Would this be a good option for a 1.3 engine swap? Anybody with any expierience with this?

There have been a few ford 2.3 swaps talked about over the last 5-7 years but the results have not been spectacular.

The biggest problem is getting the engine to fit into the engine compartment.  The radiator ends up being mounted several inches in front of the stock location causing lots of fabbing to mount and protect it.  At that point, the project thread I read ends.

I have never seen one in person.

Try a search for ford 2.3 at offroad.com's Suzuki/Geo forum.  You might find the writeup I saw there if it hasn't dissappeared because old age/system crashes.

 

ok, thanks!

I've explored this option and the 2.3L is definitely a nice engine.....I guess its all depends what your after. You would be able to go with some nice gear box options and easily get a Dana 300.

I think one issue arises though from the engine height, if I'm not mistaken. I'm sure a body lift would help the cause. Also since this engine is popular, you have mods available, ie dry sump etc.

The major drawback I found was the weight. The 2.3L has a cast block. Which adds alot over our stock aluminum <=200# 1.6Ls. Good luck in your findings.

well well. I never thought id see the day i would see the 2.3L T on any other forum!!!!

So the 2.3 is a cranky motor all around........I've worked with these motors since...well....10 years now? Most of you can find info on the motor through

XR4Ti Merkurs (this was my car of choice in high school) Ford Seirra's in the uk & Australia. These motors run hot.....and i mean HOT all the time. My fans never turned off unless cruizing down the freeway with a windchill of -9.

they come stock with a T-9 Tranny. You can get a T-5 tranny which is bullet proof for these motors. They mount right up with a bell housing adapter. (find T-5s in some junk yards on mid 90's mustangs) Most people end up taking the IRS rear end out and dropping a 8.8 ford rear end in with LSD rear.

These motors are pretty bullet proof as long as you cut the egr crap, and put in a nice cooling system. and with a Volvo dual cam head from a s70.....WHOA BUDDY Tons of videos on you tube to see.

Personally id look for the esscort cosworth motor. Little 2.0L from hell AWD. But at that point id rather just keep the Esscrot.....=(

you see this come up from time to time....

i looked into it pretty heavy and what ack and the rest have said is correct...fantastic motors with lots of big power potential just an easy shoe horn into a zuk....

the best combo i found that would give you the best driveshaft locations would be a Jeep T5 from a 6 cyl CJ7with the coarse spline input shaft. the ford bellhousing from a thunderbird turbo coupe T5 will work directly on the jeep trans and you could use the t-bird clutch and flywheel and starter. then you could use a D300 t-case. the only problem is low range gearing. you cant gear a D300 as low as you can a zuk t-case.

the T4/T5 from a t-bird or pinto is too long by a mile. you would have to make a custom center driveshaft and the tcase would move to the back by about 8" then your rear driveshaft would only be about 12" long.

I had an 88 turbo coupe the baddest 2.3 turbo of the day 18 lbs of boost that thing was a demon you would never guess there was a 4 cyl sticking you to the seat but yes very tempermental lotsa jam if you can make it work

Hello I have access to a 2.3 out of a pinto or mustang 2 with a C4 trans . Would this trans be too long for a 4dr sidekick. Or does anyone sell an adapter for the 2.3 to a suzuki 5speed trans . Just having random thoughts bouncing around in my head.

Last time i checked a C4 Was an auto that robbed so much power from the 2.3L. Id still think about a T-9 T-5 Swap

the c 6 should leave you plenty of room. I have a 2dr with a 700r4 that is 2wd. the drive line 32'' yoke to yoke and independent 205 t case is 18'' long, a sammi t case is about 12'' long, but the best thing is a married tcase and that takes about 4 inches off the length.

one more thing I forgot. I have a 2.8 or 3.1 gm v6 i mine. there is no room for front diff. at all and it barley clears the hood after cutting some of the bracing out of the hood. if you were to do it you would probably want a body lift and drop the ifs by about 6'' to clear everything, but you should just go sas after all that.

Does anyone make an adapter for this engine to a Suzuki 1.6 5sp trans. or trans suggestions and tranfer case. And has anyone done this swap.

You might give advanced adaptors a call and see if they have anything or could make something customer up for you.