What are the differences between carbed and EFI engines other than the obvious

Ciara99 · 09-25-2009

I have an 89 EFI 2.3 that is shot and I found a carbed 2.3 from an 86. Is the intakes the only difference. I want to keep the car fuel injected. Didnt know if I got a carbed engine I could put on my EFI intake and be good to go.

ITLRUN · 09-25-2009

For one thing, the carbed motor has the fuel pump on the motor. And the EFI, is in the tank. You'll have to block off the fuel pump on the motor with a plate, then the rest should be good to go. The EFI intake according to my interchange book, should bolt right on without any difficulties, Mike. SCT Tuner.

TOM RENZO · 09-25-2009

Block off the mechanical pump. If the motor in your car is an auto drop the carb unit in. If your car is a stick install a pilot bearing in the new motor and wrench away. Their is one bolt hole missing from the carbed intake side of the front lower. You will have to drill and tap the hole for the EFI lower. Other than that if your motor is not a turbo wrench it in.

b_chandler · 09-26-2009

Did you ever pull the head off of the EFI motor to see what's up?

If you're going to go through the hassle of yanking the motor to put an older motor in, I don't understand why you wouldn't take the head off.

My definition of a shot 2.3 involves rods hanging out of the block. If the rods ain't hanging out, it's fixable.

ethangsmith · 09-26-2009

The hole in the carbed 2.3L blocks for the fuel pump is the EXACT same dimensions as the 5.0L so you can use a standard small block Ford fuel pump block off plate to close off the hole. Also the heads on the carbed cars have tiny little air injection holes in the exhaust ports but they have no effect on using them in an 87-90 car.

TOM RENZO · 09-26-2009

+++ pull the head and inspect it. All you have to loose is a couple of hours. Chandler and myself have a good suspicion you have a valve issue or maybe a follower fell off. Usually does not effect compression. Pull the head and give it a good look over. Here is a tip. With the head off stand it up with the combustion chamber straight up and fill it with kerosene. If it leaks out the intake or exhaust valves there is a problem. You can also fill the exhaust ports and check them. Then do the same with the intakes. If the ports hold the kerosene the valves are ok. If they leak they need rebuilding. 2.3 ford bottom ends are real strong.