2.3L ('83-'97) 94 Mazda 2300 with 91 Ranger 2.3 enging compatibility

[Lee Harrison]

I have a pretty nice 94 Mazda B2300 that has 220k and low compression on one cylinder. I would like to know if 2.3 out of 91 Ranger will swap without too much trouble. I have both complete trucks. Both are 2wd. Ranger has an automatic . Mazda is a 5 speed. Thanks for any info.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Yes, 1989-1994 used the same 2.3l SOHC model engine, 1988 and earlier were different and 1995-1997 were different

You will need to swap the 1994 flywheel over to the 1991 engine and the Block plate(thin metal plate between engine and bell housing)
Use the 1994 starter motor
Good idea to change the rear main seal while any engine is out, cheap part but hard to get at if/when it leaks

 

[sgtsandman]

Just remember to remove the automatic wire harness from the donor engine and install your original harness. On some vehicles, that matters since the connection(s) back to the transmission will be different.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, there are other differences too as 2.3L's with autos don't have EGR and the coil mount moved around I think every year and I think '92 the alternator moved to the other side? If you have them side by side though you can just change what's different, if it looks the same it likely is.

 

[Lee Harrison]

Welcome to TRS

Yes, 1989-1994 used the same 2.3l SOHC model engine, 1988 and earlier were different and 1995-1997 were different

You will need to swap the 1994 flywheel over to the 1991 engine and the Block plate(thin metal plate between engine and bell housing)
Use the 1994 starter motor
Good idea to change the rear main seal while any engine is out, cheap part but hard to get at if/when it leaks

Thanks a lot.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The auto crankshaft likely does not have a pilot bearing installed either so you will need to drive on of those into the back of the crank when you swap the flywheel on.

 

[sgtsandman]

The auto crankshaft likely does not have a pilot bearing installed either so you will need to drive on of those into the back of the crank when you swap the flywheel on.

Good point.

 

[Lee Harrison]

The auto crankshaft likely does not have a pilot bearing installed either so you will need to drive on of those into the back of the crank when you swap the flywheel on.

Oh yeah. That's right Thank you.
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