Ford 2.3 and mazda 5-speed from a ranger...

I found an adapter to use the T-90 with the 2.3, but I'm wondering if there's a simple way to fit the 5-speed in there, too. I haven't had any luck finding adapters or info for attaching the t-case to it, however.

Its for a 55 cj5, which I had originally planned on a stretch and 318/727....my how things have changed, LOL.....

The 2.3 is fuel injected from a 96, BTW.....

Any ideas? I'm thinking 5 close ratio gears (comparitively) would really bring some pizzaz.

Thanks!!

 

Problem with a 5 speed is they are too long to leave much if any rear driveshaft.

 

You'll have to bolt the transfer case to the rear end and use pivoting mounts for the engine.

 

Alrighty, I haven't looked at one but figured they were short stubby things....The T-90 it is I guess!

Thanks!!

 

The 2.3 used to be a common swap, especially in flatfenders. It's a good engine that will give you a decent power boost and a lot more RPM capability without overpowering the stock drivetrain.

 

I had an 87 ranger with the 2.3 and an older courier with the 2.3. It's a great motor.

That 5-speed isn't so great.

 

This is from a 96 my father has that I used quite a bit....the frame rotted out and I rear ended a van, so it can't pass inspection and not really worth fixing.

But it went pretty good, is rated at 105hp and 135ft.lbs, is FI and distributorless, so would make for a nice, nice driveable upgrade.

Thanks!

 

2.3 is a fantastic motor.....I'd grab one out of a turbo coupe though....now THAT would be fun....plenty of room to throw a small intercooler up front...just find an older one with a Garrett turbo rather than the intercooled IHI's turbo motors from 87/88...you can always add and plumb your own intercooler...and IHI turbos self-destruct when you push them over 14PSI...or if you already have the motor...you can probably make a franken-2.3 with an 84-85 head, exhaust manifold and turbo, and pull the ECU and wiring from the donor car. OK...I'm living my own imaginary project through your post...I'll shut up now.

 

You have to manage upgrades and the retention of stock parts wisely. It is easy to desire the whiz-bang hi-zoot stuff. I say do the engine swap and keep the T90 tranny, factory transfer case.

More importantly, post the work in the Project section so we can see how you did it.

 

If I can get it there.....so far I need a $300 adapter....AFTER I find a $200-$300 (on ebay) bellhousing!

I figured the Mazda 5 speed had a removeable bellhousing....wrong!

I gotta call the local scrapyards to see what I can find, but past experiences are telling me it won't be good

But novak has a really nice write up on the swap..... http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/pinto.htm

 

It was a joke. jeep toss

 

One of the local scrappers has a few mustang 2.3 bellhousings from 87 to a 91, for only $35.00!! Woot woot!!

'Cept I don't know if those are the correct ones for the Novak kit. I'll hafta get some pictures so I can compare to the one on their website, since I don't know WTF I'm looking at when I google 2.3 mustang bellhousing images

 

Using a 2.3 turbo motor as a base engine without a turbo is a great place to start if you replace the engine . The turbo motors have cast pistons and other internals that will greatly help if you decide to lower the power curve. You really can't push a na motor with a bolt on turbo past 5 or so psi without hurting the "stock" internals.