79 Pace Car Turbo - Should I swap engines?

G

Gko

Founding Member

Sep 15, 1999

849

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0

Cleveland Oh

Jun 7, 2011

#1

• Jun 7, 2011

• #1

I have a 79 Pace Car with the 2.3L turbo that I want to restore.

I'm kind of on the fence - One part of me wants to build a turbo 306 for it. But I'm also thinking of keeping it original and rebuilding the 2.3L.

I hear these turbo motors aren't great for making big power? And the SVO turbo motor is better for this.

If it was your car, what would you do?

 

RARE NOTCH

Member

Nov 3, 2007

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6

Ohio

Jun 7, 2011

#2

• Jun 7, 2011

• #2

Leave the outside all stock. And put a new 5.0 in it.

 

G

Gko

Founding Member

Sep 15, 1999

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0

Cleveland Oh

Jun 7, 2011

#3

• Jun 7, 2011

• #3

As in 2012 5.0?

 

RARE NOTCH

Member

Nov 3, 2007

73

0

6

Ohio

Jun 7, 2011

#4

• Jun 7, 2011

• #4

Yep!!!

 

G

Gko

Founding Member

Sep 15, 1999

849

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0

Cleveland Oh

Jun 7, 2011

#5

• Jun 7, 2011

• #5

I'm trying to build a fast car here. Lol

 

RARE NOTCH

Member

Nov 3, 2007

73

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6

Ohio

Jun 7, 2011

#6

• Jun 7, 2011

• #6

Trust me it will with the new 5.0 in it

 

realtripp

New Member

Mar 1, 2003

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Ft. Madison, IA

Jun 8, 2011

#7

• Jun 8, 2011

• #7

Gko, go check out turboford.org

The 2.3 turbo is a very fun, reliable, economical engine to run. It is at its best in fuel injected form.

 

91lxstangowner

Member

May 7, 2011

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16

Jun 9, 2011

#8

• Jun 9, 2011

• #8

If you want to keep it all original just keep the 2.3. If you want alot more power get a 5.0.

 

9

93-331-29psi

Member

Jul 20, 2004

157

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17

NE North Carolina

Jun 10, 2011

#9

• Jun 10, 2011

• #9

I am a purist when it comes to the old 4 eye car, especially the turbo versions, but only because they are so hard to find in good condition, and I've always had a soft spot for the 2.3. With that said I'd recommend keeping the car with the 2.3t, however the blow through carb turbo setup sucks! The EFI 2.3 setup can yield you 300Hp without much effort. It's your car and ultimately your choice, but keep in mind that you can't find the old 4 eye turbo cars often, and they do have a following. Good luck with whatever you decide.

The new 5.0 Coyote motor would be an awesome ride as well. I know how it runs in my 2012, and couldn't imagine it in a light weight 79. Vrooom

 

91lxstangowner

Member

May 7, 2011

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Jun 10, 2011

#10

• Jun 10, 2011

• #10

How is the new 5.0 93-331?

 

9

93-331-29psi

Member

Jul 20, 2004

157

0

17

NE North Carolina

Jun 14, 2011

#11

• Jun 14, 2011

• #11

91lxstangowner said:

How is the new 5.0 93-331?

Click to expand...

It is a very stout engine. When I bought the car I had every intention of picking up an '11 Shelby, but after driving the 5.0 I just couldn't justify 20k difference in price for 138HP. Don't get me wrong the Shelby is a wicked car, but I was impressed with performance of the Coyote motor and opted to save 20k.

 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!

Founding Member

Nov 29, 1999

5,896

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129

Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom

Jun 23, 2011

#12

• Jun 23, 2011

• #12

I would think it'd be better to keep a '79 Pace Car in original condition...I'd think those are becoming collectible these days!

 

bonestock87

Founding Member

Dec 19, 2001

732

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38

Cape Coral, FL

Jun 23, 2011

#13

• Jun 23, 2011

• #13

I would think it'd be better to keep a '79 Pace Car in original condition...I'd think those are becoming collectible these days!

Click to expand...

If you want to do a 5.0 swap, pushrod or coyote, find one of the eleventy billion 2.3 N/A cars lying around. Please keep that pace car original. Some day in the future someone will be very very glad you did. It may be you when you get a big $$ offer for it!