2.3 Turbo

[big_stu]

Hey everybody. I was planning on dropping a 5.0 into my 89 Notch. I've got the motor just about finished but i'm starting to think about putting a 2.3l Turbo in instead. I have a few questions if you guys don't mind. I've done a search but can't find some answers.

1. The car has a 2.3 in it right now. If I rebuilt it, can I just put on the turbo manifold and away I go? Different pistons or head?
2. Will my 7.5 rearend be enough if I rebuild it with 3.73 gears?
3. Will the t-5 on it right now hold up to the extra HP of the turbo?

Other wise i'll be spending a lot more than that finishing my 5.0 and getting a new rearend and tranny. This also should be a little easier on gas, and I could drive it in the winter. Thanks alot for the help!!

Stu

 

[Brantley]

You'll need some forged pistons.. you currently have cast pistons. Assuming your block is ok and you can get away with just a hone, then you can get used stock pistons for under $100, usually. You'll also need larger injectors (35lb brown tops) from other Ford factory turbo cars. You'll also need the VAM and harness plug. And you'll need to run a turbo computer. Wiring in the the new computer really isn't a big deal. The turbo head is different; it has larger combustion chambers than the N/A head. That being said, I am running an N/A head on my turbo engine right now. Just reshape the chambers to that of the turbo chambers and you'll be good to go. You'll also need the turbo exhaust valves - your N/A exhaust valves won't last very long at all.

Your 7.5" rear should be fine as long as you aren't drag racing on slicks with large amounts of power. For the street, I wouldn't worry about too much.

The T-5 you have now will bolt up and it will hold the power no problem.

Check out my website for some videos of my car (if you need more convincing about the turbo engine ) And, those videos are when my engine was fairly stock. I'm kind of in the middle of some big changes right now, so in about 2 or 3 weeks, I should be a fair amount faster than those videos.

 

[140cilx]

I'm using the n/a block in my LX, you'll need to plumb a oil drain line for the turbo into your oil pan. Real easy to do.

Here's pic's of the buildup of that car: http://www.turbocars.org/modules.php?name=Pictures&&mode=album&dispsize=640&start=0&a=95

I also have on my website instructions of exactly how to wire in the turbo computer as Brantley mentioned.

 

[big_stu]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm going to look around and will probably end up getting a complete 2.3l turbo motor to rebuild. If cast pistons won't last that long, and my combustion chamber aren't big enough, it would be cheaper to get the whole motor than pieces. I've got a lot of work to do. Thanks!

Stu

 

[tlpilot]

Hey everybody. I was planning on dropping a 5.0 into my 89 Notch. I've got the motor just about finished but i'm starting to think about putting a 2.3l Turbo in instead. !!

Stu

Can I have your 5.0 motor?

 

[88stangnut]

Im also thinkin bout that same thing haha, And I jsut bought a 302 for my calypso green notch I got. Grrr im never happy. I want turbo now. Post some videos of your cars and convince me in getting a 2.3 t than a nother 5.0 as I already have a 5.0 stang, I dont need another one ahha

 

[Brantley]

My videos are online at http://www.binaryweb.com/88lx/video/
The drag strip videos are horrible.. I really can't launch for anything, and floating valves didn't help much! 1st gear was pretty touchy.. too little gas and I would bog. Too much gas, boost would build like a rocket, I'd roast the tires, and then there would be a 50% chance of valve float.

 

[88stangnut]

wow man I must say your car deffinatly got me thinkin alot about this. now is it hard or no??? to swap. And what do u have done to your car, it sounds like a freakin Evo8 haha, thats what my friend drives and its a blast. Help me out. Can I change my computer or do I have to repin the stock one? I dont get that? And I was interested in teh intercooler swap you did. But somewon told me to get one that sits under the front air dam. Prolly cuz it makes it look cool haha I dunno You car makes me all Smiles

 

[Stinger]

The swap isn't as hard as a 5.0 swap.

You aren't repinning the computer, you are repinning the wires that plug into the computer. This allows you to run the turbo computer instead of the stock computer.

 

[big_stu]

Its all yours if you want it. Just need heads,intake, lifters and oil pan. Heres some pics

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/375135/4

Block was bored .030
new pistons
new rings
all new bearings (cam, mains and rods)
Crank was ground .010
new frost plugs
Ford racing b-303 cam
edelbrock double roller timing chain set
new rear main seal
Ford HV oil pump
ARP oil pump shaft
And finally I painted it ford racing blue

I have the reciepts for everything. I'd put it in my mustang but I can't afford a new rearend and tranny and do a suspension and brake swap. I'd rather have the turbo 2.3 if I can find one.