To turbo or not

[1993rangerxl]

Considering what to do for more power /torque. Was thinking 4.0,but obd1 versions are not that common to find as a good used engine or are sky high priced. Other possible idea to bolt on plumbing from a turboed 2.3 like the from the SC t-bird. I know that it can be done, but not sure about my high mileage engine (370K ). Would like to hear others thoughts. Starting with a bone stock 1993 2.3 with 5spd. Thanks.

 

[Blown]

That's a bunch of miles, if anything is week, boost is going to put more strain on it.

Have you searched the Forced Induction sub forum? http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=44

 

[stmitch]

I'm pretty sure that the turbo 2.3 had stronger pistons than the regular 2.3L in your truck, so just bolting the turbo stuff onto your regular 2.3 will limit the boost you can run.

The good news, is that 2.3T swaps are easy and well documented.

 

[1993rangerxl]

Thanks for the input. Just trying to get some pep out of the old girl.

 

[RonD]

I would just rebuild the 2.3l and maybe go with different cam, maybe shave the head a bit.
That would get the pep back, since these engines were used in Mustangs there are many sites that have upgrade results of different changes and add-ons.

The turbo is for sure a good upgrade but I think you would have issues with that many miles, and there is quite a bit of wiring changes needed plus changing computer.

So IMO the rebuild would/should be the first step if considering the turbo, and maybe put in the forged pistons at that time.

 

[AllanD]

The post 89 2.3 engine had more weaknesses than the pistons.
with the dual plug head came other changes to the crank rods and
bearings all designed to lighten the rotating assembly.

I've seen several of these engines suffer lubrication related failures that manifested
by a first symptom of the camshaft seizing in the head...

Then there are the things that were changed specifically for the turbo engines...


Then there comes the problem if getting the power out of the engine


The transmission is probably fine if you have a Mazda, but what I could never work out is the proper clutch....