Ford 1990 2.9L V6 to 2.3L 4-Cyl

M90th · Jul 16, 2012

I have a 1990 V6 2.9L 4x4 manual that just had the block crack, I need to replace the engine and since I have a significant commute I do empty I thought getting a 2.3L 4-cyl would really improve my 13 mpg average I was getting. Time and money are tight right now so if it takes a ton extra of either of those, I'll stick to getting a 2.9. So, first how difficult would that swap be, Second, is there a different year/model of engine that would be even better mpg/performance and still simple to swap, third, any recommendations on where to find a good engine?

wr250rdr · Jul 17, 2012

You won't see a drastic improvement in mileage with a 2.3 and 4x4

It's pushing and turning all the extra weight that really sucks the mileage up. I would just stick to rebuilding the 2.9

And you should see a slight improvement in performance and mileage because things are tighter and fresh in your motor. Less slop in the motor will produce more power and more efficiency

Insanejughead · Jul 17, 2012

If you want to keep the swap simple, get another 2.9L. Going with a different motor will require a transmission change (unless you get a 4.0 out of a 92-94 ranger, they're OBD I, too). On second thought, this is a great time to swap to a 4.0 out of a truck from those years. Either way, rebuilding the engine should grant you the most reliable and longest lasting engine that you will have; whereas just a swap to a previously used motor can be iffy...

Oh, and we can't help you find another motor unless we know where you are located...

M90th · Jul 18, 2012

wr250rdr said:
You won't see a drastic improvement in mileage with a 2.3 and 4x4

It's pushing and turning all the extra weight that really sucks the mileage up. I would just stick to rebuilding the 2.9

And you should see a slight improvement in performance and mileage because things are tighter and fresh in your motor. Less slop in the motor will produce more power and more efficiency

Ok, just replacing the 2.9 sounds like a plan. Also since I live in Lancaster, CA I was thinking that the DMV might not let me pass smog if I did an engine swap anyways, I am not sure and haven't been able to find info on that either.

Insanejughead said:
If you want to keep the swap simple, get another 2.9L. Going with a different motor will require a transmission change (unless you get a 4.0 out of a 92-94 ranger, they're OBD I, too). On second thought, this is a great time to swap to a 4.0 out of a truck from those years. Either way, rebuilding the engine should grant you the most reliable and longest lasting engine that you will have; whereas just a swap to a previously used motor can be iffy...

Oh, and we can't help you find another motor unless we know where you are located...

I am located in Lancaster, CA, USA any help is appriciated.

wr250rdr · Jul 19, 2012

I'm actually in Acton/Palmdale area if you ever need a hand. And smog reff will let you go as long as the motor was available in that series of trucks and is either the same year or newer and all the smog Equiptment is intact

So in my 94 I can swap any ranger motor in from 94+ but not an explorer 5.0

There are always loop holes and ways to get around smog but they are usually a pain in the ass for a stock motor

wr250rdr · Jul 19, 2012

Also I was out at ecology on 90th east and I forget what and there were quite a few 2.9s since your gunna need a new block anyway but someone on here might be able to get you a block cheep

M90th · Jul 26, 2012

Ok, I am officially looking for a replacement 2.9 L long block. Should I post that on a different thread?

wr250rdr · Jul 27, 2012

Are you gunna do the work your self or do you want a pre assembled long block?

M90th · Jul 27, 2012

I would prefer a pre-assembled, but my wallet might not allow for that.

wr250rdr · Jul 27, 2012

Check out autozone I know they sell a short block but idk what the cost is. And you can always pull a motor and rebuild its usually cheaper that way

wr250rdr · Jul 29, 2012

So I was doing a bit of looking and you can get a rebuild kit http://www.enginepartsstore.com/servlet/Detail?no=1859. For 400 plus probably another 200 for a bone yard long block and I know a guy out here that gives a good price on machine work so probably another 250 to deck the block and heads, polish the crank and and the Bering journals so you can probably do this rebuild for under a grand if you just want stock rebuild and stock performance.

Ford 1990 2.9L V6 to 2.3L 4-Cyl

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