Any Junkyard Upgrades? Links?

[The_Ghost]

Hey, not having much luck w/searching...

I have a 94 twinspark 2.3L 5MT; already converted to electric fan and replaced A/F with FRAM AIRHOG unit, run Mobil1 Synthetic (93,000 MI) and I think that's about it. Want to get a little bit more power out of it, wondering what junkyard upgrades are doable.

I am working on a 2.3L turbo swap but still need stuff like the turbo oil feed, the IC, a downpipe and piping.

I remember seeing something about using a 5.0L TB? Are there any other junkyard upgrades that we can do?

Thanks,
Ghost

 

[Duane867]

Do a search on here for 2.3L performance upgrades.

 

[BlackBII]

Things that will add performance:
Forced Induction
Internal engine mods
Lower gearing in the axle(s)

Things that will do nothing:
5.0 TB
Air filter
Electric fan
etc

In other words, you have to spend good money to get noticeable gains.

Remember, Ford designed it as a TRUCK, not a Sports Car.

Personally, I would save and gather parts for a turbo swap.

 

[disciplerocks]

^agreed

 

[The_Ghost]

Gonna keep collecting parts, then.

Thus far I have:

Turbo Exhaust Manifold/Turbo from a TC
70mm MAF
80mm MAF
Mustang GT Intake Tube
Thunderbird Intake Tube
18lb/hr Injectors
24lb/hr Injectors

Basically I still need a downpipe, IC, Turbo Oil Feed Lines and little else. there haven't been ANY TC's in the yard recently

 

[Gokussj5okazu]

Gonna go with the Ranger ECM witha tuner or a stock Thunderbird one?

 

[red85]

The best junkyard upgrade is a turbo setup pirated from a Thunderbird. Get that and a larger turbo from a Cummins diesel and you will make crazy power.

 

[The_Ghost]

I will be doing whatever is cheapest. I don't want 400hp, I want maybe 145-150HP at low pressure on stock ranger twinspark internals. 200hp would be nice, but isn't necessary. The idea here is CHEAP.

 

[Duane867]

Then swap in a 4.0L .......

 

[The_Ghost]

There's a reason I don't like the 4.0L SOHC.

Timing chains. They slip, and destroy the motors. Common failure for 'sploders. Read up on why they are so awful and why much of the auto community considers the 4.0L SOHC a boat anchor and little else.

consider: a sohc swap will require completely rewiring my harness
a sohc swap will require that I do a goddamn motor swap, I do NOT feel like renting a friggin hoist to do that. Let's keep this relevant to the 2.3L and actually be helpful.

 

[red85]

^Chill out, man. What Duane was likely suggesting was an OHV 4.0L. These are great engines with the hp you're looking for. Oh that's right... you don't want to do an engine swap. The only problem I see is the stock cast pistons will not last very long under boost. As soon as you start to ping you will burn a piston

 

[The_Ghost]

^Chill out, man. What Duane was likely suggesting was an OHV 4.0L. These are great engines with the hp you're looking for. Oh that's right... you don't want to do an engine swap. The only problem I see is the stock cast pistons will not last very long under boost. As soon as you start to ping you will burn a piston

sorry man, that just annoyed me. I hate it when people say stuff like that on other forums-- it's not useful at all. though thanks for the bump, I guess.

I'd rather not do a motor swap if I don't have to.

I'm not even sure where I'd score a cheapo 4.0L or how I'd manage it-- I live in CA.
I mainly wanted to keep my 2.3L for fuel econ but have the turbo to get around altitude changes and have a bit more power. My end goal is just 130-150hp.

Are you sure it'll burn the pistons on a twinspark? Otherwise, what can I do to an NA twinspark motor for more power?

-Ghost

 

[Duane867]

Jesus Mary and Joseph in a tiny canoe.........
Why the hell would I suggest any 4.0 but the OHV ?

Why would I even mention swapping a 4.0 OHV ? Well lets see here....
In the long run of things....... easier by far, cheaper by far and more power for less money. If it breaks parts are more readily available for a quick fix. and if that's all the power you're looking to gain a simple bolt in swap is as cheap and fruitful as you can get for WELL under the $2000 plus your going to spend on a new motor and set up again after you burn the pistons out and crack the crank in the stock engine.
Turbo engine have lower compression, stronger cranks basically the exact opposite of a 2.3L non turbo twin spark.
Fuel economy will be about 7-8 mpg less max with a 4.0L swap pairing with a 5 speed. You want power on the cheap thats the way to go. The only thing you would rewire are the ignition and very little else aside form a sensor here and there. You swap in about 5 feet of wire loom with the donor cpu and harness. No drilling, no cutting all bolt ins.
Altitude ? Fuel injected engines over come this via the computer. we don't have carb's any more.... ( I drove the range in cali several times in both directions in several fuel injected small trucks, and cars. Never once was altitude more then a minor ping.)

Don't want to rent a cherry picker to remove your engine.. good luck fitting your turbo set up with out doing so. ( either way you need it 4 banger or V6 swap)
But ,...... you dont want to swap so .......


If you want help don't be such a closed mined tool. I was trying to point you in the cheapest direction because I figured ( and as your post proves ) you were a kid low on funds.


SOHC 4.0 HAHAHAHAHA !!!

Ah kids....

 

[Southern3.0]

The 95+ head is good for a little power.