1990 2.3L DIS without efi

[Rulebreaker]

I just bought a 1990 2.3L Ranger engine and a propane system for a 2.3 which includes the intake. I'm not sure yet what I'm even going to put the setup in yet. My question is can I run the DIS as a stand alone system. What will i need to make the DIS work? I know i can get an older 4 plug head and drop in a distributor but I'd like to explore all my options. RB

 

[adsm08]

I think megasquirt makes a stand-alone for Ford DIS systems.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

 

[cody93]

from what ive heard, you can make a DIS work somewhat with just the crank pos sensor, but you wont have spark advance... probly cheaper to just get a dizzy if you have the hole... get an old duraspark dizzy of a 2.0 ranger or carbed pinto/mustang etc and use a GM HEI ignition module, so simple, 4 wires, 2 to dizzy and the other 2 to coil, no resistors or anything else, its like voodoo magic...

 

[Rulebreaker]

This makes it sound like a stand alone setup.

CPS (Cam Position Sensor) was added starting in ’95 (’94 in California). At this time Ford changed to a 104-pin computer (it was a 60-pin) and moved the DIS functions into the computer, previously the DIS system had a TFI module as a separate unit mounted on the front of the intake manifold.

I'd like to use the head that is on it. But between the 8 plug holes and the change in the intake ports it wont be easy. Could a disy fire 8 plugs with some creative plug wires? Could an old intake bolt to the head with an adapter plate? I havent even seen the propane setup yet so I dont know what I'm dealing with yet. I'm guessing with it being a 1990 that it has a hole for a disy. RB

 

[cody93]

you dont need all 8 plugs, just use the exhaust side plugs with a dizzy and you should be ok. the intake side ones were put in to clean up emmisions, with propane, is a non issue.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Do you need to pass emissions? If so you will need to check with the DOL or whoever as to what is acceptable for your application to make it pass the visual.

 

[Rulebreaker]

We are still free Americans in that department where i live. I can build my own truck if I wish. I think mainly because they know it will rust out in 10 years anyway. LOL

 

[scotts90ranger]

couldn't you leave the computer intact with the injectors and fuel pump disconnected (or remove, whatever, they make 9/16" sofplugs that plug injector holes nicely), oxygen sensor disconnected which should force the engine into open loop but keep the normal ignition system? sounds doable...

 

[Rulebreaker]

If I had all that stuff. All I have at this point is an engine (complete with 2wd trans) and I'm picking up the Propane setup this Sat. Not even sure what I'm putting it in yet. It most likely will go in a 4 wheel drive Ranger that I find cheap with a junk drivetrain. So more than likely it will replace a 3 or 4 L. I have a 75 Bronco that I'm just now finishing a propane conversion on but I refuse to drive it on salted roads so this 2.3L will be my winter beater to keep the Bronco from rotting out. The Bronco has a 351 so it will be like going from a Mustang to a Geo tracker in power but i dont care.

 

[scotts90ranger]

heh, I know that feeling, since I finished the rebuild on my Ranger a couple weeks ago I've been driving my Ranger a bit (turbo 2.3, 35" tires, 5.13:1 gears) then switching to the Tracker (1.6L 16 valve engine, 27" tires, 5.12:1 gears) and it's very strange , the Ranger is much more fun to drive but gets 15mpg going 70mph...

I'm running a '86 2.3T with stock computer and DIS, figure out what parts you have then figure out how you're gonna run it, there'll be a way to get it going fairly easy...

 

[snoranger]

Ford made a DIS-4 module with a built in vacuum advance. I have one on a JLG lift at work. Its a stand alone unit on a dual fueled engine (gas/propane). Its wired like a regular DIS module, only difference is it has a vacuum line ran to it. I'll get a part number off it for you.

 

[Rulebreaker]

Sweet. I'll take that part #. RB

 

[Rulebreaker]

heh, I know that feeling, since I finished the rebuild on my Ranger a couple weeks ago I've been driving my Ranger a bit (turbo 2.3, 35" tires, 5.13:1 gears) then switching to the Tracker (1.6L 16 valve engine, 27" tires, 5.12:1 gears) and it's very strange , the Ranger is much more fun to drive but gets 15mpg going 70mph...

I'm running a '86 2.3T with stock computer and DIS, figure out what parts you have then figure out how you're gonna run it, there'll be a way to get it going fairly easy...

I may "need" on of those turbo's before it's all done and said. LOL

 

[snoranger]

Sweet. I'll take that part #. RB

Its a Ford ESC module. (looks just like an EDIS, but says ESC on it and has a vacuum port.) Part # 89fb-12a297-bb. It seems there are a couple different ESC modules out there. You might want to a little bit of research into it. It looks like there are a few guys out there using this as a stand alone setup.

 

[4b316]

I,d like to see a pic of that propane intake