How can I tell what engine I have?

[itlives]

I hate to do it but I saw this yesterday and just HAVE to go look. Just got off the phone with him. I'm supposed to meet a 4. The block and head sound real good to me since I don't know the condition of mine. But, I'm mainly going to check out the intake (and prices of everything else).
http://shreveport.craigslist.org/pts/2815105429.html

If anyone sees this and wants to know what he has just put a reply in here.

[Mark_88]

Dang...that sounds too good to be true...a Ranger owners dream...I'd grab the head and short block just for the price...and a couple of intakes...

Actually, the scrap value alone on some of that stuff would pay for quite a bit of upgrades...auto cast is worth way more than shred steel...bring a trailer!

[itlives]

It looks like a great deal. It's a 1987 2.3 turbo, new head. I don't know the condition of the bottom end.
Can I just put higher compression pistons in the block and put a carb on the intake?
Will a carb work on a turbo intake?

He's got a crap load of parts. I offered him $250 and he accepted that. He said I'd have to take it all because he's tired of moving it around. I told him I'd have to reasearch it more.
Will my adapter plate fit on the '87 block?

That head looks awesome! The turbo won't work on my truck unless I cut the bed and make a box for it. I'm reluctant to do that.

My friend said he'd come look at it with me and see what he thinks.
Oh yeah, it's a d port head.

[upnsmoke]

Not sure about that intake. I'm not sure if they were still doing it in 87, but in the 80's ford actually had some setups where they were carbureting through the turbo. That is to say that the air/fuel mixture exited the carburetor, and then went through the turbo and into the intake manifold. I can't tell you much about the that setup, as far as whether or not the 87 motor would have it or whether the intake manifold would be different from a non turbo manifold. Also, I have read that turbo heads are often cracked. This is a thread I came across on another forum -link-and this is an article by circle track-link- paragraphs 3-6 have some things to look for.

[Mark_88]

Yes, have the head tested for cracks...if it is new then it should be fine...magnaflux testing is only about $50 but it is worth it...

I looked into the carbed turbo...only increases HP by about 25 or so...wasn't worth the effort from what I could see...but...stroking the 2.3 block to a 2.5 would help on the trailer pulling...

My ideal engine for my application would be a stroked 2.3 with forged pistons and turbo...but I think I would limit it to about 10 - 15 psi so as not to give me a reason to get speeding tickets...lol

[itlives]

I think the head is new and the guy just has everything mocked up to show it. He hasn't ever had it together and running.
I'm going to take my friend over there to check it out.


If I get it, do you think anyone here would want the turbo (and intake, if I can't use it).

[Mark_88]

I'm sure you could find someone interested...find out what it was off of...if it was a turbo coupe or XR4Ti or SVO mustang...they are similar but not the same from certain years...the 88 Turbo Coupe had an intercooler if I recall correctly...and not sure what year they started that..but it's probably posted in the turbo section here or elsewhere...

Once you know the details you could advertise it on here in the parts for sale section...as long as it is in working order...just a matter of price and shipping...

[upnsmoke]

I would be interested if it is a T3. It is more likely an IHI though, if it is an 87. Someone will want it either way.

[itlives]

I'm supposed to go back today. I'll take some pics. I remember the guy said something about SVO Mustang.
I'm taking a friend that knows a lot more than I do about these. he used to race dirt-track with Pinto's.

[itlives]

The new organ is here but not ready for the transplant - yet.


The adapter plate fits!


The head looks brand new! The cam isn't broke in yet. It (cam) has the numbers 1229 on it. Does that mean anything to anyone? The bottom end will have to be looked at before I put the engine in the VW.


There's a BIG difference between the 2.0 intake and the 2.3 turbo intake.


Can I put a carb on the EFI turbo intake?

The box between the two intakes says "Kent Cams" the number is CF12 and it is cam followers for 1600-2000. Any body need these? I also have a pressure plate that looks like a racing part. It is German made, I'll have to get the numbers off it tomorrow.

The guy decided to keep the turbo. I have the part that goes between the turbo and the intake.

[itlives]

Mark- After thinking about this awhile, I realize I'm going to have to get all the way into the engine. I'm sure the compression will have to be changed.

So, if I find a 2.5 crank (what years am I looking for?), do I use the same rods or the rods and pistons that come with the crank?

I've looked and can't really find this information...

Still no answer on the carb to EFI intake

[Mark_88]

The 2.5 crank is apparently the same...the rods are a bit longer...but if you contact NAPA or other parts dealer they can give you the details. The sticky at the top of this forum goes into a bit more detail about the differences between the 2.5 and 2.3 engines.

And you are right about the compression. I heard that the turbo engine doesn't work well with a carb due to the higher compression ratio...but it can be done because when I saw your post with the pics I searched and found a few references to EFI to carb on a turbo motor. Wasn't a great deal of detail but one post did talk about the carb (Holley 750 or something).

You can use the bottom end of the turbo with a 2.0 or 2.3 head though...if the bottom end is good...if it's been bored over that's OK too...but it looks like the head was rebuilt...so I'd be tempted to use that if possible.

Not sure about using the turbo intake...I'm sure there is an adapter out there that will work or you can have one made...but if you can find an 86 EFI intake that is supposed to be the best from this line of engines...next would be the one I have or the OMC boat intake...there are others but finding them in the junkyard might be a challenge.

Edit: Just read another post by Scotts90Ranger and he says he is not that familiar with carbs...I will try to find a link to that post I was reading...but if you want to search on "turbo to carb" you will probably find the same using Google...