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2.3T or 3.8 SC? Race car buildup


BlackBII

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Hey guys, little input needed, I'm in the process of buiding a 1976 Fiat abarth stradale, if anyone has seen one, the liitle 4 cylinder that came with the car (1800cc) is underpowered for the race car i'm building. I'm torn between the 2.3T and the 3.8 sc motor, I know the v6 will fit, with minor modifications but the 2.3T will fit more easily. Which motor would you guys suggest?
3.8SC- More power, but heavier
2.3T- Less power, but lighter

Wich motor is better? easier to build up? has better tranny? more reliable? more potential?
 


Ranger44

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I know most of the guys around here have more experience with the 2.3T. I also know they have alot of aftermarket support. Not only that but they were already turbo from the factory in the turbo coupes and mustangs. They are a higher reving engine and are probably more suitable for racing. Also the lower is pretty tough on the 2.3 and can handle like 10,000rpm stock. Here are some sites for 2.3 racing and may conatain some parts for 3.8.

http://racerwalsh.zoovy.com/
http://www.esslingeracing.com/

Good luck. Wish I could tell you more.
 
nickscalypsocoupe

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2.3 Turbo all the way. I wouldn't even put a sc 3.8 in the same arena as a 2.3t. The four cylinder is lighter, easier to modify, cheaper to modify, and much much more reliable than the 3.8. Have you ever heard of all the head gasket problems on 3.8's?? Also a stock 2.3 can support quite a bit of boost in stock form. More boost = more power.
 
Sevensecondsuv

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There's a reason 2.3's are used in circle track applications.
 
rusty ol ranger

rusty ol ranger

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Is a 460 outta the question? :)

The 3.8 S\C will have more torque.....what kinda racing you doin?

later,
Dustin
 
stegomon

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rusty ol ranger said:
Is a 460 outta the question? :)

The 3.8 S\C will have more torque.....what kinda racing you doin?

later,
Dustin
Click to expand...
well not a 460 stroked to a 504 with a SC and racing fule.....:3gears:
 
rusty ol ranger

rusty ol ranger

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Naw I was thinking of just a 460, with a big cam and a 4bbl.

Sorry....didnt mean to hijack.

later,
Dustin
 
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