how to identify 2.3 vs 2.5 ranger motor?

[1badnotch]

I just bought what I thought was a 2.3 ranger motor from a '95 ranger. I was taking it apart and noticed that it doesn't have provisions for a distributor. No hole in the block,no dummy plug,nothing. It also has the low mount,passenger side alternator. Is this possibly a 2.5 motor? I'm not 100% sure that this was the original motor from that 95 ranger either. What year did they start making the 2.5? Any other ways to identify a 2.5? Thanks.
Mark

[Martin0660]

They get tricky....

Does it have a harmonic balancer or just the pulley? 2.5's got a damper.

Measure the crank throw ;)

It does sound like a 2.5 to me right now. If you cant use it, lets talk ;)

Bob Myers

[1badnotch]

Bob,
I just checked and it does have a harmonic balancer,so I guess that I have a 2.5. I bought it mainly for the cylinder head(which,I noticed has the small diameter valvesprings)because the one on my N/A 2.3 was cracked between the valves on #3 cylinder. Now that I know it's a 2.5,I am going to check into building my turbo motor a 2.5. I've heard that you use the 2.5 crank and main caps and buy spacers since it's a small journal crank. I've also heard that you have to buy rods and pistons,because the stock ones are powdered metal and cast. I think that I'm going to at least check into it. If I decide to get rid of it I'll let you know. Thanks for the info!
Mark

[Martin0660]

You have the general idea. There are a few other ways to use the crank as well. Even if you dont use the 2.5 block, save the caps. You can use 1/2 a set of spacers, the small caps, then not ot have ot worry about the spacer spinning (becasue the small caps lock the top half in with a large journal block. To use a 2.5 crank you will need higher cost rods and custom pistons, so the price adds up pretty quick for .03 liters. Blow on it harder :D

The dual plug heads and those valves get complicated pretty fast. None of the "turbo" geared stuff works with that valvetrain. It can be done, but cams get funny. I have a couple of core heads around, but they need checked for cracks too. Basically, if it's a 2.3 head, it likely has cracks somewhere. the question is can you get around them with big valves / seats.

Let me know, I have something I want to play with a bit.

Bob Myers

[chugger95]

I had a 95 ranger with a 2.3, and I know it didn't have a distributor (whether it had the provisions for one or not I don't know). And it also had the low mount alternator I believe(but I forget which side, I just remember replacing it and I think I recall it being on the bottom).

[1badnotch]

Bob,
I sent you a PM about the shortblock. Let me know. Thanks.
Mark