Rangers Duratec 2.3L

[colvindesign]

the 2.3 in the ranger is a 4 valve all aluminum engine with 143 hp stock, 151 hp in the focus.

I wonder if the bellhousing on the RWD blocks match up to the 2.3L T-5 bellhousing, and what the weight difference is.

I think it'd be an interesting swap, drop a few pounds, add in a tubular K-member, Fiberglass fenders hood and hatch (or trunk) and you'd have a light car. Not to mention they do make cams for that engine.

Anyone ever done this? I think they make decent power turbo'd as well.

 

[kevinspann]

The bellhousings dont match up, but there is a company that makes one to mate it to a T-5. You would have to fab all of the mounts, and then have an engine management system to runit, but by using megaquirt, it wouldnt be that hard

 

[stykthyn]

The bellhousings dont match up, but there is a company that makes one to mate it to a T-5. You would have to fab all of the mounts, and then have an engine management system to runit, but by using megaquirt, it wouldnt be that hard

not hard, but still more trouble than it would be worth, maybe if it had 200hp. 150 is kind of low

 

[kevinspann]

not hard, but still more trouble than it would be worth, maybe if it had 200hp. 150 is kind of low

Yeah i agree....i didnt mean to make it seem like it was a walk in the park, but its not nearly as impossible as some might think


But dont forget, this engine is used in the mazdaspeed6 where its rated at 274hp on a little over 15psi of boost...not bad
, add in the fact that its all aluminum, and it looks like it wouldnt be a terrible idea, if you were willing of course

 

[stykthyn]

has anyone done this? the swap itself would be fairly simple, but the efi and wiring would be a huge PITA, especially with boost. even with megasquirt it seems like a handful. that is what is keeping me from giving this swap 2 thumbs up.

 

[scruffman]

to bad the head wont work.... dual cam...

 

[kevinspann]

Volvo B234F.....

 

[scruffman]

huh..... waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much work there!!! unless someone is selling the head with all work completed on it with all the goodie needed to make it run. then I'm ready freedy!!

 

[kevinspann]

Yeah i know there arent too many that are actually running, but its still less work than the duratech...

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/FknBadFkr/?action=view&current=SVOVolvohead_new.flv

 

[sleeper_inc]

Yeah i know there arent too many that are actually running, but its still less work than the duratech...

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/FknBadFkr/?action=view&current=SVOVolvohead_new.flv

 

[SMOKEDYA]

So is there any "DIRECT BOLT IN" engine out there that has more H.P then these wimpy 2.3's? Direct bolt in i mean pull this one and simply install the other? Cut and dry your done! peace



john

 

[scruffman]

man... from what I've seen and read,...... nope!!! the 2.3 turbo motor bolt right in, but you have to do some re-wiring!!!!

 

[sleeper_inc]

and in the end you'll brake the rear end because of the added power

 

[colvindesign]

thanks for the feedback. I've heard of and even looked into the Volvo head swap. I'd only be interested in trying that if I had access to the same shops who have successfully done the machine work needed.

I was just wondering if it'd even be worth doing the Duratec swap, it might be to some, based on the possible weight savings. There seems to be a lot of aftermarket support for the Focus 2.3, I think there is even a SC kit for it. Of course if you are swapping in an 8, you have a lot of wiring to do, as well as a turbo 2.3 SOHC, so I think it just depends on the person.

Now I am thinking it'd be pretty cool to see a 05+ lightened up as much as possible (dry carbon body) with a heavily worked over duratec 2.3L turbo, with lighter suspension and wheels stripped interior, carbon seats, the whole 9. Way too much money for me to do, but it'd be cool none the less, like a new SVO.

Thanks!

 

[(&)]

I was just wondering if it'd even be worth doing the Duratec swap, it might be to some, based on the possible weight savings.

Not just possible weight savings, rather, significant weight savings. Our boat anchor Pintomotors are almost as heavy as a cast iron V8. The Duratec has already proven itself capable of big numbers, too.

 

[colvindesign]

Not just possible weight savings, rather, significant weight savings. Our boat anchor Pintomotors are almost as heavy as a cast iron V8. The Duratec has already proven itself capable of big numbers, too.

great, there you go, getting me thinking.

Oh well, for now this will have to just go into my pile of "would be cool" swaps.....

 

[Fuzzylogic]

Anyone have a ballpark price on one of those Ranger 2.3Ls?

I don't have the skills to put it all together myself, but I can sure gather up everything and find the right shop, haha.

 

[(&)]

Anyone have a ballpark price on one of those Ranger 2.3Ls?

Contact Kansas Racing Products. I haven't really been paying attention, but recently heard that they are selling long blocks for $600.

 

[Fuzzylogic]

Wow. Not bad at all!

 

[Fuzzylogic]

Thanks! I have an email off to that company you suggested. Depending on what they say, I might have a block shipped over on payday Friday. We'll see what else the swap will entail. I personally think, financially, compared to a Volvo head swap, this makes more sense and will offer both more power and more aftermarket possibilities.

Anyone know where these 2.3L guys hang out?