Ford motor question

This past weekend I found a 46 CJ2a with newer wagon wheels on it and the original 6 X 16" in the back.The body and frame is in very repairable shape all for $350. dollars. Fenders, hood, split windsheild not rusted out, the only place that has the cancer is under the tool box on the passenger side and the hat channel is gone to. Back to the question. The previous owner had replaced the go devil motor with a 4 cylinder Pinto motor. Not sure what size? Research being done.. The motor had the oil pan and valve cover off and the rockers were rusted pretty bad. The tranny is a T-90a with a conversion, I hope? what newer motor might fit. I do not want to go big but I was thinking a Ford 2.3 out of a Ranger? Any idea's. Thanks for the support with any suggestions.

 

The Pinto engine was a popular conversion. Novak has a page about it, and still sells the adapter http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/pinto.htm There's also some info on the CJ-3B page.

The 2.3L engine would work fine, since you already have the adapter and bellhousing needed.

JMO - the engine and swap are a real plus for this vehicle. I wouldn't write off the existing engine, if it's already sitting in the engine compartment. I'd probably tear it down and use it.

 

Thanks Timgr,
I'll do that. The 2.3's are out there running and very economical. The rebuild of the old Pinto motor would be fun to.
Al