I know, that sheet metal break worked great! I kinda know how the engine is going to go, but I have no idea the car. I'd like to sell it or trade it for something even lighter. Like a 60-65 Falcon, a Maverick, or even something off the wall, like a Datsun B210. I'd probably have to diet to get my big ass in one of those.
2.3 and 2.5 are basically the same block. In the late 90's last year or 3 of the 2.3 they decreased the size of the main bearings and the 2.5 is that smaller size. Evidently they make bearing spacers to put a 2.5 crank in an early 2.3 block. But you need some $$$ forged 2.5 pistons and rods. Turbo 2.3 shortblocks are SUPPOSEDLY good 450+ hp with the factory crank, rods and forged pistons. There are some HIGH $$$$$$$$ tall deck blocks Esslinger made years ago for midget racing. I think you can get about 3.0 liters with one, but they are rare and expensive. Internet legend has it that Roush got 1200hp out of a 3.0l turbo lima engine. I am pretty sure, NOTHING on that engine came from Ford, all aftermarket.
The plan is to buy or make a twin scroll header and bolt the (rebuilt) HX35 on it and see how much boost it takes to lift the head! If I can't sell the car or trade it off somehow for another car or roller, I will sell the engine and T5Z out of it and stick the 2.3 and a toploader (unless someone gifts me a TKO) in the 85 and go to the track and see what I can get it to do. I guess if I want to actually bracket race, I should think C4 with a brake. I do think there's several contraptions that will catch the clutch when you push it down and work like a trans brake....but I'm not made of money. C4 with a brake will probably be cheaper and easier on parts.
I think you’re going down a path that will end up in the woods.....Where children get eaten by wolves.
The Lima has a specific bellhousing. The t-5 that fits it is an even weaker assed solution to changing gears than the v8 version.
I just came off of the “ what do I do now, now that I need a new engine” search, and for the 4th time in a row, went with an infinitely more complicated, vastly more expensive solution to dropping in a 351w.
we all know why I do sht like I do,...I need to complicate my life , to have something to overcome, so I can say “ I did it”.
But...
You had the solution, and you sold it off. And you’re doing all of this to bracket race.
Nothing screams keep it simple any louder than a car built for bracket racing. It always kills me when you see a fast car that’s bracket raced.....Why? If the object is to do do the same thing over and over, why put a single dime into go fast sht that only adds to the likelihood of a spinning tire, or the need to worry about going too fast?
and now it’s your plan to build a nervous, finicky, narrow power band future time bomb to...Bracket race?
Put the 2.3 in the car,..put a c4 behind it. Stock everything. No need for a trans brake, or drag radials,..put that dog in D and stab the pedal when the light say go...
Then pop in a movie in the DVD player, grab the popcorn, and wait about 18 seconds....and you’ll be at the finish line.
Over, and over, and over...until you beat all of the fast cars that break, break out, or do/ have something change that makes the car run different.
Bracket race glory!!!The king of Yawn!!! Duke of Boredom..
Point me to the exit please.