What's the most popular engine swap for 84 B2000?

Head gasket is blown and considering an engine swap instead of repair. Wondering what's the most common swap that's done with the 84s? Also new to mechanical work, so wondering what's going to be the easiest thing to possibly do myself.

Any and all comments/suggestions would be great

Thanks!
~Rhodes

Those mazda ma engines are real durable engines. Head gasket is common on those I have two of those engines for my ford courier

Kia swap. I kept all of my accessories mounted in their same location. I did use the Kia alternator, but the Mazda harness plugs right into it.
I bought a JY 2002 Kia Sportage motor for 400 dollars! The swap actually cost me less overall, than the complete OEM 2.2 rebuild that I did 1 1/2 years ago. Probably the hardest part of the Kia swap is figuring out how to simplify/eliminate wires from the Kia ECM wire harness.

I vote Kia swap!

Oh, I am sorry I see now where you have an 1984 model. Never mind.

Ford Courier 2.3T hard to find but the Mazda's were Courier clones back then. Not 100% that it is a bolt in thou?

Kia FE3 vote Ive seen a lot of this info around... I seen a wrecked Kia sportage today

then he would have to switch trans.

Ford 2.3!!
What's the last year of those engines. Are they reliable?

I know they came in the ranger.
The turbo version would be nice.

There was a guy in our townhome community that had a 1983 Ranger and he put in a 1990 something Ranger motor, because it bolted right up. Then he used the efi set up with ecm and electric pump in the tank.

IDK if that would work for yours, as it is a Mazda. If you swap, try to go with efi.

I was talking about the old 2.3 turbo carb setup. in the Ford Courier's 77-85's same as the Pinto's and Mustang II's, or if diesel's are your thing you could find a Mighty Max/D50 2.3l diesel all should bolt up per wikipedia.

Thanks for the input A buddy suggested swapping for a B2200 motor (85-89), said it would be the easiest. Found a running class A engine for $350 from an 88. Apparently only main difference will be putting the carb on the other side. Already has a weber carb, no biggie. Additional thoughts/comments?

Would a diesel switch be an option (sounds like it might be)? Interested