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Engine 2.3 fox body upgrades from sn95

  • Thread starter Thread starter 92ponyboy
  • Start date Start date Feb 20, 2026
9

92ponyboy

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Feb 20, 2026
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Oxnard, CA
Feb 20, 2026
#1
  • Feb 20, 2026
  • #1
Hey guys I have a 1992 Ford mustang 2.3l all stock just completely rebuilt the car from scratch but it's a cast iron head and I want better cooling and engine performance what are recommended upgrades and places I can buy the parts besides junk yards because ones near me don't have the parts
 

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Teen'93stang5.0

Founding Member
May 26, 2002
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Mar 29, 2026
#2
  • Mar 29, 2026
  • #2
I may be a bit out of the loop, so if there now are more options available, then my apologies.

But, your easiest option is going to be port/polish on your existing head. After that you could look at the earlier D port heads, but you’ll lose the dual plug ignition, if that matters. The D ports are also more responsive to p&p. There are a handful of aftermarket options, but from what I remember they’re gonna be half the value of the car or more.

What is the goal for the motor, are you looking for power or?
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
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Claremore, OK
Mar 29, 2026
#3
  • Mar 29, 2026
  • #3
My understanding is you want a ‘95-‘01 Ranger roller follower head. Did some digging and this Reddit post is pretty informative:

View: https://www.reddit.com/r/fordranger/comments/10ww7f7/lima_engine_school_part_3_cylinder_heads_or_how_i/


I have never build or run one of these motors so this is all just what I have read out of curiosity over the years for dirt track racing.
 
J

junkyardwarrior

Well-Known Member
Jan 10, 2011
400
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Apr 19, 2026
#4
  • Apr 19, 2026
  • #4
use a 2.5 head, cam, followers. Best flowing stock iron 2.3 head there is, which isn't saying much because they all wheeze.

you can put $2500+ into a ported iron head to make 150hp NA if you want to. See Boport racing heads online.

Most folks who hop up the 2.3's add a hair dryer. I have done several of them and they are a lot of fun to mess with. Surprisingly quick too.
 
Reactions: NXcoupe
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NXcoupe

Active Member
Dec 3, 2009
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Dayton, OH
Apr 25, 2026
#5
  • Apr 25, 2026
  • #5
92ponyboy said:
Hey guys I have a 1992 Ford mustang 2.3l all stock just completely rebuilt the car from scratch but it's a cast iron head and I want better cooling and engine performance what are recommended upgrades and places I can buy the parts besides junk yards because ones near me don't have the parts
Click to expand...
If you are looking for a factory aluminum head, they don't exist. Esslinger makes them, but they are very expensive and won't work with your intake. As mentioned above, adding a GT25 turbo or similar is the best route to power and performance.
 
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