Guys,
I need some help. I'm a fairly novice mechanic and I need some opinions. My son managed to break the #2connecting rod on his 89's 2.3L engine. The rod "exited" the oil pan making about a one inch hole. I acually have a potential loaner 2.3L from a 94 ranger. I don't have the computer for the 94 engine and I was hoping the engine swap would be fairly simple. Of course the 94 has the 2 plug per cylinder head and a completely different intake an exhaust manifolds. Is there an easy way to swap only the Blocks without having to take the entire 94 engine package? The 94 actually has a plug where the distributor would go on the 89. I assume the 94 is a superior combination but I'm not sure I'm up to redoing the harness and electrics.

Any help/opinions appreciated!

 

The 94shouldhave mass air(unless they started that later on the rangers). Youwould needa differentcpu to run 8plugs. You could probably find a used cpu in a junk yard or on ebay from any dual plug motor mustang/ranger(can't remember if all dual plugs have MAS), thentakethe harness with the motor and you have a new engine.

The exhaust manifold is a plus put it on the 89 if you re-use the factory block.

 

If you just want him going again try to find another 4 plug 2.3

 

Where are you located, ve been trying to pawn off my engine for a while now

FREE

you pull it though

 

you could just swap the heads, and use the 94's bottom end, with the 89 head. would be very straight forward and easy, and that would be my route.

 

probably simpler and cheaper to just find a complete engine and swap it

 

The 94 block needs to have the head, sensors, and distributer from the 89 block. The DIS set-up takes alot to set up in a non DIS car.

Easier to just find another 87-90 2.3

 

actaully, your son is in the same boat as i was a few months ago, blew my #2 connecting rod, cracked the block etc. for the money , and time it would not be worth the not-gained HP and performance, as to doing a 5.0l or 2.3t swap which would be more satisfying, and better gains than a replacement 2.3. I went the turbo route 500$ complete motor, about 1500$ in aftermarket parts, and i could not be happier, i just wish my shell was in better condition...
does your son have a job? or will his project be "funded" lol my pops helped me out too inbetween checks but still i have alot of cash in my car.

 

I agree as far as know. Just use the 94 bottom end. and swap back to distributor. Will need reinstall belt. I would put new one and install dristributor. Article on the timing belt. http://www.stinger-performance.com/tech.html