Brother in-law is getting an 89 Raider with a 2.6L gas engine, the engine is locked, was spitting oil badly and in general bad shape.. he's not even sure if a rebuild will do.

What are his options for engine replacement? How hard would it be to drop the 3L in? I know they used the 3L in a ton of vehicles and with a few modifications most will fit in the Raider.. but can you swap the 2.6 with the 3.0 without having to do insane modifications?

Same drivetrain? what's different?

He's also considering a Diesel swap, which I know is a bit more difficult.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

a diesel swap from an older mitsu pickup would be pretty much bolt on if its a 5 speed if you use the trans and all. At least thats from what I heard. I would give up on dreams of a 3.0, just too much work really.

It's not like the 2.6s are bad engines, I'm just having trouble finding one.. you know, those ones on eBay that go for $400 from vehicles that have been parted out.

but you said the diesel swap might be pretty easy? He'd rather have the diesel for gas mileage anyways, diesel is a whole $0.50 cheaper than gas here at the moment as well. it may not be the fastest engine but it's for offroad anyways and the diesel has plenty of torque

Is that 2.3L turbo the same one they used in Rangers and a lot of Dodge cars/trucks from around the same time?

I believe so, but dont quote me on anything. Others on the board are trying the swap I believe. Do a search and Im sure you will find all you need.

YEah, same 2.3 as in the rangers and older Mitsu pickups. Bolts straight to the 5spd and motor mounts from the 2.6.

I am about to do this swap in my truck, seems fairly straight forward after figuring out a fewi wiring and fuel issues.

Do you know which Ranger years?

i think it was only 85 and 86 but not for sure
cory <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Not sure where you are located but Ive got a 2.6 engine up here in Ontario. Canada

Only 85 and 86 in the ranger, before that was a 2.2L Mazda diesel. It's available in dodge/ mitsu trucks from 83-86

K...got it:

85-86 Ranger
83-86 Dodge/Mitsu

I've tried looking for a maintenance manual (for preliminary research) for an 85 Ranger, but all I can find thus far is for gas engines.