2.3 OHC Swap - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

southysuper · 12-06-2005, 08:29

Hey guys,
I have a few questions for you I did not come across while searching. Can the OHC 2.3L Aluminum block engine from a Ranger or Mustang be swapped into a Tempo engine bay? I have an 88 Escort GT and I want to put the 2.3T in my car and I was told that the tempo of that period had about the engine bay as my escort. So theoretically an engine that can go in a similar tempo should be able to go into my excort? I think! If the two series of engines do share the same bolt pattern, then what would be the best tempo/topaz manual trans? So maybe the mtx 3 series five speed with some modifications? So simple questions, do the HSC and SVO 2.3L engines share the same bellhousing pattern? I would really like the OHC SVO type as they have a better reputation. Thanks guys

dagr8tim · 12-08-2005, 07:55

I thought the escorts had a 1.8 or 1.9 Engine. Being as the Tempo is a lengthened escort platform, everything will bolt up. The issue is going to be the wiring/computer.
Also, the escort GT's got the "performance geared" tranny. So one of those would be a plus.

As for a 2.3 Lima. There's a guy that has one bolted to an MTX3. But he had to hack the car apart and reassemble it around the engine. No big deal for him because he was building a pure race car. Non street legal.

If your going to attempt it, the escort engine would probably be easier.

Cronicus · 01-18-2006, 21:40

dont swap it man theres no replacment for displacment they say but i got a book that can prove this wrong its called how to build 600hp out of a 2.3 u can order it from a library. and this is without nos superchargers or turbos

Cronicus · 03-16-2006, 20:57

everone wants to put the tiny lil "vtech almost" engine in there just kuz theres mods avaible everywhere for it lol.
why not get a junked escort "latemodel preferibly" and stuff the 2.3 in that then build 600 hp out of that and nos the f*** outa it or get a nasty turbo and nos that.
its been done b4 sum of you have seen getaway in stockholm 2 the ford escort cosworth doing 200+ mph
but they could only build 450hp until the cars were being torn apart.