2.3T guys, let's make a shopping list *more 5/20*

[evlrs84]

Purpose of this thread: Junkyard upgrades and cheap/easy upgrades for 2.3T cars. Especially those of us with the non-IC cars. Lists of specific cars and parts to look for in junkyards and part numbers, etc. is the goal.

Here's what I've got from you guys in this thread so far:

Big VAMs
84-86 SVOs
87-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupes
87-88 XR7 Cougars

Most Desirable Computers
LA3
PE

E6 Exhaust Manifolds
86 SVOs
86+ Merkur XR4Tis
86+ Thunderbird Turbo Coupes
86+ XR7 Cougars

35# Injectors
86 SVOs
86+ Merkur XR4Tis
86+ Thunderbird Turbo Coupes
86+ XR7 Cougars

"Ranger" Roller Cams
91+ Rangers
91-93 Mustangs

J/Y Intercoolers
87-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Conquest**
"The best finds are the NPR I/Cs from the cab-over Isuzu delivery trucks if your yard has any trucks. Actually, any light and meduim trucks with turbo diesels are worth a look at for the intercooler."

Plus, we've got a killer step-by-step suggested mod list by GT350R that looks really, really good.

Now for more questions:

Additional j/y intercoolers?

Additional information on getting rid of the stock air box for a K&N setup? We've got the part # listed below, I believe, but suggestions on routing, plumbing, etc. would be fantastic.

Any years 2.3 T5s better or worse than others? Ones to avoid or look for?

J/Y heads...?

Anything else you've got is welcome. You guys are fantastic. Once we've got a pretty comprehensive list, this thread is destined for the archives.

[mfpmax]

Big VAMs:
Ford Mustang SVO - 84-86? Corrections please
Ford Thunderbird Turbocoupe - 87-88
Mercury XR7 Cougar - 87-88

Transimssions:
Ones that don't grind. 1986 or so was the first year the manuals(I believe all) were switched to World Class specifications. So pretty much 87+ are good choices, but the 1st gear isn't desireble. Corrections please?

[Freejack]

Computers: Add the PE computer from the SVOs (though not one you just run across), on the later 5spd TCs, the LA3 computer is more desirable than the LA2 due to its compatablity with the EEC Tuner.

T-3 turbos (83-36 TCs, all turbo mustangs, all XR4s) are always good if you have a yard that's letting them go for cheap.

Intercoolers: Intercoolers are also nice if the yard's not too greedy. The best finds are the NPR I/Cs from the cab-over Isuzu delivery trucks if your yard has any trucks. Actually, any light and meduim trucks with turbo diesels are worth a look at for the intercooler. My brother picked up a nice McCord IC for me from a GM delivery truck with a Cummins. Also, keep an eye on TCs, on very rare occasion, you may find one with a FMS front-mount IC which can be pawned for a good deal of change.


Jake

[Evil86lx]

E6 manifolds- 86+ svo, merk, t-bird

35lb squirters- see above

Uncracked heads- good luck.

T-bird intercoolers

kyle

[GT350R]

An easy upgrade your your car would be ;

85.5-86 Turbo Coupe computer , or an XR4Ti computer. Would be either a PC1 or a PK1. Plug and play and allows you to slip in 35lb injectors. Dirt cheap computer too.

Then add the 3 inch exhaust. Bit of money , but the biggest improvment you can make.

From here, its an easy upgrade to find any intercooler you think would fit well, such as the Conquest one I am using and plumb it in..


Now bump the boost. Easy way and accurate way to do this is to grab the wastegate hose fitting on the front of the turbo from the car you got the computer out of (dont want the fitting from an 87-88 TC). Screw it into your turbo and run your wastegate hose like normal. Leave the other nipple open. This will give you 15 PSI all the time. Then a simple carefull drilling out of that same nipple will raise the boost.

Now your ready for the fuel pump. I dont recommend going over 15 PSI without replacing the pump. I have done it, but its not smart(I am downright stupid running 20+psi)

After this, get your Autozone remanufactured PE computer for 100 bucks.
With it you need a big VAM as found in the 87-88 Turbo Coupes , or ANY SVO.

Now your looking at interinals and you have a million different options. Such as the cheap route of running a Ranger roller cam as found in the 91-and up Rangers and 91-93 Mustangs. Personaly, I dont like this cam without running an adjustable cam gear with atleast 4 degrees of retard.

If you want to be really cheap...............
I have had good results keeping teh STOCK computer and just swapping on both the big VAM and the 35lb injectiors! Just need to back the fuel pressure off a pound or two for it to be prefect, but as is is still pretty good. I think I might go back to that set up myself. The two even each other out for the most part.

