Hey guys, I just picked up an 88 Ranger with the 2.0L and a manual transmission. Anyway, the engine is pretty much shot. What would be a direct bolt in engine swap? Obviously the 2.0L will work, but they seem to be somewhat difficult to find (used) in this area. Will a 2.3 or 2.5 easily bolt in? Also, what years should I be looking for.. as in how much older or newer of an engine can I get, and still be a fairly easy swap?

I consider myself decently mechanically inclined, and have done numerous engine swaps in the past, but this is the first Ranger (and first 4 banger) I've had to work on this extensively. I usually work on V8s and the like, but the deal was too good to pass up on this truck, even with it needing another engine.

Thanks for all your help,
- Stereo

a 2.3L will fit in fine, but stay away fron the ones with the dual plug head, the 2.5L does not have a hole in the block for a distributor, so that one would be difficult. and also keep in mind that the 2.0 intake is different from a 2.3, so get the 2.3 intake if you can. shape of the ports is different on some models, pretty much all else is interchangeable