big block or 2.3 litre turbo

81capri · 09-25-2008, 03:16 PM

It's time to chime in......would you prefer a big block V8 or a turbo 2.3...list your pros and cons...
The 2.3 would be my choice once I figured out the right combination to get the horse power I was looking for. Plus it may not be that much of a difference but I would rather cut as much excess weight as possible. Weight to power wins races.....

SRM351 · 09-25-2008, 03:39 PM

I say big block! Weight to power is good but absolute brute torque doesn't hurt either!

anthonydalrymple · 09-25-2008, 04:17 PM

Another vote for cubic inches; my thoughts.....
+Mild build equates to extremly durabile speed
+Parts availability & pricing
+Less cluttered engine compartment
+future upgrades to aluminum heads & intake can greatly offset the difference in weight
+less tuning at the track

93-331-29PSI · 09-25-2008, 04:52 PM

I love my 2.3t cars, but I'm gonna say BB in this case. I miss the torque that the V8 offers at a fraction of the cost. I am not saying that a 2.3t can't be built to be a torque monster it just ins't there in stock form.

SchoolBoy · 09-25-2008, 06:42 PM

It ALL depends on what its going to be used for! Draig only = BB. Any street time = 2.3T, I would not want to feed the BB if it was to see any street time. We had a 428SCJ wagon and it was fun, but damb it could drink fuel. Dads also had a 428 cop motor with scj heads in a 57 fairlane and it would only get 4mpg...

gdniel · 09-25-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthonydalrymple

Another vote for cubic inches; my thoughts.....
+Mild build equates to extremly durabile speed
+Parts availability & pricing
+Less cluttered engine compartment
+future upgrades to aluminum heads & intake can greatly offset the difference in weight
+less tuning at the track

I agree.

superhighoutput · 09-25-2008, 10:14 PM

are you saying that a 2.3 does not have torque ,

I disagree

and after running at the track he gets his trailer and drives home and still gets over 25mpg

Big blocks are cool don't get me wrong,but I think it takes torque to throw that nose in the air don't you?

81capri · 09-26-2008, 08:33 AM

Nice...I would have never thougth that was a 4 banger doing that.....awsome....
I think superhighoutput makes a pretty good case for the 2.3t......it may get a little costly but in the long run I still think the turbo is the way to go........and yes I was talking about a car that is driven on public roads.......

81capri · 09-26-2008, 08:34 AM

If you dont mind us asking.....what are the applications that you have on the engine and through out the car....and what's the estimated cost.....

85vert · 09-26-2008, 08:54 AM

That's Huber's car. I like 2.3 turbo's as well, but that is not the average 2.3t. You can reasonably get 400 + hp but you're going to have to replace the fueling system, have to extend or replace the EEC, exhaust work, intake porting and get a larger turbo and a FMIC. It's not going to be $350 worth of mods to get you there.
Your power will come higher in RPM's, you don't get that rip off the line that a BB will.
All that said, turbo cars are a hoot and there is something ultra cool about ripping that kind of power out of a pinto motor.

superhighoutput · 09-26-2008, 09:57 AM

I know of quite a few 2.3 Turbo cars running 300 to 500 rwhp that are running a stock bottom end .
the 2.3 block has much thicker walls than the stock small blocks,I can not really say too much about the big block ,but even if you used a stock big block you still would not get 15mpg around town .
and although I have not finished with the mods I have planned for my car .

when I am done I plan on having around 450rwhp and that is using mostly junk yard parts and a bigger turbo and cam .
I run E85 and still average 25mpg on the ethanol .and although they say no replacement for displacement ,
I think there is nothing cooler than the whistle of the turbo spooling up .

using proven engine configurations and getting a lot of parts used or from the salvage yard you could put a 400 hp 2.3 together for around $600 dollars and that is if you start from scratch .

try that with a big block

superhighoutput · 09-26-2008, 10:07 AM

81capri

building a 2.3 is usually done in stages and to reach my future goals I will be swapping some of the parts I have now ,
so if you decide to go the 4 banger route let me know because I have some parts to get you started and will have more in the future .

remember the local u pull it is your friend when you are modding these little motors
and if you want more info go to http://www.turboford.net the heavy hitters hang out there so if your goals are modest hp around 300rwhp or if you want closer to 1000 hp the guy's on turbo ford can get you there

81capri · 09-26-2008, 10:14 AM

Again......I think the 2.3's winning the fight right now......I'm really leaning toward going to the junk yard and finding me a 2.3t and starting from there......I must say that the coolest thing in the world to me was being at a light and touching the gas pedal and watching the front end of the car rock to one side over and over again

SchoolBoy · 09-26-2008, 12:17 PM

If you do the 2.3t your best bet is to find one out of a t-bird of the 87-88 vintage. I now have some basic reading and a few vids for you to watch.....

