2.3 Turbo

ml23t · Oct 20, 2008

I have a 1990 Ford Ranger 2.3. It is an early '90 with a speed density system, no MAF. I have also recently acquired a 2.3 turbo engine from a 87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. I have the engine and an 8UA computer from the car. I have a wire harness from an 88 or 89 N/A 2.3 Mustang because I am told that is a much simpler way to go than to use the Turbo Coupe harness with the electronic ride control etc... Now I am rebuilding the mechanical parts (the engine) and am wondering about the wires, connections to body harness in the Ranger and things like that. I have a vane air flow meter like the one from a T.C. but i'm not quite sure how compatible everything is and what to expect. I have done carbureted engine swap before and am a competent mechanic but this turbo Ford thing is a first for me. I have looked online and found some great resources, one of which is this site. I'm looking for any advice I can get. Thanks!

ttfiveohranger · Oct 24, 2008

The 2.3 Liter is a common swap... There is two links in the tech library. Most questions like this can be answered by doing a search... For turbo stuff www.turbomustangs.com is awesome.. my Twin turbo 5.0ho v8 ranger has hit 8 psi. sick... More tuning for 12-14 psi.. my 07 mustang GT is distracting tho!

Tech Lib: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Turbos.html

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TurboInstall.html

ttfiveohranger · Oct 25, 2008

I also have a running 88 turbo coupe in my garage right now.. could sell it to you. want to put my 07 mustang gt back in lol... I live in Warren, MI

ejholmgren · Oct 28, 2008

On my '93, the lights, dash gauge senders, and engine harness are all intermingled. Since your '90 is already a 2.3L, 90% of the pins will be the same. It should be easier to modify the existing harness than splice the new one in. The TC harness will be good for pigtails at least though, VAM, coil, etc. Take a look at the diagrams for your 8UA and the comp that's in the truck now and note the changes you'd make to match them up. It's closer than most people realize.

ml23t · Nov 2, 2008

Thanks!

That description really explains a lot. Thanks! I have a few more questions though. Can anyone send or give a link to the pin out pics for that 87-88 TC 8UA and for an '88 Mustang? I was wondering how the stock tach will work with the TC distributor. I now have 35 lb injectors and the big VAFM from the TC, its starting to shape up. I took the advice given in that post and got an N/A Mustang head and intake. I will open the combustion chambers and check them all w/ a burette. Does anyone know what size the stock '87 turbo head chambers were? I still want to use the 88 Mustang harness cuz that way I can keep driving my Ranger and mock it all up on the engine stand. Plus the ignition systems will be that same this way. Thanks again! Mike

ejholmgren · Nov 4, 2008

You will have to separate the lights, etc out of the ranger harness, as they're all combined.

2.3 Turbo

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