I know it's been covered before, but I can't seem to find the posts. Anyway, I have an opportunity to pick up a carburated 2.5 L (?) 4 banger with a manual 4 speed trans out of a '87 or so Ford Ranger for $200.00. I am looking for a small engine for my '30 / '31 A project modified thing, so I thought this might be good to grab. The question is what auto trans can I bolt behind this motor? I have a C-4 out of a 6 cyl. '67 Mustang. Would this work? What about the torque converter, flex plate, starter, etc.? Would the manual trans be too much work to fit into a small car? Is this motor even worth messing with. I've heard that ministock racers use them, but have only found info on the 2.3. Any help with this would be appreciated as I don't have a lot of money to waste. Thanks.
That's either a 2.0 or 2.3, I don't think the 2.5 was offered until mid 90's some time. They have a different bolt pattern for the bellhousing than a small block Ford. Though there are now companies that offer an adapter plates to use a SBF auto or stick. If you don't plan to get wild with the power a T-5 or auto from a T-Bird Turbo Coupe or even a 4-cylinder Mustang would do the trick without an adapter.
Try this thread, should be some help in there http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146592 James
Yeah...read the 13 pages in the thread given to you above, it has most of the posts where this has been covered here before. Also do a Google search and see what the rest of the world is doing with the 2.0/2.3/2.5. The 2.5 is a stroked 2.3...most other mods/parts are the same. 2.0/2.3/2.5 bellhousings are unique to those motors so you'll need to stick to the transmissions, starters and flexplates/flywheels that came behind these motors originally. Keep searching. You'll find your information. -Bigchief.
If you want another engine choice, you could always look at the 2.8liter out of the Ranger. Plenty of options, the big down sides are that there are very few aftermarket bits, and 4bbl intakes seem as rare as hens teeth. Tuning potential is quite good though. The Brits on the board might be able to source parts better since they had a bunch of these in Ford Capris. Also, if you do go this route, make sure you change the timing gears for solid metal units, the ones that have the fiberglass (I think it is that) gear surface will almost certainly end up in your oil pan. I speak from experience. These also came in Fox body Mustangs and Mercury Capris, not the 80s ones, the 70s ones. The reason I say this is cause I have one in my Sunbeam, and it makes it a nice little screamer. Good luck. - MRAK
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