The Ford Ranger, a popular mid-size pickup truck, has seen various engine options throughout its production history. Understanding who manufactures these engines, their specifications, and their evolution is crucial for owners, potential buyers, and automotive enthusiasts alike. This article delves into the history of Ford Ranger engines, exploring their origins, specifications, and other relevant information.

Ford Ranger Engine Manufacturers and Specifications

Engine Type Manufacturer Key Specifications
1983-1997: 2.0L (122 CID) Pinto/Lima I4 Ford Motor Company Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) Displacement: 2.0 liters (122 cubic inches) Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Carbureted (early models), Fuel Injected (later models) Horsepower: Approximately 73-90 hp (depending on year and configuration) Torque: Approximately 108-122 lb-ft (depending on year and configuration) * Manufacturing Location: Primarily North America (various Ford engine plants)
1985-1997: 2.3L (140 CID) Lima I4 Ford Motor Company Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) Displacement: 2.3 liters (140 cubic inches) Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Carbureted (early models), Fuel Injected (later models) Horsepower: Approximately 86-112 hp (depending on year and configuration) Torque: Approximately 128-148 lb-ft (depending on year and configuration) * Manufacturing Location: Primarily North America (various Ford engine plants)
1995-2001: 2.3L (140 CID) Duratec I4 Ford Motor Company Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) Displacement: 2.3 liters (140 cubic inches) Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMFI) Horsepower: Approximately 119-135 hp (depending on year and configuration) Torque: Approximately 148-154 lb-ft (depending on year and configuration) * Manufacturing Location: Chihuahua Engine Plant, Mexico (primarily)
2001-2011: 2.3L (140 CID) Duratec I4 (Revised) Ford Motor Company Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) Displacement: 2.3 liters (140 cubic inches) Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMFI) Horsepower: Approximately 143 hp Torque: Approximately 154 lb-ft * Manufacturing Location: Chihuahua Engine Plant, Mexico (primarily)
1986-1992: 2.9L (177 CID) Cologne V6 Ford Motor Company (Germany) Configuration: V6 Displacement: 2.9 liters (177 cubic inches) Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injected Horsepower: Approximately 140 hp Torque: Approximately 170 lb-ft * Manufacturing Location: Cologne, Germany
1991-1994: 3.0L (182 CID) Vulcan V6 Ford Motor Company Configuration: V6 Displacement: 3.0 liters (182 cubic inches) Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injected Horsepower: Approximately 145 hp Torque: Approximately 165-180 lb-ft (depending on year) * Manufacturing Location: Lima Engine Plant, Ohio, USA
1993-2011: 4.0L (245 CID) Cologne V6 Ford Motor Company Configuration: V6 Displacement: 4.0 liters (245 cubic inches) Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injected Horsepower: Approximately 154-207 hp (depending on year and configuration - SOHC or OHV) Torque: Approximately 220-238 lb-ft (depending on year and configuration - SOHC or OHV) * Manufacturing Location: Cologne, Germany (initially), Lima Engine Plant, Ohio, USA (later)
2019-Present: 2.3L (140 CID) EcoBoost I4 Ford Motor Company Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) Displacement: 2.3 liters (140 cubic inches) Aspiration: Turbocharged Fuel Delivery: Direct Injection Horsepower: Approximately 270 hp Torque: Approximately 310 lb-ft * Manufacturing Location: Valencia Engine Plant, Spain
2019-Present: 2.3L (140 CID) Panther Diesel I4 (Global Market) Ford Motor Company Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) Displacement: 2.0 liters (122 cubic inches) Aspiration: Turbocharged Fuel Delivery: Common Rail Direct Injection Horsepower: Varies depending on tuning and market (approximately 178-210 hp) Torque: Varies depending on tuning and market (approximately 310-370 lb-ft) * Manufacturing Location: Various locations, including Thailand and Argentina
2023-Present: 2.7L (164 CID) EcoBoost V6 Ford Motor Company Configuration: V6 Displacement: 2.7 liters (164 cubic inches) Aspiration: Twin-Turbocharged Fuel Delivery: Direct Injection Horsepower: Approximately 315 hp Torque: Approximately 400 lb-ft * Manufacturing Location: Lima Engine Plant, Ohio, USA

Detailed Explanations

1983-1997: 2.0L (122 CID) Pinto/Lima I4: This engine was one of the original powerplants for the Ford Ranger. It was a simple and reliable engine, though somewhat underpowered by modern standards. It evolved from carbureted versions to fuel-injected ones for improved efficiency and performance.

