2.3 turbo project

[Big Kahuna]

im working on my 93 2.3 xlt ranger im putting a turbo and doing a lot of custom work everything internal wise is totally stock... im not really planning on bosting a whole lot but was curious as to how much boost i could run with out any engine damage... im using a t3 turbo and am planning on using a fmu and have an aftermarket inner cooler(going to upgrade to 5.0 later on)...another question i had is what is the the size of the stock injectors??

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

stock injectors are 14 lb/hr. You won't be able to run much boost, I wouldn't go past 5 psi unless you like taking big risks. It really all depends on the tune. If you can keep it from pinging, it could work just fine. But the first good ping you get under boost will break a piston and it will be time to tear the engine apart.

On another hand, you might want to consider building the 2.3 internally and running more boost (15+ psi). A 2.3T in the 15-20 psi range will leave a ranger with even a mildly built 5.0 in the dust....

 

[Big Kahuna]

so even if i were to get a good managemnt system i would 5 psi still be the max i should run??

 

[Davis]

well you might get away with more for a while, but you'd likely run lean once and that would be the end of your motor.

i ran 18 psi with low compression cast pistons, and blew a head gasket. there's no guarantee you'd be as lucky as i was. you can't count on cast pistons to hold up to that.

 

[Big Kahuna]

so if i ran low compression cast pistons would i be fine at 10 psi with a pretty good management system??

 

[Davis]

Yeah. You'd be fine. The problem is that we tend to get greedy. If 10 psi is good, 20 psi must be great. And if 20 psi is great, 30 psi must be worth a firstborn at least!


Edit: I noticed you want to use an FMU. I wouldn't recommend that, it's not a good management system. FMU's are suited for turboing some mid 80's Speed-Density managed POS you will push off a cliff when you've had your fun.

 

[Big Kahuna]

oh ok i did read about a management chip from jcwracing... do you know if its any good??

 

[carson87]

if you wanna run some higher boost go for some forged pistons, then you wont have to worry

 

[mini274]

i agree with Davis you will get greedy i did started out with 8 jump to 15 went thro 3 motors and finally realized forged is the way to go now with 22 psi but if you really want to do this with out touching the motor i recommend using a fuel pressure regulator with boost reference and some injectors just to be safe a bigger mass air housing if you got it that will keep you from leaning out on 5 psi

 

[Big Kahuna]

ok well of course im getting bigger injectors and looking a a management chip from jcwracing so im just curious as to how much boost i could with that

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

If you're going to go thru the trouble of putting "low compression cast pistons" in, just put the forged ones in and boost to your heart's content. It's not like they are any more expensive or hard to find than cast.

 

[Davis]

actually they are a lot cheaper, you can find a set for under a hundred easily, but i agree, if you go to the trouble of rebuilding, put some good pistons in.

 

[Big Kahuna]

well im not gonna go into rebuilding im just gonna have fun till the motor blows out then im putting a 5.0 later on but where can i get cast pistons from??

 

[AllanD]

If you were to swap in a 2.3engine that had been built as a turbo engine
you'd never think about a 5.0

a 2.3 turbo in a ranger isn't terribly quick off the line
and it doesn't have a huge top end, but the mid range
acceleration will likely make you piss yourself
the first time you get full boost from about 2500rpm-up in 3rd gear.


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[mini274]

ok well of course im getting bigger injectors and looking a a management chip from jcwracing so im just curious as to how much boost i could with that

with bigger injectors and the rite chip with the mass air and regulator (i reccommend aroemotive comes with low and high pressure spring for injected and carb) you could prob run close to 10 maybe a little more with a great tune but i warn u first time you detonate good bye bottom end...

and alland is rite ive drove 5.0 rangers rode in a 351w ranger but their is nothin like boost and yes 2.3 T are laggy on bottom end but their a hand full at 2500 if you have a rev limiter you will use it alot but as the old saying goes "theirs no replacement for displacement"


and ebay has stock turbo pistons and rods rite now for 90 bucks