2.9 turbo vs. v-8

[86 slo-vo]

I just can't see a 2.9 block holding 30 psi, I didn't get a real close look at a bare 2.9 block but it didn't look on par with what it would need to be.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I just can't see a 2.9 block holding 30 psi, I didn't get a real close look at a bare 2.9 block but it didn't look on par with what it would need to be.

Nor can I.

The Europeans have built a lot of turbo 2.9s, some north of 400HP. Check out youtube. Can't find much info on what, if anything, has been done to the motor itself. With good heads, I wouldn't hesitate to put 10-15PSI to a well tuned 2.9.

That said, a mild V8 should be able to acheive 20MPG in a mild RBV.

 

[dasfinc]

That said, a mild V8 should be able to acheive 20MPG in a mild RBV.

Bingo.

I have a 98 ranger Step side, Standard cab with a 1998 GT-40P V-8 with a roots-type supercharger ontop of it....

Managed 19mpg on the highway with 4.10's doing 75 the whole way... With 3.27's and doing 65 I bet it could crack 25mpg honestly (Again, 19mpg with a V-8, 4.10's, and a blower)

Granted it gets 14 in town

 

[Mac]

What Dasfinc is leaving out is that the whole swap, including the truck was under $2000 before the blower. He chose good parts from the JY. Hard to beat that if going the turbo route. Stock Explorer 5.0L and ran in the 14's last Fall at the strip. Got to wiegh what the cost to benifits are. Spend $5000 and get good mileage with the turbo? Take a couple of years before you would break even.
Dave of the Nord

 

[RangerSVT]

With the V8, gearing is everything...I'm getting 17 mpg with a stock explorer motor and trans, 11" of lift and 33's running 456's...if I had 410's or even 373, I know I'd be in the 20's for sure....Dasfinc, what blower you got?? I've been researching the different roots type are available for the 302...
SVT

 

[Mac]

With the V8, gearing is everything...I'm getting 17 mpg with a stock explorer motor and trans, 11" of lift and 33's running 456's...if I had 410's or even 373, I know I'd be in the 20's for sure....Dasfinc, what blower you got?? I've been researching the different roots type are available for the 302...
SVT

He's got a hybrid M-90 from Explorer Express, I'm answering for him cause I sold it to him. I bought it 5-8 years ago and never used it. It was one of the last five made for the Explorer. It's the front dress on the Explorer that makes it hard. Mustangs I think would be a whole different/easier to find. That or just put a centrifical on.
Dave of the Nord

 

[RangerSVT]

I want to stay with roots...I'm planning on the same way an 8V92 is setup, for now it will be just the roots, after I rebuild it and it goes through strength training, the rest will be added. I was looking at an M112, they have quite a few of the M90's on ebay for less than $150...
SVT

 

[rusty70f100]

Here's a video of a turbo 2.9:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXmQJtUQoC4

It's from Europe. Here's the website of the people that put it together:

http://skogenracing.com/

If you look around on their website, there's also a turbo 4.0.

It's definitely possible...

 

[4.0B2]

hepo-- i say do it. keep a total of what it cost. don't lie to us. be honest. someone eventually has to try it so the rest of us will know.

i tell everyone to 4.0 swap b/c
1. its easy
2. more power for less money than building a 2.9
3. it still hooks to stock trans and axles and all. (with a v8 you need a different trans, which means a diff t/case, then axles to hold up to the power)

now i'd love to see a 2.9turbo do some good.. i'd love to see how much work and money it takes to do it. then compare it on a dyno to a 2.3t and a 4.0 and a v8 swapped one. then compare things like the HP to cost of swap to gas mileage and effort the swap took; and that way anyone could read ALL the info and make up their own mind about what swap they wanna go about after reading all the info that we could make available to them. and that way we are not trying to force someone into a swap b/c its what we think is best.



personally- first thing i'll do to a 2.9 is take it out and replace it w/ a 4.0. b/c i've been there/done that, put headers, cam, intake, injectors, mass air, throttle body and all on a 2.9 and it still didn't touch my 4.0 i have in there now. and i spent a lot of useless money.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

3. it still hooks to stock trans and axles and all. (with a v8 you need a different trans, which means a diff t/case, then axles to hold up to the power)

Most trans are flakey enough with a 2.8/2.9, while going thru the motions I would switch them while I had everything apart.

I paid $200 for my rebuilt C5 and it still wears the 1350M transfer case. I have a 8.8 for the rear, but I have had that for awhile and have yet to get it under the truck. I mainly got it for the limited slip and disc brakes though, whopping $100 with the springs and the gears even match.

I sold a 2.9 out of a parts truck for the same money as I bought my 5.0 for, $200. So expensewise I guess I consider that part a wash. Aside inherent reliablity concerns with the 2.9 the SBF aftermarket that almost grows on trees not to mention parts store stocking of parts (compared to my 2.8) is a major plus IMO.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Here's a video of a turbo 2.9:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXmQJtUQoC4

As I suspected, a stock long block 2.9 will take quite a lot. Most engines will take boost a lot better than most people give them credit for.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

As I suspected, a stock long block 2.9 will take quite a lot. Most engines will take boost a lot better than most people give them credit for.

As long as you don't get greedy...

 

[lneidlinger]

A V-8 doesn't mean you will kill the mpg's. It would if you used a big cam, carb,and have low rear gears, but if it is a mild V-8 you will probably see a mpg increase over the 2.9. back in 86,87 the Mustang GT's were getting 24-26 mpg.

I agree. Get a good EFI 302 out of a old crown vic or something, and if it's just a DD put some 3.08's in the rear end and you will probably get 22-24mpg if you keep your foot out of it.

My 4.0 2wd auto ranger sees about 20-22 getting around to work and back. With my old undersized tires and when OD still worked annoyed I saw upwards of 27mpg on the highway.

 

[dasfinc]

I want to stay with roots...I'm planning on the same way an 8V92 is setup, for now it will be just the roots, after I rebuild it and it goes through strength training, the rest will be added. I was looking at an M112, they have quite a few of the M90's on ebay for less than $150...
SVT

GTP and SuperCoupe blowers are not the same as the M90 on my motor, and for the custom work required to make it work you'd be disappointed with the gains I suspect. If I had the skill or the support to be able to fab something I would have started with an M112 blower hands down, but I can't beat plug and play.

 

[RangerSVT]

The M90 came on most v6's, like the T-bird SC, and I would think that it is a little small for a V8. The M112 came on the lightning (327 ci), so it would be close to the size I would be looking for. Later I plan the rebuild to include a stroker kit ending at 358 ci, with my main power goals in the low to mid range, not the high end of the rpm range. I will most likely set my rev limit to around 5500...I'm also thinking of fabbing the lower intake/blower the same way it is on the 03 cobra, for a few reasons, but this would also benefit in allowing me to run an IC. I know the 302 is not as wide as the mod motors, and I haven't done any measuring yet to see exactly where parts will sit. Still in the ideas/planning stages....
SVT