2.3L Bible: General Overviews and Information Research?

[NCOBX]

Generally the reason that a person would choose a 4 cylinder over a larger engine is for better economy; better MPG paired with a lower initial purchase price. If price and MPG are equal I can't think of a reason someone would want the 2.3L over the 2.7L.

Based on the 2.3L ranger and the 2.7L F-150 the MPG difference is only about 1 MPG. Initial cost is still TBD, but combined with the required 10 speed it would be, what? Maybe $3,000? On a $30k-$60k truck that is a very small percentage.

As much as I want the 7 speed MT, if the 2.3L only gets 1 MPG better and cost less that 3k more, I just don't think I'll be able to pull the trigger..

I want the 2.3l because my experience with the 2.7 was not good. Preferably I would get a V8, but since I have to choose between two less than stellar options I’m going with the option that hasn’t screwed me over.

Anyone concerned about MPG is looking at the wrong class of vehicles or is buying the Bronco to mall crawl.

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[aabsalon]

I want the 2.3l because my experience with the 2.7 was not good. Preferably I would get a V8, but since I have to choose between two less than stellar options I’m going with the option that hasn’t screwed me over.

How was your experience with the 2.3 not that great? Are you getting the auto or manual transmission?

 

[NCOBX]

How was your experience with the 2.3 not that great? Are you getting the auto or manual transmission?

I have no experience with the 2.3l so I’m willing to give it a chance. The 2.7L has left me stranded at a dealer several states from home due to a turbo failure. Not to mention the multiple oil pan leaks.

 

[BroncOcotillo]

It all depends on what you’ll be using your Bronco for. If you’ll be doing a lot of off roading the 2.3L is great because it is lightweight. That’s the main advantage I see with the 2.3L. Less weight is better for serious off roading and is a main reason why Jeep has excelled at it.

 

[vrewald14]

Here's a link to Ranger5G where you can see some engine bay pics.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/first-2-3l-ranger-engine-bay-pictures.1214/

Pretty darn full and busy in there. I wish I could better see where the alternator and A/C compressor are located.

 

[QuitPlayinWithYourDingy]

I found it tedious to look info up where the applications of the 2.3 differ. But here's some details and pictures as it relates to RS/Ranger and Mustang.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/detroit-auto-show/a15840269/ford-focus-rs-ranger-engine/

https://www.full-race.com/articles/ecoboost-2-3l-i4-engine-and-drivetrain/

 

[Rick Astley]

Here's a link to Ranger5G where you can see some engine bay pics.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/first-2-3l-ranger-engine-bay-pictures.1214/

Pretty darn full and busy in there. I wish I could better see where the alternator and A/C compressor are located.

AC compressor is essentially under the battery if memory serves (from opening the hood on the GF's Ranger this morning).

Alternator has had some teething issues on the Ranger which i'm curious how they address on Bronco. Note that the high-output alternators are pretty crazy these days, but then again, anything that is internally excited is strange to me. I just rebuilt the generator on the '51 and it was a bonnie and a beauty. Still putting out all 6.4 volts the way god intended.

Ranger alternator issues

 

[Flourman]

Yes I thought it was very informative. I'm particularly interested as to why they switched to electronic wastegate control vs. pure mechanical.

What is "TVIC"?

Sorry, VTC’s. The 3.5’s use them to keep tension on the timing chain and they use oil pressure. The Raptor 3.5’s started having the issue and a few of the 3.5’s in the F150’s have it. Terrible chain slap on cold start. Mine gradually got worse until the dealer service guys could replicate it. Glad the first owner bought the extended warranty.

I’ve got the wastegate rattle that people see in the 3.5’s too but that’s just a spring replacement. That’s the reason I’m excited to see the electronic waste gate.
Even after those two issues, I still LOVE my Ecoboost.

This is a picture of the two page warranty work on the VCT’s

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