Mechanics of the 2.3

[Jmarler]

What kind of tune do you run? Maybe I just let mine sit. I was planning to flash on my upcoming oil change/10k check up back to stock but I really don't want to do the relearn again.

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[arbjosh]

Put the highest octane fuel you can in it. It will like it.

Regardless, I've also noticed that it runs better just after fueling up. It could be a placebo effect as well.

 

[Dgc333]

Good trans yes, smooth... Uhhhh maybe mine needs a few more miles to learn my driving style; just hit 2400. Everything else in my driveway to include the 2007 Cobalt has smoother shifting on average.

But it's a truck so I don't hate it for it. Just smooth is not what I am seeing from mine.

FWIW, the 10 speed is no where near as smooth and polished as the 9 speed in my wife's Jeep or the 8 speed in my son's Ram.

It's not bad and with the FP tune the rpms in the shift schedule are raised a couple hundred rpm so you don't get the lugging feel when cruising in the 30 to 45 mph range that I did when it was stock.

To the OP, I have been driving turbo charged 4cyl vehicles continuously as my daily drivers since 1985. The power output of the engine on all of the including the Ranger is impacted by air temperature and how hot the engine is.

 

[GTGallop]

left your parking brake on?

anyways, the clearest path to performance is the TG Damper right Dave?
throw some 303 on the windshield and it glides through the air.

You mean the "Emergency Make the Car Smell Funny Lever?"

 

[GTGallop]

Mine feels like that - Especially in the winter. I notice it when it's colder outside. Truck feels more "tuggy" like a diesel or like the old 80's jeeps in first gear. Less like a cruise and more like I have a heavy trailer. Then after a few minutes it warms up and is good to go.

Then again in the summer I get it after it has warmed up when it's 120 degrees here and the air coming off the pavement is in the 170 degree range.

Feels like the engine likes a warm block and a cold air supply over the radiator and inter-cooler.

 

[lil doopahead]

Put the highest octane fuel you can in it. It will like it.

Regardless, I've also noticed that it runs better just after fueling up. It could be a placebo effect as well.

I thought I was loony, but I have also noticed this! It’s like she’s no longer frustrated or hangry, but peppy n up for anything ?

 

[THLONE]

Nothing wrong with you truck, it suggest its the nut behind the wheel. 99 percent answer.

 

[FunInTheSun]

I've noticed one more possible factor. This is still not completely confirmed, and I don't know exactly WHY this might be happening, but I think it has something to do with the drive-by-wire throttle or the programming associated with it.
This truck likes smooth and progressive throttle application. Several times I have just "floored" the throttle, expecting a massive rush of power, and it just says "meh... Not today, papi." and just falls on its face. Other times, I can start out more normally, but just keep opening the throttle as it gains momentum, and the rush builds to more satisfying levels...
I have not had the time or place to test this more systematically, and my truck still has difficulty idling properly, so this may not be a reliable tip, but maybe somebody else can chime in with additional opinions. We like those around here.

 

[Doc]

I've noticed one more possible factor. This is still not completely confirmed, and I don't know exactly WHY this might be happening, but I think it has something to do with the drive-by-wire throttle or the programming associated with it.
This truck likes smooth and progressive throttle application. Several times I have just "floored" the throttle, expecting a massive rush of power, and it just says "meh... Not today, papi." and just falls on its face. Other times, I can start out more normally, but just keep opening the throttle as it gains momentum, and the rush builds to more satisfying levels...
I have not had the time or place to test this more systematically, and my truck still has difficulty idling properly, so this may not be a reliable tip, but maybe somebody else can chime in with additional opinions. We like those around here.

Ask Scorp, might need a Damper …
Make sure you are in the right gear before flooring it, if you are in 6th gear in slow traffic, you are building boost against too much pressure, it will Bog ..

 

[Superdannyboy]

Maybe time for new spark plugs?

 

[Jmarler]

Maybe time for new spark plugs?

It's actually been doing better since I wrote this post. Probably just transmission relearning and temperature related.

 

[Superdannyboy]

It's actually been doing better since I wrote this post. Probably just transmission relearning and temperature related.

Awesome, glad to hear!

 

[SilverSlugger]

What kind of tune do you run? Maybe I just let mine sit. I was planning to flash on my upcoming oil change/10k check up back to stock but I really don't want to do the relearn again.

I know exactly what you mean with varying performance. I truly believe all of the Rangers do this but some of us are more sensitive to "mechanical feel". I do not think there is anything wrong, just a characteristic of a heavyish vehicle+ turbo 4 banger+ a beefy 10-speed transmission.

if you want to "correct" I think a tune is the way to go. This engine seems to be very sensitive to changing temps and very cold temps.

 

[Jmarler]

I know exactly what you mean with varying performance. I truly believe all of the Rangers do this but some of us are more sensitive to "mechanical feel". I do not think there is anything wrong, just a characteristic of a heavyish vehicle+ turbo 4 banger+ a beefy 10-speed transmission.

if you want to "correct" I think a tune is the way to go. This engine seems to be very sensitive to changing temps and very cold temps.

Yeah I have the livernois and use the softer shift tune. I had flashed not to long ago so it was probably still relearning.

 

[Dr3wDrop]

I've noticed one more possible factor. This is still not completely confirmed, and I don't know exactly WHY this might be happening, but I think it has something to do with the drive-by-wire throttle or the programming associated with it.
This truck likes smooth and progressive throttle application. Several times I have just "floored" the throttle, expecting a massive rush of power, and it just says "meh... Not today, papi." and just falls on its face. Other times, I can start out more normally, but just keep opening the throttle as it gains momentum, and the rush builds to more satisfying levels...
I have not had the time or place to test this more systematically, and my truck still has difficulty idling properly, so this may not be a reliable tip, but maybe somebody else can chime in with additional opinions. We like those around here.

One way to confirm your thought is to get a pedal commander or sprint booster. I ran PC on my last two jeeps and I thought they were great. More so on the manual jeep jk than my auto jeep jl.

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