2.3 conversion

I have a 73 maverick with a 250 i6. I am looking into a 2.3 lima conversion. What engine mounts will I need and where is the best place to get them.

 

If you don't mind me asking, why a 2.3?

 

Only factory 2.3 installs were of foreign origin, not marketed in US. AFAIK no US model used compatible chassis mounts, you'll be fabbing those. I believe someone was building one but lost interest.

Chances I'd install A NA 2.3 are zero & none but mated with a T-5 stick, a turbo 2.3 from a Turbo Coupe is a fun engine. BUT that requires all the wiring and computer for EFI, as well as at least a 3.50 rear gear. I dunno if turbo will clear the passenger side spring tower.

 

There was a 2.3 turbo maverick on youtube. It is now a 460 car. My reasoning is simple. I have access to a lot of performance 2.3 stuff. My dad has ran 2.3s in rangers for years and has acquired lots of performance stuff. He has one with a draw through carb turbo that has gone 7s in a ranger pulling the wheels knee high that I might be able to get. The turbo setup should fit, given that it isn't wider than a 302. Its gonna be a track car so probably gonna run 3.73s (thats the gears dad likes to run in the rangers).May see some street time but mostly track.got my eye on a c4 bellhousing for a 2.3 as well.

 

Basically I could be different and beat GT Mustangs in a 4 cylinder car, which is always fun

 

A 2.3L would be an interesting swap.

You may however, wish to read through the thread at the end of the following link:

http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/1976-maverick-2-3-swap.85195/

 

Thanks for the link. Most of his issues I won't I have. I don't plan on running A/C or Powersteering. I will probably run an early ranger alternator bracket which puts the alternator up high. As far as the turbo I can pick up a high mount header for around 150 bucks. I am planning to rebuild the factory c4 and just add the 2.3 bellhousing and converter, plus I want a floor ratchet shifter so shift linkage wont be a big deal. The hardest part for me it looks like will be the engine mounts and wiring which isnt a big deal because I will likely run a simple early ranger style fuel injection which has very little wireing to it.

 

I've seen this done. It's a cool and different swap. I'd be interested in updates on the build. Good luck

 

I got the bellhousing for the C4 and I may have an engine. My dad told me I could have his old spare turbo engine for the build if it's still useable.

 

Well. Turns out the bellhousing I got is wrong. If anyone knows where to find the right bellhousing to put a c4 behind a ford 2.3 it would be helpful

 

Well good luck, 30-35 years ago you'd trip over the things at any salvage yard. Nowadays they seem all but extinct.

 

LOL
https://www.amazon.com/QuickTime-RM-4057-Automatic-Transmission-Bellhousing/dp/B00C5SHIVO

 

You would have to want it pretty bad to pay that price

 

I am actually debating doing this swap also, I currently have a 91 ranger 2.3 turbo swap and just picked up a 72 maverick 4 door and I keep thinking that engine would look great in there.

I currently run a c4 trans, you need a very specific bell housing certain ones have smaller dowel pin holes and require custom dowels. Look on FB turboFord there are guys selling them on there. I paid 250 for just my bell housing and it was worth every penny.

Good luck I'll be following your build, I hope you go through with it.