School me up on the Ford 2.3L Turbo

[Bob Holmes]

The 2.3t is a lot of fun. Lots of parts, plenty of support.

But, the stock head sucks, it needs a cam change, needs a bunch more intercooling. The bottom end is damn near indestructible, all the work needs to be done to make it breathe.

Watch out, they can be addictive...I've got 5.

[1970camaroRS]

In light of recent events, I'm revisiting this idea. Here's the economics of my thought.

Sell upgraded LQ4 6.0L - $1500
Sell TH400 - $400
Sell '66 T-Bird - $1,500
Total - $3,400

Buy a mid-eighties Turbo Coupe and use it as a donor car. Take the 5-spd, 2.3L turbo, maybe the seats and whatever else. Eye-balling one right now; it's a runner for $1,200. I would sell the rest for scrap +$250.

That leaves me with $2450 for suspension and all of the what-nots.

So, stick with the V8-TH400 build that will take me forever to get the chassis done, or pursue plan B?

[1970camaroRS]

And I just found another 1985 Turbo Coupe for $400 with a hurt motor. Tempting since I would likely rebuild the other one.