1989 turbo

[mash740]

Not sure this is the right place to post this.. But I have a 1989 2.3 ford ranger and I'm wanting to turbo it, nothing crazy just make a little more power.. I've heard your can use the turbo and stuff from a tundercoupe, and if this is so what all do I need to do it?.. Like I said I'm not wanting to make over 5lbs of boost..I want to keep it cheap and easy.. So if anybody could help me out like with a list of what I need and stuff and if i have to do anything with the computer or fuel system.. You can email chrs_mash@yahoo.com

Thanks!

 

[beluga420]

Get an TC engine, harness and computer, and this should be a direct swap I think, you could run 16-18lbs of boost with this engine. Make sure to get everything around the engine too, vam, injectors, etc etc. Can't be 100% sure it's a direct swap but I do think so. I know more about obd2 trucks than obd1..

 

[mash740]

Do you think that I would need the computer and everything since I'm not looking to make a lot of boost?.. I was think about a 88 turbo coupe set up.

 

[beluga420]

If you dont get the computer then you will need a tune... By the getting everything from the tc set up it would make things easier, basically a plug and play !

 

[mash740]

Ok.. The guy has the engine, trans, and computer for $400.. so pretty much everything thing I need.. So if i have the computer and stuff its pretty much just bolt on?

 

[Endoverend47]

^ the trans will not just bolt in, you have to move the crossmember and cut a new hole in your floor for the shifter, and if its not a 87-88 t5 you will have to set up an aftermarket pull style slave for the clutch because your truck is hydro and the 86 and older t5s are cable operated clutches

 

[scotts90ranger]

on an '89 use the stock tranny, it's an M5OD so it'll live just fine, my tranny gets more punishment than it sounds like his will and it's holding up just fine!

keep the stock wiring harness and repin the few things that need moved around (I believe I put a few helpful links in the sticky), use the stock Ranger throttle body (so the wires are right), add in the VAM and boost controller (and intake temp sensor if you get a '87-88 engine) and call it good. The exhaust will need some help, and the air box will need modified to miss the turbo exhaust outlet and oxygen sensor.

 

[mash740]

Alright I'm not looking to use the tranny, he is just going to sell me the engine and tranny together.. The engine blow the head gasket and did a number on the head from what the guy said, so I was just going to buy the engine and tranny and take the stuff i needed off of it. I just wasn't sure of all the stuff I needed to take off the engine and put on my engine.

 

[scotts90ranger]

swap your head on the turbo block, or swap the turbo pistons and rods into the N/A block, as the turbo pistons and the oil drain back hole in the side of the block are the only difference between the engines, also swap the turbo injectors in place of the stock injectors since the intake manifolds are different, while things are apart if it's an '87 or '88 turbo engine you will need to drill and tap a hole for the intake temp sensor.

 

[mash740]

Could I just put the injectors and the turbo on the 2.3 that is already in the truck? Do you have to swap the heads? Like you said they our pretty much the same engine. I didn't know if I could just do that or do I need to take the computer out of my ranger and put the one in it from the turbocoupe. Sorry to keep asking Qs I've just never did it before and want to make sure all goes as plan.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The turbo engines come with forged pistons which are MUCH stronger than the stock cast pistons, the forged pistons also reduce the compression ratio from 9:1 to 8:1 which helps detonation so it can run more boost...

You need to use the turbo engine computer and wire it accordingly, the stock ranger harness looks cleaner, the things I mentioned above will help it be cleaner looking than mine, my engine is basically exactly what you are trying to do with a few exceptions, most that do the turbo swap keep the distributor instead of keeping the DIS from the stock engine, I like the DIS so I kept it...

 

[mash740]

Ok, if I'm only wanting to run low boost, say like 5lbs should I still change the pistons?.. I'm not trying to make my truck fast or anything just thought It would be cool to put a turbo on it.. I read so many things on the net that say do this and that I don't know what to do really haha.. Some people say just put it on and don't change the computer some say to change the computer.. haha you know what I mean?..

 

[dangerranger83]

And guys that say they only want 5 go to 7 then 10 then by that time they have pushed it too far and have blown up their stock RBV engine.

Just swap everything from the TC to the Ranger.

 

[mash740]

Alright.. I went and looked at the engine today, everything is there. The guy said the block needs "decked" so I called a shop they said that will be 75 dollars. The guy selin the engine has a newer head, I think he said he has a trans out of a mustang that will go with it and the computer..The guy told me all it needed was the block decked and put togther.. He is asking 400 dollars for it all, but I was goin to see if he would take 300 for it.. Does this seem like a good deal?? I'm just trying to see how much I would have in the engine and eveyrthing and then havin someone put it in my truck.. Also do you think with it being apart I should go ahead and put diff parts in it like pistons, crank etc..??


Thanks for all the help!

 

[marauderx]

It sounds like a good deal, but If you do not do the internals work, the old demon of discontent will show up, and you will want more go, and you will melt your pistons. If you are going to do it, research it here, and the other 2.3 turbo support forums, do the wiring mods, upgrade the fuel pump if needed, and make sure your suspension is up to the task. The m50d is a tough little guy, and it can hold its own, so don't be afraid of the transmission. Research, research, research, and don't just do it because it is cool, as it is a lot of work just to hear the whirr of a turbo- some ricer will pull up and smoke you if you don't do the internals. Plan it out, Draw it out, ask lots of questions, there are lots of good answers between here and TurboFord.org, and the turbo ranger forums. Lots of well versed, experienced turboldies who like to help the turbo newbies get boost. Get ready for some strange looks on the road...