Turbo Kit for 90 2.3L Lima

[Johnnyboiranger22]

Hey guys so I am getting ready to start back my rebuilding on my 90 ranger 2.3L Lima engine but I just thought a turbo kit on this wouldn't be a far stretch and a quick way to add a little power . I was wondering are the standard pistons and rods are capable enough to handle the extra boost? Do i need to swap out bearings and crank? I know I need to upgrade the fuel injectors. Other than that do i need to swap anything else out?

 

[adsm08]

Turbo isn't something you do as an afterthought at the end of a rebuild. Stock internals will not hold up to boost, you need forged.

 

[Johnnyboiranger22]

Sorry I should have clarified. Block is still bare nothing is put together

 

[scotts90ranger]

Well, depends on what you are expecting out of the thing... Technically the bottom end minus pistons will handle about 300hp if memory serves, but the pistons won't handle more than 5psi on the regular... Add stock forged pistons and you can put whatever you want up to about 300hp without much issue, forged pistons start at around $400 a set if memory serves (it's been a couple years since I looked). I cheaped out and just put in the best stock forged pistons I had on my last rebuild, it doesn't run great and I have a fair amount of pinging with 12 or so PSI... I need to get a new turbo and see how things go

 

[adsm08]

Sorry I should have clarified. Block is still bare nothing is put together

Ok. To me "about to finish up" means the rotating assembly is assembled and you need the head, oil pan, and dressage.

 

[Ranger850]

Ok. To me "about to finish up" means the rotating assembly is assembled and you need the head, oil pan, and dressage.

Me too, glad he "clarified" things. OP's idea of "finish up" and my idea of finish up are totally different. When I say "I'm about to fish up my rebuild" that means the truck is ready and I have to wipe my tools down before they go back in the box.

 

[Johnnyboiranger22]

Well, depends on what you are expecting out of the thing... Technically the bottom end minus pistons will handle about 300hp if memory serves, but the pistons won't handle more than 5psi on the regular... Add stock forged pistons and you can put whatever you want up to about 300hp without much issue, forged pistons start at around $400 a set if memory serves (it's been a couple years since I looked). I cheaped out and just put in the best stock forged pistons I had on my last rebuild, it doesn't run great and I have a fair amount of pinging with 12 or so PSI... I need to get a new turbo and see how things go

Thanks Scott! What about oil pump or any other things that need to be up to the task from the boost?

 

[adsm08]

Me too, glad he "clarified" things. OP's idea of "finish up" and my idea of finish up are totally different. When I say "I'm about to fish up my rebuild" that means the truck is ready and I have to wipe my tools down before they go back in the box.

Ha, the way things have been going for me lately, cleaning up isn't even part of the job, it something I get to a month or so later.

 

[8thTon]

Meh, the tools will just get dirty again the next time I use them anyway. If I can find them that is.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Thanks Scott! What about oil pump or any other things that need to be up to the task from the boost?

The only thing different on the turbo engines short block wise is the drainback port is drilled/tapped into the passenger side of the engine block for the oil drain back and the forged pistons. The stock oil pump is kinda ridiculous really, all chevy guys are jealous... even with a turbo my hot idle oil pressure is 25psi, highway cruise is 50psi and I'm running a rock auto oil pump for a '90 Ranger on a '85 block...

The downside is there isn't much in the way of tuning options for that era ECM, the stock turbo ECM's are available but you need to move a few wires around to use them and locate the appropriate VAM and use the appropriate fuel injectors. Just using bigger injectors could work but not a guarantee...

 

[Johnnyboiranger22]

Okay thanks Scott I guess i have some decision making to do. Engine is still at machine shop getting tanked and hone. I've recently discovered my trans was rebuilt before I took possession of truck. I'm thinking of doing a custom head here locally or probably just keep it stock my only worry with custom is I have to make sure it has the coolant port on the intake manifolds side. other than that some shocks and motor mount and I am good to go