2.0 Pistons

[upnsmoke]

Hi all. I have a 2.0 in my 88 with a little work in it- lunati cam, comp springs, mild port work, fresh valve job, and a cheap junk carb with a good tune up. Winds up over 6k pretty happily and makes decent power for what it is, however I have recently been exploring options for more power, including a 5.0 swap (got 3 complete motors worth of parts laying around). I also thought about turboing my 2.0. Obviously my stock cast pistons have to go, and I dont think hypereutectics will hold up under boost either, or will they? I know there is a selection of pistons available for the 2.3, and I have read that my 2.0 head will bolt up to a 2.3, so I suppose that would be an option. My question is, what should I do with my motor to make it hold up to half an atmosphere of boost or better? Does someone make forged pistons for my 2.0, or can I buy a custom set for some reasonable price? Should I get a 2.3 bottom end or should I just build up a 302? Sorry for the long post and thanks for any thoughts you all have.

 

[4b316]

I would bore your bottom end and put a 2.5 crank in it as long as your going to do something,however you can never beat cubic inches

 

[upnsmoke]

I have a line on a 2.3 turbo short block right now, which is why I am trying to decide now. I also want to use a built c4 that we have laying around. I think it will go on a 2.3 with a stinger performance adaptor, but I dont know if the flexplate is a problem. Anyone know if there is a flexplate/ torque convertor that will work with a 2.3/c4 off the shelf? Just to make my decision a little harder, my pop now tells me he has a nice set of aluminum heads for the 5.0 I can use. I guess the transmission may end up being the deciding factor here.

 

[4b316]

Yes,you could get a c4 in a pinto so just get a flex plate for one.Still would go with the cubic inches and run a OD trans

 

[upnsmoke]

I looked up a pinto flexplate and it does look like that will work. I know the c4 is a 3 speed, but this truck will never see over 50 mph for any extended period of time anyway. I dont do much highway driving and I take my time when I do. My pop had the c4 in his 5.0 ranger and it drove and shifted great. He only put about 10k miles on it, so it is still pretty fresh. I like the idea of the c4 because I know it will live behind my 2.3 and when I go 302 I can keep the trans as it is and maybe even reuse my stall convertor. I would love to build up a 2.3 turbo motor, and it would be a great excuse to try out the Megasquirt rig I have been eyeing. 4b316, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me, definitely will help me make a decision. I think I am going to go ahead and jump on the 2.3 bottom end.