1985-1997: 2.3L (140 CID) Lima I4: A slightly larger and more powerful version of the 2.0L, the 2.3L Lima I4 became a staple engine in the Ford Ranger lineup. Like the 2.0L, it transitioned from carbureted to fuel-injected systems over its production run.

1995-2001: 2.3L (140 CID) Duratec I4: This engine represented a significant upgrade in technology and performance compared to the older Lima engines. The Duratec featured a more modern design with improved fuel efficiency and power output thanks to its Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMFI).

2001-2011: 2.3L (140 CID) Duratec I4 (Revised): While still a Duratec, this version received further refinements to enhance performance and meet updated emissions standards. It remained a reliable and efficient option for the Ranger.

1986-1992: 2.9L (177 CID) Cologne V6: This V6 engine provided a significant power boost over the I4 options available at the time. It was manufactured in Cologne, Germany, reflecting Ford's global engineering and manufacturing network.

1991-1994: 3.0L (182 CID) Vulcan V6: The Vulcan V6 was known for its simplicity and durability. While not the most powerful engine, it was a reliable workhorse that provided adequate power for most Ranger applications.

1993-2011: 4.0L (245 CID) Cologne V6: This was the most powerful engine available in the older generation Ford Ranger for many years. It went through several iterations, including both Overhead Valve (OHV) and Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) versions, with the SOHC version offering increased horsepower and torque.

2019-Present: 2.3L (140 CID) EcoBoost I4: This engine represents a modern approach to power and efficiency. The EcoBoost technology, which includes turbocharging and direct injection, provides V6-like power from a smaller, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

2019-Present: 2.3L (140 CID) Panther Diesel I4 (Global Market): This diesel engine is primarily available in international markets. It offers excellent fuel economy and strong low-end torque, making it ideal for work truck applications. Specific horsepower and torque figures vary depending on the tuning and regulations in different countries.

2023-Present: 2.7L (164 CID) EcoBoost V6: This engine is the newest and most powerful engine option for the Ford Ranger. The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 provides impressive performance, making the Ranger a more capable and enjoyable truck to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who made the 4.0L V6 engine for the Ford Ranger? The 4.0L V6 engine was manufactured by Ford Motor Company, initially in Cologne, Germany, and later at the Lima Engine Plant in Ohio, USA.

  • What is an EcoBoost engine? An EcoBoost engine is a type of gasoline engine developed by Ford that uses turbocharging and direct injection to deliver improved fuel efficiency and power.

  • Where are the EcoBoost engines for the Ford Ranger made? The 2.3L EcoBoost engine for the North American Ford Ranger is currently manufactured at the Valencia Engine Plant in Spain.

  • Are Ford Ranger engines reliable? Reliability varies by engine. The older Lima I4 engines and the Vulcan V6 are known for their simplicity and durability, while the newer EcoBoost engines offer more performance but may require more maintenance.

  • What is the difference between the Lima and Duratec engines? The Lima engines are older designs, known for their simplicity, while the Duratec engines are more modern, featuring advanced technologies like Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMFI) for improved efficiency and power.

Conclusion

The Ford Ranger has utilized a diverse range of engines throughout its history, primarily manufactured by Ford Motor Company in various locations worldwide. From the simple and robust Lima I4 and Vulcan V6 engines to the technologically advanced EcoBoost offerings, the Ranger has consistently provided engine options to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers. Understanding the origins and specifications of these engines is crucial for making informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and purchasing choices.