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As cheap as it would be to do it one of two ways really with basic to good reliability features.. either source a SVO Mustang or even easier access, 88 Tbird Turbo Coupe 2.3 motor.
- 2.3T motor
- Tbird T5 trans
- Explorer 3.73'ed 8.8 rear end.
Motor drops right in. Uses all the stock ranger parts, starter, flywheel, trans etc. The 8.8 Explorer rear is a bolt in after swapping shock mounts. Even the drivetrain has a ton of potential at this point.
If you don't kill it a later swap of better forged rods and pistons that are compatible with any Lima 2.3 would do nicely and I am sure the mix of Mahale, SRP, or even J.E. Pistons would oblige it nicely if you just couldn't leave the fun factors alone. I think there is a 93-94 OBD I Rangers that had a dual plugged head with a different intake to make even better power use with flow. (The 95-97 were OBD2)
A 2.3T made 190hp in 1988 with about 15-17.5lbs of boost or so in manual trans and 93+ fuel. 9-11PSI would be more lower octane fuels and auto. 5 PSI probably wouldn't even get the butt-dyno excited. But add better forged internals, do the right things in tuning and suspension and pretty fun around 220-225hp and manageable to control.
That is some of the best advice I have seen on adding forced induction to a NA Ranger on a budget. The other option is the 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost crate engine (252HP).
____________________
Tony
NE ATL
'04 XLT regular cab 3.slo stepside
Semi retirement