2.3 turbo or 3.8 SC

[sirrealism]

Hey guys. I have a 94 reg cab 2.3 5spd called the Turd. I am going to some big mods I own a shop so this is not out of my ability. My question is I found a 88 TC running "body shot" for 650$ So I was going to do the swap. On the other hand I have a 95 super Coupe with low miles 3.8 SC. 95 is the year to have in SCs. Body and Int is a little rough.
I know I can make both work and the SC has more HP and way more TQ 230 hp 330 TQ Bone stock. I also know how to add about 50 more to both numbers with no issues but the install is going to be much harder and my SC is an Auto.
The TC is a manual and I can keep my original trans

So the question is which way would you go??? Maybe a little poll?? Thanks in advance.

 

[Cody L]

I did a 2.3t in a 91 4x4. Not a bad swap at all and it was a riot to drive. Basically a bolt in, just needed some wiring, a good clutch, and a small modification to heater box.

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[adsm08]

You may have found a situation where I would say go with the 3.8, other than "to the scrap yard".

 

[sirrealism]

Thanks. No matter what I wont scrap them. The SC is beat up but not rusty. I have even thought about putting the 3.8 in my SB full size instead of the very weak 4.6 it has now.
I do believe the 2.3 would be much simpler and many others have done it before which helps. I am a little older now and dont need the fasts truck on the rd like I did in the past. But I sure want more then I have now with the turd. Another thing I was thinking. A 94 ranger has almost no value. Maybe 1k but one with a turbo swap I would think that ups the value. Not that I would sell it or am looking to make money.

 

[redhurricane]

You will never get the $$ out of it that you put into it- period. Knowing that, the 2.3 turbo can make fairly big power with not a lot of fab work, or money thrown at it. getting over 400hp you will find the next weak link, mainly the transmission. But if you are not a brute with it, the M5od will last. Speaking from personal experience.

 

[cbr600rx7]

It's a old post but I will throw my 2 cents in.

The 3.8 is a torque monster and can make really good reliable power with only a few basic mods. The 2.3 turbo is clearly the more simple swap since it's badicly a direct bolt in. However I don't think the 3.8 SC would be that difficult if you have the hole parts car. Also I bet a 3.8 SC would be very fun in a small light ranger.