[futurexdesign]

Like on TF, im left with nothing to post because everybody else got here first, that and I dont know anything anyway 8)

Oh well, postcount ++

*Time to find a way to have fun in my car without burning all my damn gas, damn that boost is adictive!*

[jazzcat2001]

and if anyone has any of the above mentioned parts and would like to donate them to the "Jazzcat's car would like to not run 21's anymore fund" you can send me a pm and i will gladly send you my address...i will even cover shipping if i need too

[evlrs84]

LOL! Good try. Mine actually has a turbo and is so beat to death that I doubt it'd do much better than a 21. Everything is worn out, poor thing.

[madmike8]

Thanks for the info... I'm still trying to decide which way to go with my 2.3t... so all of this is good for me...

[evlrs84]

Now that I'm getting a chance to read and re-read this, this is exactly what I've been hoping to find. Maybe someday I'll get my LSC going again and I can take the time to put it to use!!

Keep it coming, guys, this is fantastic!

[Evil86lx]

Now that I'm getting a chance to read and re-read this, this is exactly what I've been hoping to find. Maybe someday I'll get my LSC going again and I can take the time to put it to use!!

Keep it coming, guys, this is fantastic!

I have been slowly gathering parts for the turbo Gt.

As of right now i have a SVO ecu, big vam, kirban, fresh T-3, ported E6, spare complete motor and trans (SVO), 190lph pump, and a T-bird intercooler. Been trying to find the time to yank both heads and see if either one is good. Going to get a fresh rebuild on the head with a mild port job.

It's taking forever but i want everything perfect on the car and the 86 comes first. Now i just need to figure out what i wanna do for a intercooler.

kyle

[evlgt85]

Here's another one:

Getting rid of the stock air box. What do you replace it with? I know people must make their own or obtain ways of moving the VAM and putting a K&N on there, right? Part numbers, ways to cheap it and cheat it?

[mfpmax]

Some say that the stock air box is fine and dandy, save for the little screen inside. And K&N apparently makes a filter for that style air box.

But if someone wanted purely a cone filter, I believe the part # is RE0930

[86 50CPRI]

Nobody mentioned the VOLVO intercooler.Or the Hybrid turbo-T3/T4,but then again it was for junkyard spotting initially,right?

side note--Ranger roller cams --I thought they came out in '87 or '88,but I could be wrong.I am hoping my '88 has a roller in it--one less thing to buy when I finally make the swap.


Pete

[mfpmax]

Volvo Intercoolers should only be used if you get them for less than $20...otherwise you're paying too much.

[Evil86lx]

Volvo Intercoolers should only be used if you get them for less than $20...otherwise you're paying too much.

Plastic tanks and wont take to much boost.

kyle

[mfpmax]

Volvo Intercoolers should only be used if you get them for less than $20...otherwise you're paying too much.

Plastic tanks and wont take to much boost.

kyle

Thats why you strap um :)

[evlrs84]

TTT for updates and stuff.

[RichV]

94/95 5.0 t/b is pretty much a replica of the 2.3 but is a 60 or 65mm. It is pretty easily modified to work. Kits are avilable but I did it for about $10. The kits are nicer tho.

Unfortunately j/y parts is all we have. I think my t3/t4 and fuel pump was the only non j/y upgrade I have done. Oh yea and exhaust.

The nice thing is there were so many versions of the engine/parts you can upgrade cheap. But I wish the aftermarket supported the 2.3T better. If I could buy a intake, header, cam, and head for what it would cost for 5.0 stuff I'd be on it!

For I/Cs also check the audi 5000. They have some nice looking ones that look to easily adapt to the 2.3T. The inlet/outlet is on the same side.

Rich.

[jpywell]

You know what would be a great addition to this thread is pictures of the parts... I am very interested to know more about cams etc... If anyone has pictures so we can see what we are looking for that would be awesome. I will try and see what I can find at the junk yard. I am hoping to get there this weekend.

[mfpmax]

http://www.fordturbo.com has quite a few pictures of some of these parts.

[GT350R]

Speaking of JUNKYARD 2.3 turbo scores................


One guess who bought a COMPLETE XR4Ti engine from the junkyard yesterday for 150 bucks? From the turbo to the injectors and from the pan to the TB.


Did I forget to mention if was stuffed with a MOTORSPORT A-237 roller cam and indexed cam gear? Head looks fresh too. Lets all hope for me that its a big valve head too :lol:

[Evil86lx]

Speaking of JUNKYARD 2.3 turbo scores................


One guess who bought a COMPLETE XR4Ti engine from the junkyard yesterday for 150 bucks? From the turbo to the injectors and from the pan to the TB.


Did I forget to mention if was stuffed with a MOTORSPORT A-237 roller cam and indexed cam gear? Head looks fresh too. Lets all hope for me that its a big valve head too :lol:

Well look at the lucky SOB... I hate you. :D

kyle

[jpywell]

lol, you going to use it or just gloat?

