I originally was going to put a 2.9l ranger motor in my sammy but the motor I got did not have the wire harness and it has become real difficult to find one. But a buddy of mine just gave me a 83 ford ranger with a 2.3l in it. The motor needs to be re ringed. my question is are there any low budget mods I can do to the motor to and some hp to it while I'm rebuilding it.

The 2.3 Is better and has more aftermarket support than the 2.9 2.9's had a problem with the heads cracking.
A lot of guys use the 2.3 in sandrails and there is always the factory turbo models found in mustangs and Tbirds

This is actually my Wife's rig and she is limiting what I can do to it but its going to be off road use only. Its running 31 12.50 thorn birds and a Soa lift. I'll post pics when I start to build.

the 2.3 fomoco is a double tough little motor with a pretty big aftermarket following . there is even a bit of O.E. performance upgrades ! look to the circle track guys for used ( cheap ) parts there are mini truck and four cylinder classes were the 2.3 rules ! I'm honestly surprised more people havent made the conversion . if I,m not mistaken  , the earlier four plug head will pull the most power on a late model bottom end , check the web