2.3 li ranger motor

[mrmatt]

I was wondering if anyone out there has done any performance work to a 2.3 4cyl. ranger. If so what can be done and how costly is it?
My thinking says that converting to a 4.0 liter may actually be a more bang for your buck deal, but wanted to get some opinions.

Matt

[sjr]

To get up in the 200hp range in a 2.3 is in the 5K range or more, depending on how much work you do yourself. I've always run race gas in mine, there's an added cost.
Had I got wind of the motor rule change for 7s in 2000, I would have not built a second 2.3. For the cost I could have had 5 4.0L and been able to run on pump gas.
Plus the 4.0L seems to have a bit more top end speed.
I've run a 2.3 in MDR and MORE from 1999 to the present, the next motor will be a 4.0

[mrmatt]

thanx,
i definatley want to stay on pump gas. However this is for a prerunner/toy and I am looking for somewhere in the neighborhood of 130hp if i stay with the 2.3. But if i am still looking at around $3500-4000 I think i would be better off with the 4.0.
Do you know what the base hp on the 2.3 is?
matt

[mrmatt]

without telling all your secrets...
What did you do to the 2.3 to get that kinda horsepower out of it?

[sjr]

There really are no big secrets. Ported head, bigger valves, cam (2nd mtr went solid lifter). The block was bored .030 over, custom pistons, stock rods w/aftermarket rod bolts and stock crank. Also a MSD dist and 2 44mm downdraft webers. Compression 12.5 to 1
Motor runs up to 7000+ rpm and normally runs between 4000 and 6000 rpm the majority of race, 6 to 12 hours. Gas mileage is a little over 4 mpg.
I think the stock hp is 100 to 120 but you might want to check what Ford claims it is.
I did have the first mtr on a chassis dynoyears ago. From what I recall it had 100 hp to rear wheels with a C4, stock torque converter, 33" tires and a 5.83 r&p.
For the cost of the cam and pistons I could have bought a low milage 4.0 from the local salvage yard.
From what I have seen a stock 4.0 and this 2.3 are reasonably equal, the 4.0 has an advantage with gas mileage and on the faster courses. R&P has some influence on this, but with a 2.3 you have to keep the rpm up to make the hp.
Hope this helps. Steve

[mrmatt]

A big help

thanx