[mfpmax]

One guess who bought a COMPLETE XR4Ti engine from the junkyard yesterday for 150 bucks?

Yeah


I hate you

[GT350R]

lol, you going to use it or just gloat?

Not sure yet.

I have a couple of them laying around.

Of the 4 I have, 2 came from beaters I bought and had no idea they were in there. One came from a heacd on Ebay that no one saw had it in there (neither did the seller) and now this one.

[jpywell]

Well if you ever want to get rid of the turbo parts... lemme know ;)

[Iwantone2]

how about an 88 turbo coupe to part out for the four-eye? toss in an exaust, k&n, ranger cam,a little more boost, and lots of tuning. then kick some tail :twisted:

[riversnake]

Be careful if you are looking at a 86 SVO for an E6 manifold. More than one has been found with the E3 manifold on it. When I got mine, it only had upper 60K miles and didnt appear to have ever been worked on--it had a E3 on it. I know of several others with similar or lower mileage with E3s.

[jazzcat2001]

this is what i want to do and i would like to know what is the best way to do it...

turbo 2.3 swap with 5 speed..i want the biggest front mount intercooler that i can get to work with this where should i look...i also want to use a fuel cell..if i have to replace the fuel tank and lines anyways why not go with one of those..can i just mount the cell in the bottom of the spare tire well? what is the best pump for boost?..my battery is going into the trunk..should i have a sheet of metal installed inbetween the trunk and back seat or is that necessary with the car being a coupe? whats the best ignition for running a boosted 4 banger?

thanks for any and all help

[mfpmax]

Biggest intercooler?
Diesel trucks

Fuel Cell?
Same as any other Mustang with a fuel cell. But they do make fuel cells that are direct replacements for the fuel tank. But of course probably cost more than the standard square ones.

Firewall in the back?
If you plan on running 10s probably. I think its required.

Ignition System?
Stock works good for most. Run all Motorcraft if possible for best results.

[TANKER]

What is a VAM?

[mfpmax]

What is a VAM?

http://fordturbo.com/terms.html

[TANKER]

Yeah, right after I posted the question I looked at fordturbo. I am trying to get up to speed on all this 2.3t stuff.

[jazzcat2001]

Biggest intercooler?
Diesel trucks

Fuel Cell?
Same as any other Mustang with a fuel cell. But they do make fuel cells that are direct replacements for the fuel tank. But of course probably cost more than the standard square ones.

Firewall in the back?
If you plan on running 10s probably. I think its required.

Ignition System?
Stock works good for most. Run all Motorcraft if possible for best results.

whats the best fuel pump for this? 255? 190? or will a 155 be sufficient..i am wanting to run a aftermarket ignition(msd, jacobs) something with a rev limiter and a possible boost retard..

i am planning on going fast with this car..i will be running a 8.8 with 4.10s or higher and the suspension and tuning on the car will be set for quarter mile, cruise nights no longer daily driven or anything

i will probably run the rear firewall just for an additional peace of mind for myself..thanks for the tips now i just need to get the rest of my parts :twisted:

[mfpmax]

Look at the prices between the 190 and 255...

Might as well go 255...

[jazzcat2001]

Look at the prices between the 190 and 255...

Might as well go 255...

good call...


i honestly can't believe my fiance said i could go crazy with the coupe already :lol:

[jazzcat2001]

doing a bottom to top rebuild on a 86 turbo block...wanted to go with a .030 overbore and was curious as to what pistons i should order? autozone has a rebuild kit(that they are ordering from summit) that comes complete with everything internal minus the crank but am not sure if that covers the boring or not..also should i look into different valves or just stick with the stockers? this car isn't exactly going to be stock and i am looking for mid 12s out of the 4 banger with no nitrous(will settle for mid 13s but really want a 12 time slip out of it)


thanks for your help

[Evil86lx]

Stock TRW forged piston's work well to 400 hp....

If you order a rebuild kit you need to make sure it is for a TURBO 2.3. The internals where different and it would suck bad if you whent through all the trouble and got inferior parts.

I'm pretty sure TRW still makes the factory replacement parts for them. They should be able to cross reference the ford part #.

kyle

[mfpmax]

If not...I think SpeedPro is making pistons now. Someone posted their build up and had SpeedPro Pistons with the coated skirts.

[jpywell]

doing a bottom to top rebuild on a 86 turbo block...wanted to go with a .030 overbore and was curious as to what pistons i should order? autozone has a rebuild kit(that they are ordering from summit) that comes complete with everything internal minus the crank but am not sure if that covers the boring or not..also should i look into different valves or just stick with the stockers? this car isn't exactly going to be stock and i am looking for mid 12s out of the 4 banger with no nitrous(will settle for mid 13s but really want a 12 time slip out of it)


thanks for your help

Not only when you upgrade the pistons you will want to upgrade the rods aswell. The 5.7" rods are best for performance vs. $$$ and you want to make sure your pistons/rods are turbo specific, also I was reading that you will want to upgrade your engine block bolts to ARP, cant remember right off my head what they are called specifically but the bolts that support and hold the crankshaft are extremely important to have.

