What really helps a 2.3 for an automatic?

[Boss 351]

- Removed AC stuff (for weight)
- Removed power steering (for weight and rotating mass)
- 4.10 gears
- 14" wheels

Does a cold air intake help some or will it loose 5HP or more in lower RPM?

I'm trying to figure something out... at least make the auto 2.3 a 16 second car? after going back and forth with the idea of keeping the parts car as a daily driver I will attempt to fix it up for cheap and run it.

What cheap mods can be done to this thing? I can get tall gears for a 7.5 for free so I will start with that. Do you think it's possible to drop an auto into the 16 sec range with 4.10's and some weight saving techniques?

 

[Keasbey]

you can also put the timing to 14..

change the manifold for a ranger header

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

your best bet would be to 1) Remove the stock Automatic transmission 2) donate transmission to local Yaht club for Anchor duty, 3) Get yourself a T5 and swap in. 4) drive around feeling the extra power, fun, and reliablity the 5 speed gives you.

Dr.

 

[Boss 351]

heh you guys won't like this but it did come with a 5 speed and I am removing it with the pedals for my other project... I was going to total this car but it still runs smooth. Buying the 5 speed parts cost too much. That's why i will upload an auto into this car. I agree the difference is night and day between auto and manual.

 

[i4power]

http://projecthp.ford23.com/howto.html

How is ~$350 too expensive? I'm sorry, but swapping from a manual to an automatic is not a good idea. If anything, it'll cost MORE to do so.

 

[jman_b13]

remove the automatic for a t-5 and add 100 shot of nitrous might get ya some 16's.

 

[bhuff30]

I got mid 16's on my 75 shot that hits like a 45 shot. The rest of my setup is in the sig.

 

[freakintiger]

Get a Pinto bellhousing ( 351wcoupe is producing them soon, which is where I am planning to get mine) and put in a C-4, then you can use the Motorsport aluminum driveshaft too.
If you want to drop even more weight:
fiberglass front fenders, hood and trunklid
poly seats to replace heavy factory buckets
delete the rear bench(noone can fit back there anyway, but wait I have no kids )

 

[freakintiger]

Wait, those aren't cheap mods, I'm up past my bedtime and dreaming with my eyes open, sorry. I love my 'stang.