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1992 Ford Ranger 2.3 Lima Turbo


Rangerdude

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Vehicle Year
1992
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Ford Ranger
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Manual
Hey, I have a 1992 Ford Ranger 2.3l with a 5 speed trans.

I was wondering if I should do a turbo with stock internals or if need be what parts I should upgrade or if I have to buy a already turbo built motor? I will take power specs as they come and don't plan to do any more than 8lbs of boost. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rangerdude
 


scotts90ranger

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Dayton Oregon
Vehicle Year
1990, 1997
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.3 Turbo
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6
Tire Size
35"
The stock pistons likely won't take any more than 5psi reliably, stock injectors can't really support any more than stock power. The rest of the bottom end is the same as the turbo engines and can handle like 300hp... forged pistons are a bit spendy but out there... The transmission should be good, mine's been holding up fine, I upgraded the clutch to a Centerforce though...

Unless you can find a stock turbo engine and computer I'd probably go stand alone for fuel control...
 

Blmpkn

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Make / Model
Ford Bronco
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2.5"
Tire Size
285/75/18
My credo
Its probably better to be self deprecating than self defecating.
Consensus has it that stock guts are good for 4-5lbs at best before things get hairy. 5lbs *should* grant you 35% more power.. or there abouts..
 

Rangerdude

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1992
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Ford Ranger
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Thank you for responding,

I would like to also know if taking the oil pan off and removing the pistons through the bottom of the engine and push the new pistons through the bottom would work and whether or not I should change out the valve springs while I am at it.

Thanks,
Rangerdude
 

sgtsandman

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Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
Thank you for responding,

I would like to also know if taking the oil pan off and removing the pistons through the bottom of the engine and push the new pistons through the bottom would work and whether or not I should change out the valve springs while I am at it.

Thanks,
Rangerdude
The only way I’ve ever seen pistons installed is from the top.
 

bobbywalter

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Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"




use that to base your build from....


you can backyard razorblade these for about 1400 yourself and go to a megasquirt type setup which with injectors will be at least 1 k and do really well.


finding a complete running donor is the only easy way to do it....they are out there....
 

Rangerdude

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1992
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Ford Ranger
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Manual
Good afternoon,

Do you all also know whether or not I could tune the engine on the road myself? Also, have you all heard about any break in periods for new pistons and springs?

Thanks,
Rangerdude
 

bobbywalter

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Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
with a ms3....your better off learning with the engine naturally aspirated....get it running well....

from there stepping up to boost will be less destructive.

thing about boost....you can have the best of the best dial in your powertrain....10 minutes later some minor unknowable failure can lean ya out wot and your toast.


but if you have to ask....you need to read.
 

Rangerdude

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1992
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Ford Ranger
Transmission
Manual
Good afternoon,

Do you all also know whether or not I could tune the engine on the road myself? Also, have you all heard about any break in periods for new pistons and springs?

Thanks,
Rangerdude
And by chance can you all guide me on how to do my exhaust header. Would I use a mustang header or fab my own?

Thanks,
Rangerdude
 

Rangerdude

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Greensboro
Vehicle Year
1992
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Ford Ranger
Transmission
Manual
with a ms3....your better off learning with the engine naturally aspirated....get it running well....

from there stepping up to boost will be less destructive.

thing about boost....you can have the best of the best dial in your powertrain....10 minutes later some minor unknowable failure can lean ya out wot and your toast.


but if you have to ask....you need to read.
I see what you mean, I will give it a shot if I can.
 

bobbywalter

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Joined
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Messages
23,470
Reaction score
4,668
Points
113
Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"

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