2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

[BillBallinger Sr]

We have a '93 Mustang convertible that we have had for 11 years that just rolled over 300,000 miles that we have kept up on pretty well, it needs a top and a coat of paint but otherwise it is like an anvil. Even the A4LD is original, just serviced regularly, etc. The engine uses no oil, is quiet as a mouse and it has no blow by. Not a leak anywhere, just timing belts, a new radiator and a water pump. Amazing engine and car overall. I wouldn't really be too afraid to turbo charge it as it is, but 300,000 miles...

I have a chance to get hands on another '93 2.3L twin plug, EFI like mine as a good rebuild able spare. But what I was thinking was kicking it up a notch. I am thinking of a forged piston, 2.3 and a turbo. Now turbos are kind of new to me. I would like to get a fairly modest 200 hp out of it on pump gas, nothing exotic, and it has to be reliable, daily driver reliable. I think it would make for about as much as a convertible needs to be, plus it would be more efficient. I don't know if I should use the stock cam, or whatever.


Can someone educate me? I ran 2.0-2.3s back in the '70s in mini stocks, but thats carbed, very high compression, etc. This would be something that would be dependable.

[fast Ed]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

https://www.turboforg.org

and

https://www.turbotbird.com

should have some tech for you.

I think that most people are doing stuff with the 80s style single plug head, since the OEM EFI Turbo cars had that. But I'm sure there's a way to cobble some of that on to a dual plug head.


cheers
Ed N.

[shaun callaway]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

diesel should be able to chime in on this one. the hubers could probably tell you exactly what to do.

[dieselgeek]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

I'm actually not that knowledgeable in the stock versions... but i'll be glad to give EFI advice if you build one that makes around 950hp!


;)



I know this much: you can build a junkyard-parts 2.3, add the cam out of a ranger truck, a different or modified exhaust manifold to fit a junkyard Holset turbo, a cheapie intercooler and make 500hp all day long. Me and a few members of turboford have worked on a potential "junkyard jewels" article, budget is less than $3000 for everything you need including the engine; Lots less if you're crafty like BillBallinger Sr. ...

It would take a little bit of elbow grease, but www.turboford.org guys are tightwads and know how to make these cars reliably go low elevens on cheap parts. The hard choice is whether or not you go standalone EMS or retuned Ford computer. At that power level, you can probably find a great tune from someone on turboford.org and not have to mess with tuning a new EMS.



-scott

[dieselgeek]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

meanwhile, here's a brief motivational video. Big thanks to 1320video for the always-killer footage!



Shot from inside purplecobra's turbo cobra which runs 137mph on this pass...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyncDceRkmo&feature=related

[BillBallinger Sr]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

Just exactly what I was looking for, I probably have half of it laying around. ;D

Thanks!

[V10Mercury]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

I had an 88 4cyl Mustang coupe that I put an 88 Thunderbird turbo coupe motor in. I had an aftermarket intercooler, turbo, and MSD 6AL box with the stock T-Bird motor and a 86 SVO computer. It ran 12.0's @ 112 with the junkyard motor and 11.7 @ 115mph once I built a good fresh motor for the car. It was my daily driver for 3 years. Most people dont believe me but it got over 30mpg on the highway and around 26 in town, that is if I kept my foot out of it of course.
I really miss that car, it was a big P.O.S. but it would make an awesome economy car for a daily driver.

[milner351]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

I had an '86 svo with an aftermarket turbo - my wife's (v1) uncle gave it to me when his kid screwed it up and couldn't get it running, it was stupid low and had tons of aftermarket parts.... I just put it together and made it run.

the turbo lag was madening - but once you got used to it - man o man that thing would fly, and corner, and get decent mileage all the way.

I'd say with some work a turbo 4 would be one of the best daily drivers on the planet.

[10secvega]

Re: 2.3L Ford EFI 4cyl

I have a complete 2.3L turbo motor for sale.It's out of an 88 turbo coupe.I saved the harness and ecm to do a swap with.I'll let it go cheap,if your interested.