On my 2.3L build I am replacing ALL the bolts (headers, heads, crank etc...) with ARP and will be using FRPP gaskets. Beyond that everything else mostly I am going to try and keep FORD RACING or Motorcraft if possible.

I am also going to be upgrading to a High Flow CFM electric fan and the FORD RACING 3 core aluminum radiator too keep it cool, taking no chances with my build specially for the extra $$ it could save in the long run.

As for intercoolers there are 2 types, the watercooled and air cooled, at this time I am going to get 2 87 - 88 turbocoupe intercoolers and have them modified onto eachother.

The watercooled idealy is the best however it still needs to be cooled (people say it doesnt... logic dictates otherwise... same with pure commen sence) the one's I have seen are very expensive with a proper water pump and cooling system, the cheap one's rigged only last the 1/4 mile if that and are not for daily driving.

You will want to keep the stock headers, possible have them ceramic coated and have the intake bored out or get a custom intake done, I like 40 bobs inline tube intake with the 65mm TB, however it requires the relocations of the alternator, its been setup so that if you remove the A/C you can modify that bracket to accept the alternator... still researching it.

Another thing you will need to have is heavy # injectors with a computer that will support it, you will get much better performance.

And lastly another option: Oversize the valves and do a complete port & polish with dual springs.

The rear end is always a good idea to upgrade for the added power you will want better breaking, adding the 87 - 88 rear end (if you dont have a good brake system) will not only get you discs in the rear but you will have a 3.73:1 8.8Inch rear upgrade also helping lay the power to the ground. The SVO's I believe had 7.5's... so depending on how serious you get... depends on the rear end's life.

Thats my 2 cents. 0.02

[mfpmax]

Now that...is research right there folks.

[Evil86lx]

Now that...is research right there folks.

Thats what happens when you have more time than money.. :D And when you dont want to do stuff twice..

kyle

[jpywell]

lol, more time... I spend at least 4 - 5 hours studying reading and looking over my Chilton's and Hayne's books daily, general materials etc...

[mfpmax]

Now that...is research right there folks.

Thats what happens when you have more time than money.. :D And when you dont want to do stuff twice..

kyle

Ain't that the truth :oops:

[jazzcat2001]

that is exactly what i was looking to hear :tu:

no doubt i will have more questions as i go...should i go with the .030 overbore or just stick to the stock bore?

[jpywell]

You will want the machine shop to take a look at your engine cylinders, if the cylinders are in good shape then you can get stock, if its not then you will have to get the bore.

If you dont really give 2 freakn' hoots about getting it checked then get the overbore and have the machine shop machine your block, bring your pistons and rods etc... in with you when you have it done and they will size the cylinders perfectly.

[jazzcat2001]

where in the hell can i get a rebuild kit for one of these cars? :evil: not looking to spend a billion dollars just need a 'stock' rebuild

[mfpmax]

There is a kit that someone mentioend on turboford. No clue the company, but it seems to be a good kit.

[Asha'man]

A .030" overbore gets dangerously close to the max on these motors, I guess the cylinder walls aren't all that thick. Might wanna stay stock if you can, or do a 0.010" if that's possible.

Brian

[jpywell]

Not that thick? Dangerously close?! 2.3 with .030 overbore? Where on earth did you come up with that? You can have the block set to a 2.5 and even in some rare cases I have heard them getting near 2.8 for the offroad races...

I would not worry about the .030 overbore, the guys at the shop will let you know before hand anyways.

Also if your only doing a stock rebuild then its best to get the overbore a little as possible anyways.

[jazzcat2001]

stock rebuild would leave me more money for other go fast goodies

[Evil86lx]

Not that thick? Dangerously close?! 2.3 with .030 overbore? Where on earth did you come up with that? You can have the block set to a 2.5 and even in some rare cases I have heard them getting near 2.8 for the offroad races...

I would not worry about the .030 overbore, the guys at the shop will let you know before hand anyways.

Also if your only doing a stock rebuild then its best to get the overbore a little as possible anyways.

The 2.5 stroker uses a 2.5 crank. It's not all in the overbore.

Most people that have them poked out to 2.8 are using tall deck blocks that have more material.

kyle

[jpywell]

I know they have to use special cranks etc... I was just making mention that the 2.3L is not that thin or weak of a block :)

[Evil86lx]

I need a 2.3 tall deck motorsport block... :D

kyle

[mfpmax]

I need a 2.3 tall deck motorsport block... :D

kyle

If Jon Del Blair hasn't bought them all up :lol: