2.3 in Squatched 2-Doors Sufficient?

[Primm907]

The title pretty much says it all.

Getting concerned about all the hand wringing over the 2.7 issues on this forum. I went with it for my build due to generally always leaning towards the more powerful engine when purchasing vehicles and only test driving one in a Squatched 2-door.
But now I'm reconsidering since the 2.3 is already used in 4-doors as well. Basic reasoning would lead me to believe the lighter weight of the 2-door may do just fine with the smaller engine. Just not sure if adding the Sasquatch package will make it too anemic...

Can any of you lucky souls that have already received 2-doors with the 2.3 AND the SAS package provide your personal feedback/opinions?

Thanks in advance!

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[Imissmy1996bronco]

The 2.3 still has more horsepower than the 5.8l in the 1996 bronco, or any non-hybrid non-v8 wrangler.

it’ll be just fine, no sports car, but more than adequate.

 

[Bikeric]

My racing days are behind me. I now prefer to go slow through the trees. I'm also usually in the middle or right lane on the highway. My current ride weighs close to the Bronco but only has about 120 hp so I think the turbo 2.3 with a manual should be MORE than sufficient for me. I've only driven a 2.3 auto 4-door non-SAS Bronco and it was peppy. SAS will get you the better gearing so it should be just fine.

 

[Macjr]

i know you’re looking for feedback from 2 door owners but I’m a happy owner of the 2.3 in a Sasquatch 4 door so I’m sure you’ll be more than satisfied in a 2 door…I was initially worried it wouldn’t be enough but I promise it is.

 

[Dusty]

Mine's not a Sasquatch but I have the 2.3L in my Base 2-door Stripper, which I've added 35's to. It has the manual trans with 4.46 gearing and it has plenty of power. And it get's beat on regularly LOL. I'd bet the 4.7 gears in the Sasquatch would be perfect with the 2.3 in a 2-door.

By the way, I have a '70 Early Bronco with a '95 5.8L fuel injected V8 swapped in, which was the most powerful engine Ford ever put into a Bronco through the first 5 generations. My 2.3L will outrun it in a drag race.

 

[JTY]

I've got a 2.3 in my 4 door sasquatch. It's fine, even when carrying 500+ lbs of stuff in the back

 

[Primm907]

Appreciate everyone's quick responses. It confirms what I was guessing (and hoping) might be the case. As mentioned, this type of vehicle tends to be driven a bit differently anyway. I actually enjoy easing around in the old 100-series like a grandpa for a nice change of pace!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Another Base, manual with 35's , 4.46 gears here.

at 4.46, it is just a tiny bit over geared.
4.70 w/35's will be the sweet spot. As will 4.46 w/33's.

You're gonna love it!

Base, 35's NO LIFT!!! (no rub on the street)

 

[Drex]

Appreciate everyone's quick responses. It confirms what I was guessing (and hoping) might be the case. As mentioned, this type of vehicle tends to be driven a bit differently anyway. I actually enjoy easing around in the old 100-series like a grandpa for a nice change of pace!

^ This right here...

Slow cruising on pavement, off pavement, off road, just ambles along wherever you want to go. This is a 'smell the roses' type of vehicle. You want a fast car, then go buy one. You want a stupid fast vehicle? Go buy a liquid cooled motorcycle. Fast in the desert? Get a Raptor.

 

[iwantabasebronco]

Just remember that ford sells horsepower but we drive torque

 

[iamchewby]

Not a sasquatch but I have a 2.3 4 door with 35s and it's perfectly fine. It's no racecar but still gets on the highway without any fuss and has plenty of pull when passing people.

 

[SPITmadFIRE]

2.3L 7MT 4dr Badlands owner and loving it. Plenty of power especially with the 4.70 gearing that comes along with the manual on a Badlands

 

[okbob]

48000 built by the end of November iirc, of which 72% estimated having the 2.7l. So 34,500 2.7l around, and 25 have been reported here with issues. That's .072% failure, which yes that's more than any 2.3l issues reported, but still.

I personally know two different people with brand new Tahoes who have them at the dealer waiting on new lifters, which won't be fixed and back to them anytime soon because head gaskets are apparently scarce, they're looking at 6-8 weeks before those are available.

 

[WuNgUn]

Power isnt lacking...
But it may not be as refined, smooth or as nice sounding than the 2.7

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