

2011 sport 4x4 with a little modification
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-07-2013, 08:59 PM
imaprobowler imaprobowler is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,496
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KnuckleBeast View Post
Thanks brother. I'm checking it out right now. and you're right tons of good things on here!

----------

turbo ranger forums is the best thing i have ever discovered ever in my life Thank you Tim Imaprobowler
No problem bud. If you ever need help hmu I can help you out. Check the project logs too lotta guys over there put in great detail what they had to go through.
__________________
Tim IRONMAN "The bowler" Eagle Scout
1999 Ford Ranger XLT 2.5l 5spd N/A std cab
Lowered 4/6, Intake, Exhaust, Centerlines, and BFG T/A's. Much more
Kicker speakers and 10" Kicker sub with 1,220 watts.
2.3 turbo being built; the Ranger with the iron lung.

1984 Porsche 944 N/A (totaled by old grandma)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The first scratch is the deepest therealjoshbrown Exterior Tech 16 09-18-2012 07:38 AM
Help building 2.3L Lking15 4-Cylinder Tech 1 07-17-2012 04:45 PM
nice little scratch johnny prerunner 1400 Vehicle Snapshots 12 02-17-2012 11:21 PM
scratch help greenmachine2000 Exterior Tech 17 01-23-2012 09:30 PM
scratch on window RangerLuc Cleaning and Detailing 2 04-28-2010 10:43 AM