Vids......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyncDceRkmo

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...obra_90316.htm

Reading....
http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1638

http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19243

http://www.musclemustangfastfords.co...der/index.html

81capri · 09-26-2008, 02:16 PM

Thanks for the video links and the article......it is a very nice article of the car and the huber family

83_crimsoncat · 09-26-2008, 02:33 PM

i think big block. i love the sound of a big block. and if you want both you could put a turbo on the v8 bb. lol

danandamy · 09-26-2008, 04:55 PM

I may be prejudiced just because I'm used to working on V8's but the old addage says......"There's no replacement for displacement:

Dan

Mad Max · 09-27-2008, 12:46 AM

V8's sound beter. Especialy when there's a 671 sticking out of the hood. Can't say the same for a 4 banger.

A little biased to the 2.3T right now. Beter on gas and lighter in the engine bay. If gas come down I would probably change my mind

supergordo · 09-27-2008, 03:22 PM

I'd probably go with the big block. I really haven't worked with the 2.3's too much, so I don't know how expensive it would be to get one to do wheelstands like in the picture. You could probably get a 460 to be real fun in your car without a huge expense. Though in the end I agree with the other guys that whether or not its gonna be a daily driver is a big part of the decision. My 78 wagon has a 460 and it gets 8mpg...sigh

KAILUAZ · 09-27-2008, 04:27 PM

I'm doing the 460 swap, cant beat the BBF!

TurboBeater · 09-29-2008, 07:45 AM

As far as I'm concerned, a capri with a 2.3 turbo and T-tops is about as cool and unique as it gets for a fox. The 2.3 is really simple when it comes to wrenching on a motor. Tuning a fuel injection system can be a steep learning curve initially, but it is fun and you learn a whole lot in the process. If you have plans to try to get some power out of it, do yourself a favor and get a decent wideband and exhaust gas temp sensor. They have payed for themselves many times over in the past 2 years since I bought them. I have a '57 Desoto with a 392 hemi at home, but when it comes comes down to it, I always ending working on 2.3 instead of the hemi. If you just want to go fast as cheap and easy as possible, you will be better off with the BB.

Ford'sCapri · 09-29-2008, 09:29 AM

I'm partial to the FE and 335 series BBF's. It's what I've grown up around. I remember my Dad's Lincoln Continental with a built 460 and his 66 Fairlane with the 428 with the aluminum CJ heads and medium riser intake. Both cars had a TON of torque.

I've also have driven a 88 Turbo Coupe and it's nothing in comparison to the big block cars I've been in.

That being said if you plan on driving your car a lot and need some kind of gas mileage go 2.3T. If you want to destroy your tires, twist your car in half and scare little children and Honda owners go big block.

81capri · 09-29-2008, 01:09 PM

I'm still undecided....but this thread has been very entertaining and informative

RichV · 09-29-2008, 03:13 PM

It boils down to what you do with the car. If you want a good handling car, the BB is probably not a great choice. Same with MPG. If you want frame twisting torque the 2.3 is not gonna cut it. The fastest thing at the track is allways money, so whether you have a 2.3T or a BB. Cheap, fast, reliable ... pick 2.

My choice would be solid 302/T5, suspension, brakes, sticky tires, run the snot out of it in TT or HPDE on the road course.

dragogt · 09-29-2008, 03:18 PM

To touch on what he ^^ said what about a stroker 5.0? A 331/ 347 can be built to 450+ rwhp.

09-25-2008, 03:16 PM	#1
81capri FEP Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 387	big block or 2.3 litre turbo It's time to chime in......would you prefer a big block V8 or a turbo 2.3...list your pros and cons... The 2.3 would be my choice once I figured out the right combination to get the horse power I was looking for. Plus it may not be that much of a difference but I would rather cut as much excess weight as possible. Weight to power wins races..... __________________ "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Sir." Last edited by 81capri; 09-25-2008 at 03:22 PM.

