joel92ford

hey all..

i'm trying to convert my newly acquired 91 stang from a 2.3 manual to a 302.. anyone know where i could get a cheap full rebuild under the hood? or any ideas to make this 2.3 more powerful?

Freshmeat

If you're hoping to keep the fuel injection, you've got a long road ahead. You're going to need wiring harnesses, sensors, computer, motor mounts, accessories, crossmember, radiator, and lots of other things in addition to the engine and transmission.
If it runs as it is, I'd say keep the 4banger and buy a shell to install a V8 into the shell. It'd be a lot easier and you'd still have your 4banger for a daily driver with decent mileage.

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Freshmeat

Completely overlooked the comment about getting more response out of the 2.3!
Here's what I'd do, in this order:
Install the best intake system you can find
Install a good exhaust system (DON'T OVERKILL!!)
4.10:1 gears in the rear (don't worry about any form of locker for a long time)
Underdrive pulleys (if available)
Electric fan
New springs/shocks

That should keep you busy for a good while.

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joel92ford

thanks alot, i'll def. do the second choice! that's in a few weeks tho.. right now, i need to get it running. the engine sounds like it wants to turn over, but doesnt. my thinking is that it's not getting spark, however, i don't know what's causing it to not. the guy i bought it from said it needs a new crankshaft sensor.. any ideas?

Freshmeat

Do you mean it's acting like it wants to start?
Is the engine at least turning over, even if it's not turning on?
To test for spark, pull a sparkplug and wire and lay it on the manifold. Try cranking the motor. If it's arcing to the manifold, you have spark. If it's not, you have ignition issues. If you're getting spark, next thing to test is fuel. On your fuel rail, there should be a schrader valve (looks like a bike tire air valve)- pull the cap off (if it's still there) and press on the needle inside the valve. Fuel should spray out pretty well. You could also hook up a fuel pressure gauge to that and check your key-on fuel pressure. Do those and let me know how it goes.
I didn't know the 1991 2.3 had a crankshaft sensor...

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