Learn me about the 2.3 Turbo engines :)

[super302]

well, i've been a 5.0 guy for a while now, but i will be carless after this weekend (selling my 94 GT) anyways i've thought about getting an SVO or a local 90 hatch with a turbocoupe engine, i have a few questions:

-what is max boost that is safe on stock internals
-how much mpg is expected
-how hard to work on
-how dependable
-how fast stock
-How much $$$ does it take to mod (5.0's are cheap to mod!!)
-Any "issues" with these motors i should be concerned about
-Is milage a big deal

Thanks in advance,
Patrick

 

[super302]

also, i read that these make 15psi stock....is this right

also, will i be disapointed with the performance after driving slightly modded 5.0's??

sorry for the stupid questions

 

[Asha'man]

1. Potentially 25 psi or more with a good tune and huge intercooler.

2. Teens to high 20's, depending on how it's driven and where (city, highway, etc).

3. Fairly easy. Tons of room in the engine bay compared to a V8, at least.

4. Depends. Some can be finicky, others are totally reliable. It seems to depend on how modded it is (go figure) and what kind of shape it's in generally.

5. Bone stock, they're just quick, but it doesn't take much to wake them up.

6. Up to about 300hp, probably cheaper than the average 5.0.

7. They can be picky about ignition parts, and the TFI and TPS are weak spots, but once you get used to them they're pretty straightforward.

8. No more than any car.

Brian

 

[realtripp]

I use my 2.3 Turbo as a daily driver. It always starts and runs nicely.

I have had the TFI go out once. That was the original 20-year old part.

I just turned my boost up to 15psi and it feels like a whole new car. I run unintercooled for now.

The fun factor on these cars is definitely amazing. It is the only vehicle I want to drive.

 

[Stinger]

You will have to get used to the different kind of power associated with a turbo 4 versus a 5.0. Until you get used to it, you'll probably think it's a dog because of the off boost cruising power. Once you modify your driving style to match the engine power, you will be happy with a midly modded 2.3T.

For comparison reasons...I've outran an 03 GT Mustang that had cold air and a catback. I had nothing more than 3" exhaust, a front mount intercooler, and 18psi. It was a 10mph (leaving a light) roll to 60mph and I had about 2.5 car lengths on him. 2.3T's are sick from a roll...takes some practice to learn how to launch them though.

 

[super302]

thanks for the info....what kind of HP and 1/4 mile times are you guys running (stock/modded)

 

[robbo1987*2.3*]

ummm

i out ran a geo metro once



naw you will be fairly pleased i know i am i have out run many 87-93 5.0's with a big grin on my face and the look on their face is priceless when they find out you only have a 4 banger


mustang for swap 400 bucks
motor for swap 200 bucks
kickin a 5.0's ass with a 4 banger PRICELESS

 

[stackz]

thanks for the info....what kind of HP and 1/4 mile times are you guys running (stock/modded)

I had a 94 GT that I had to sell once I moved to atlanta due to no cats (I did some mods myself to it )

bought a civic, no power, turbocharged it just to accelerate in traffic and man was it an eye opener

I just bought a BONE stock 86 svo and on the low boost setting it has just as much power as my 94 GT did with a softer clutch and MUCH better gas mileage....during these gas prices that is much welcomed. plus my insurance is now 50/month full coverage 250 deduct compared to the gt that was 125/month same coverage...though I'm 4 years older now.

Oh, and as stinger said...you do have to get used to the power curve. turbos hate low rpm...slugs and then they jump up and charge. I'd say go test drive the svo and get it on the highway and THEN play with it. you'll understand. Also, they looovvveeee boost. 22psi is about the limit of the stock turbo but not the long block as I'm sure others will say.

400hp and 30mpg aint too bad but you didnt hear it from me.

 

[super302]

how much should i expect to pay for a mint/excelent condtion, slightly modded SVO??

thanks again for all the help,
Patrick

 

[NY Eric]

times an price

how much should i expect to pay for a mint/excelent condtion, slightly modded SVO??

thanks again for all the help,
Patrick

I run low 13s with my svo but that was before the new turbo. I havent had time to ge to the track.

A good svo should cost from 3k-6k depending on the mileage and condition. I have bought 5 for less than 500 each but turned a few wrenches and sold for over 4k each. Depending on where you are will depend on the condition of the cars but that goes without saying. More times than not people dump these cars because they dont understand what they are doing. I bought one for 50 bucks with 100k on the clock. all that was wrong was the timing belt jumped a tooth. The guy tried for years to figure out why it wouldnt run. If he had only took it to a compitent mechanic he would have been able to sell it for what I did. He was a bit pissed because I spent about 20 min in his driveway and lit them up leaving his driveway.

Good luck on your search

 

[super302]

another stupid question....do they have 8.8 with the traction lok?

 

[Asha'man]

7.5" trak-lok

Brian

 

[stackz]

He was a bit pissed because I spent about 20 min in his driveway and lit them up leaving his driveway.

Good luck on your search

lol!!! that's just soo wrong on sooo many levels haha.

 

[140CILX-Coupe]

best thing ever