09-25-2008, 03:39 PM	#2
SRM351 FEP Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Holloman AFB, New Mexico Posts: 892	I say big block! Weight to power is good but absolute brute torque doesn't hurt either! __________________ 1979 LX Coupe 351w, C4, 8.8 rear, the fun machine. 2006 Ford Freestar (the wife's car) 1999 Subaru Forester AWD - my DD

09-25-2008, 04:17 PM	#3
anthonydalrymple FEP Super Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Highland, Ca Posts: 5,819	Another vote for cubic inches; my thoughts..... +Mild build equates to extremly durabile speed +Parts availability & pricing +Less cluttered engine compartment +future upgrades to aluminum heads & intake can greatly offset the difference in weight +less tuning at the track __________________ '89 5.0 5-speed 'vert; 75 mile a day daily commuter. 331, AFR185, RPMII intake, TKO600, Zex 100 shot, etc. slowly getting dialed in.... 1\8th=7.43@92.54mph, 1\4=11.67@117.05mph for now....

09-25-2008, 04:52 PM	#4
93-331-29PSI FEP Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Mills, North Carolina/Norfolk Virginia Posts: 2,763	I love my 2.3t cars, but I'm gonna say BB in this case. I miss the torque that the V8 offers at a fraction of the cost. I am not saying that a 2.3t can't be built to be a torque monster it just ins't there in stock form. __________________ 83 GT Turbo 84 GT Turbo (on it's way) 84 RS Turbo (Rotter) 86 Capri (Project Green Bean)

09-25-2008, 06:42 PM	#5
SchoolBoy The Doffinator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Arlington Washington Posts: 1,587	It ALL depends on what its going to be used for! Draig only = BB. Any street time = 2.3T, I would not want to feed the BB if it was to see any street time. We had a 428SCJ wagon and it was fun, but damb it could drink fuel. Dads also had a 428 cop motor with scj heads in a 57 fairlane and it would only get 4mpg... __________________ If you blink at the end of the straight away you'll miss the twisties and what fun would that be! 1982 Capri RS 5.0L with: -energy suspension bushings and 89 swaybars --trim parts carpet --FMR headliner -- Adjustable Red Koni shocks --steeda sport spring --Steeda lower weight jacker control arms --Steeda aluminum upper controle arms --Steeda caster camber plates --FMS front control arms with ball joints http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275485 1985 SVO canyon red, with cloth interior. Completely rebuilt motor with: -Forced4 cold air intake with bypass --ported lower intake --head ported in the intake & exhaust ports --E6 exhaust manifold --stock turbo set to 14psi with a Gillis Boost Controle Valve. Made 185rwhp and 235 pounds torque!.. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=76140 Now has 3" downpipe and exhaust added.... Motor Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=63505

09-25-2008, 10:14 PM	#7
superhighoutput FEP Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 637	are you saying that a 2.3 does not have torque , I disagree and after running at the track he gets his trailer and drives home and still gets over 25mpg Big blocks are cool don't get me wrong,but I think it takes torque to throw that nose in the air don't you? __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/id/TurboGTvert

09-26-2008, 08:33 AM	#8
81capri FEP Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 387	Nice...I would have never thougth that was a 4 banger doing that.....awsome.... I think superhighoutput makes a pretty good case for the 2.3t......it may get a little costly but in the long run I still think the turbo is the way to go........and yes I was talking about a car that is driven on public roads....... __________________ "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Sir."

09-26-2008, 08:34 AM	#9
81capri FEP Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 387	If you dont mind us asking.....what are the applications that you have on the engine and through out the car....and what's the estimated cost..... __________________ "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Sir."

09-26-2008, 08:54 AM	#10
85vert FEP Supporter Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,876	That's Huber's car. I like 2.3 turbo's as well, but that is not the average 2.3t. You can reasonably get 400 + hp but you're going to have to replace the fueling system, have to extend or replace the EEC, exhaust work, intake porting and get a larger turbo and a FMIC. It's not going to be $350 worth of mods to get you there. Your power will come higher in RPM's, you don't get that rip off the line that a BB will. All that said, turbo cars are a hoot and there is something ultra cool about ripping that kind of power out of a pinto motor. Last edited by 85vert; 09-26-2008 at 08:57 AM.

