2.9 V-6 - 2.3 4 cylinder conversion

[Shorty Thompson]

I've been looking and having no luck at all in locating a 2.9 V-6. I can and have located a 2.3 4 cylinder. So my question is what do I need to do to convert my 2.9 to a 2.3 . Oh the 4 cylinder is out of an 84 mustang, the ranger is an 88 with fuel injection.
Thanks

[gtmud]

Don't do it, you'll hate the serious lack of performance. WHats wrong with you 2.9?

[Shorty Thompson]

It won't get up over 3,000 rpms floored,pops back through the intake plenum. I can't find another to drop in place of that 1 and I don't have the money to do a proper rebuild.Any suggestions ?

[gtmud]

First, is your 2.9 carb of injection? Either way, start by checking your timing, when was the last time you changed your chain and gears. Has it always ran like this, or just something that started to happen recently? When was the last tune-up done? Give me some info onthe maintenance that you've done to this 2.9, I'll be able to help you better. It sounds like its something that can be repaired, cheaper than replacing your engine.

[Bulldog Brewer]

Ive got a 2.9 out of an 88 here in Canada! Wish you were closer!

[Shorty Thompson]

Well Thanks for your reply. It's a fuel injected truck. I checked the timing and it's right on the money both ways base timing & with the plug hooked up , checked it with a manual advance timing light. The guy I got it from said he got it hot, he put in a new radiator and it stays cool. I've tuned it up cap, rotor, wires,and plugs.Before the tune up it wouldn't get over 2,300 rpms, now it's best is 3,000 rpms. It pops/back fires through the intake plenum constantly at high rpms. Any ideas ? I have talked to a couple of people they said camshaft. I put a new fuel filter on it too. It doesn't have a prob starting or idling.
Thanks
Shorty Thompson

[Shorty Thompson]

bulldog brewer. I really wished you were closer too, make life for me a whole lot easier,lol.

[gtmud]

Does this engine have a module on the bottom of the distributor? If so that may be your problem. It requires a special tool you can get from any auto-parts store to remove it and get it tested. Sounds like maybe your ignition is breaking down at high RPM's. Also get your distributor checked.

[gtmud]

Process of elimination.

[Shorty Thompson]

I had another tell me the samething, suggested that I have it tested.If you think it's the problem then I'll have it tested,then replaced if necessary.

[iprogcnc]

I previously owned a 89 Ranger w/2.9 v6 One thing i can tell you is that earlyer pre90's 2.9's had trouble with the heads cracking. Ford redesigned them with more cast material around the rocker posts. I know i ended up spending $800. dollars for the newly designed heads.
Right now my bro owns the truck and it runs flawless. But you should be aware if you install the 2.9! Good luck i agree the 4 cylinder might be fine for grandma but the 6 is much more fun to drive.

[Psychopete]

Is your check engine light coming on? Your computer might be trying to tell you something if it is. You'll need to scan the computer for fault codes. Really in any situation like this, where the problem could lie in multiple things, it's always good to check the ECU for fault codes. You'll end up wasting time and money throwing parts and guesses to what actually might be wrong. It really does sound like the timing is getting screw up somewhere... It shouldn't be firing when the intake value is open. Maybe pull the spark plug wire off of each spark plug and see if you can't narrow it down to 1 cylinder? It runs rough on 5, but this will help in figuring out if you have a ignition/electrical or mechanical problem.

Pete

[Shorty Thompson]

I found the problem it was the 2 center cylinders . Both were dead /weak. And pulled the valve covers , the rockers were all loose too. I figured that since this was a major problem then a transplant was in order. So I did 1 . Thanks for the repys