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  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech

Bellhouse Pattern

  • Thread starter Thread starter chaka
  • Start date Start date Mar 18, 2004

chaka

Founding Member
Mar 1, 2002
1,342
0
0
Boston, MA
Mar 18, 2004
#1
  • Mar 18, 2004
  • #1
I was hoping to bolt in a 2.3 out of a 90's ranger I have. Basically just looking to replace the wheezy V6 currently in there. The ranger has the mazda 5-speed.
I know I would have to get a flexplate to match up. Do not plan on putting the 5-speed in as of yet since it is hydraulic clutch. Waiting for a T-5.

But are the bolt patterns the same? What about the starter? any other problems you guys foresee?

I have the complete engine (totaled ranger) I just want a nice reliable easy on the wallet Mustang II. Hoping to place a 2.3 turbo later on.

Thanks
 

Blue coyote

Founding Member
Sep 14, 2002
347
0
16
North America's hemp-basket, BC, Canada
Mar 19, 2004
#2
  • Mar 19, 2004
  • #2
If the Ranger is 2wd, then making the hydraulic clutch fit should be fairly easy. The hardest part will be mounting the master cylinder to the firewall (because of the angled mounting plate) Use the 2.3 with the flywheel, bellhousing, hydraulics, clutch/press. plate, tranny, and starter.

You'll probably find that the 2.3 has even less power than the V6, though. It WOULD be okay if it was a turbo 2.3 but that wasn't available on the Ranger....
 

chaka

Founding Member
Mar 1, 2002
1,342
0
0
Boston, MA
Mar 19, 2004
#3
  • Mar 19, 2004
  • #3
I know the 2.3 was nice and peppy around town. A little more to be desired on the top end, but was fun to drive nonetheless. I am on the lookout for a 2.3 Turbo, but cash flow is tight at the moment and I think the 2.3 N/A will suffice for now.

So can I assume the tranny will bolt up to the 2.3??
 

Blue coyote

Founding Member
Sep 14, 2002
347
0
16
North America's hemp-basket, BC, Canada
Mar 19, 2004
#4
  • Mar 19, 2004
  • #4
chaka said:
So can I assume the tranny will bolt up to the 2.3??
Click to expand...

That's why I'd go through the hassle of setting up the hydraulic system. The 2.3 and the 2.8 are different flywheels and bellhousings. You should be able to get a bellhousing for a 2.3 with a linkage type clutch, but I prefer the hydraulic setup (especially when you already have the parts)

When I get my 'Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me' together and swap a 5.0 into my 2wd Ranger, I'll be very tempted to swap the T/K 5-speed from the Ranger into my Mustang (with the hydraulic setup) and the 2.9 into my 85 Bronco II (already have a tranny for that). It seems that my life is turning into a giant game of musical drivetrains
 

Blue Thunder

15 Year Member
Mar 20, 2004
1,003
55
68
Upstate New York.
Mar 20, 2004
#5
  • Mar 20, 2004
  • #5
When in doubt, drop in a big block.
 

chaka

Founding Member
Mar 1, 2002
1,342
0
0
Boston, MA
Mar 20, 2004
#6
  • Mar 20, 2004
  • #6
Blue Thunder said:
When in doubt, drop in a big block.
Click to expand...

Have a 460 in my 79. Need the other extreme now.
 
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