09-26-2008, 09:57 AM	#11
superhighoutput FEP Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 637	I know of quite a few 2.3 Turbo cars running 300 to 500 rwhp that are running a stock bottom end . the 2.3 block has much thicker walls than the stock small blocks,I can not really say too much about the big block ,but even if you used a stock big block you still would not get 15mpg around town . and although I have not finished with the mods I have planned for my car . when I am done I plan on having around 450rwhp and that is using mostly junk yard parts and a bigger turbo and cam . I run E85 and still average 25mpg on the ethanol .and although they say no replacement for displacement , I think there is nothing cooler than the whistle of the turbo spooling up . using proven engine configurations and getting a lot of parts used or from the salvage yard you could put a 400 hp 2.3 together for around $600 dollars and that is if you start from scratch . try that with a big block __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/id/TurboGTvert

09-26-2008, 10:07 AM	#12
superhighoutput FEP Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 637	81capri building a 2.3 is usually done in stages and to reach my future goals I will be swapping some of the parts I have now , so if you decide to go the 4 banger route let me know because I have some parts to get you started and will have more in the future . remember the local u pull it is your friend when you are modding these little motors and if you want more info go to http://www.turboford.net the heavy hitters hang out there so if your goals are modest hp around 300rwhp or if you want closer to 1000 hp the guy's on turbo ford can get you there __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/id/TurboGTvert

09-26-2008, 10:14 AM	#13
81capri FEP Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 387	Again......I think the 2.3's winning the fight right now......I'm really leaning toward going to the junk yard and finding me a 2.3t and starting from there......I must say that the coolest thing in the world to me was being at a light and touching the gas pedal and watching the front end of the car rock to one side over and over again __________________ "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Sir."

09-26-2008, 12:17 PM	#14
SchoolBoy The Doffinator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Arlington Washington Posts: 1,587	If you do the 2.3t your best bet is to find one out of a t-bird of the 87-88 vintage. I now have some basic reading and a few vids for you to watch..... Vids...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyncDceRkmo http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...obra_90316.htm Reading.... http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1638 http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19243 http://www.musclemustangfastfords.co...der/index.html __________________ If you blink at the end of the straight away you'll miss the twisties and what fun would that be! 1982 Capri RS 5.0L with: -energy suspension bushings and 89 swaybars --trim parts carpet --FMR headliner -- Adjustable Red Koni shocks --steeda sport spring --Steeda lower weight jacker control arms --Steeda aluminum upper controle arms --Steeda caster camber plates --FMS front control arms with ball joints http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275485 1985 SVO canyon red, with cloth interior. Completely rebuilt motor with: -Forced4 cold air intake with bypass --ported lower intake --head ported in the intake & exhaust ports --E6 exhaust manifold --stock turbo set to 14psi with a Gillis Boost Controle Valve. Made 185rwhp and 235 pounds torque!.. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=76140 Now has 3" downpipe and exhaust added.... Motor Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=63505

09-26-2008, 02:16 PM	#15
81capri FEP Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 387	Thanks for the video links and the article......it is a very nice article of the car and the huber family __________________ "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Sir."

09-26-2008, 02:33 PM	#16
83_crimsoncat FEP Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: st. pete,fl Posts: 298	i think big block. i love the sound of a big block. and if you want both you could put a turbo on the v8 bb. lol __________________ 1983 mercury capri crimson cat 5.0 302 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee I6

09-26-2008, 04:55 PM	#17
danandamy FEP Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Granbury, TEXAS Posts: 115	I may be prejudiced just because I'm used to working on V8's but the old addage says......"There's no replacement for displacement: Dan __________________ Hers: 79 Capri Ghia factory 5.0 with a cajillion miles, factory smog heads, 2:47 7.5 stock rearend, auto, Hedman headers, comp cam, edelbrock performer intake, Holley S/A 670 carb, true dual flowmasters best 1/8th mile time so far 10:08 His: 86 Camaro low output 305, Torquer 2 Intake, Lunati Cam, Street Avenger carb, Hedman headers dumped, 3.73 gears, lock rite locker, shift kit, 2500 rpm converter best 1/8th mile time so far 9:13

09-27-2008, 12:46 AM	#18
Mad Max FEP Power Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: maple ridge B.C. Posts: 2,303	V8's sound beter. Especialy when there's a 671 sticking out of the hood. Can't say the same for a 4 banger. A little biased to the 2.3T right now. Beter on gas and lighter in the engine bay. If gas come down I would probably change my mind __________________ 82 Capri RS, CACC P3 GT0 GT1, 5.8L, solid drop mounts, areomotive fuel system, moroso external oil pump, 16g fuel cell, 3" exhaust, ROD six speed, MM torque arm suspension, "mathis" 90 k-member, 04 cobra control arms, h&r springs, koni shocks, m-2300-k, caged 90 mustang lx, stock 88 turbocoupe driveline, k-member(rusted donor), Griggs GR-40 rear suspention-sold

09-27-2008, 03:22 PM	#19
supergordo FEP Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 247	I'd probably go with the big block. I really haven't worked with the 2.3's too much, so I don't know how expensive it would be to get one to do wheelstands like in the picture. You could probably get a 460 to be real fun in your car without a huge expense. Though in the end I agree with the other guys that whether or not its gonna be a daily driver is a big part of the decision. My 78 wagon has a 460 and it gets 8mpg...sigh __________________ 1985 Capri RS 5.0 5 Speed 1994 Thunderbird LX 4.6 1978 Country Squire 7.5 2004 Mustang GT 4.6

09-27-2008, 04:27 PM	#20
KAILUAZ FEP Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St Pete, FL via Kailua, HI Posts: 677	I'm doing the 460 swap, cant beat the BBF! __________________ 911 NEVER FORGET!! MILStang

09-29-2008, 07:45 AM	#21
TurboBeater FEP Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 252	As far as I'm concerned, a capri with a 2.3 turbo and T-tops is about as cool and unique as it gets for a fox. The 2.3 is really simple when it comes to wrenching on a motor. Tuning a fuel injection system can be a steep learning curve initially, but it is fun and you learn a whole lot in the process. If you have plans to try to get some power out of it, do yourself a favor and get a decent wideband and exhaust gas temp sensor. They have payed for themselves many times over in the past 2 years since I bought them. I have a '57 Desoto with a 392 hemi at home, but when it comes comes down to it, I always ending working on 2.3 instead of the hemi. If you just want to go fast as cheap and easy as possible, you will be better off with the BB. __________________ '83 Capri 2.3T 13.08 at 109.5 mph http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/r...urbo/?start=40 I'm on a boat.....

09-29-2008, 09:29 AM	#22
Ford'sCapri FEP Power Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 1,728	I'm partial to the FE and 335 series BBF's. It's what I've grown up around. I remember my Dad's Lincoln Continental with a built 460 and his 66 Fairlane with the 428 with the aluminum CJ heads and medium riser intake. Both cars had a TON of torque. I've also have driven a 88 Turbo Coupe and it's nothing in comparison to the big block cars I've been in. That being said if you plan on driving your car a lot and need some kind of gas mileage go 2.3T. If you want to destroy your tires, twist your car in half and scare little children and Honda owners go big block. __________________ -John- 79 Mercury Capri RS: 2.8 to 302 swap 83 Mustang GT: Wrecked 83 Mustang GT T-Top: Traded 84 Mustang L: Gone 87 Mustang LX: 2.3 to 302 swap

09-29-2008, 01:09 PM	#23
81capri FEP Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 387	I'm still undecided....but this thread has been very entertaining and informative __________________ "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy Sir."

09-29-2008, 03:13 PM	#24
RichV FEP Power Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 1,057	It boils down to what you do with the car. If you want a good handling car, the BB is probably not a great choice. Same with MPG. If you want frame twisting torque the 2.3 is not gonna cut it. The fastest thing at the track is allways money, so whether you have a 2.3T or a BB. Cheap, fast, reliable ... pick 2. My choice would be solid 302/T5, suspension, brakes, sticky tires, run the snot out of it in TT or HPDE on the road course. __________________ 85 SVO 89 Notch CMC#71

09-29-2008, 03:18 PM	#25
dragogt New User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Conroe Tx Posts: 12	To touch on what he ^^ said what about a stroker 5.0? A 331/ 347 can be built to 450+ rwhp. __________________ 86 mustang GT T-top 5.0 5sp 83 mustang GT 5.0 5sp 87 F150 2wd aod 83 bronco c6 waiting for a diesel Aaron " Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers… What you do today, might Burn Your Ass Tomorrow"

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