2.3 turbo questions

[PaleBlue90]

ok so id like to get a 2wd standered cab ranger with the 2.3 5speed. i want to make it a 2.3 turbo. what all would i need to do? if i do this the motor will get a fresh rebuild, i mean everything will be able to handle the turbo. i cant seem to find a turbo tbird or mustang to get the stuff off of, so is it possible to make my own? what 2.3 should i go with? what internals should i go for? what turbo n stuff should i go for?

i will be buying this kit most likely

http://rangersrevenge.com/

thanks for all the help.

 

[scotts90ranger]

the only difference between the turbo and NA engines are the pistons, an oil drain hole into the pan and I think an oil supply which you can get from the oil pressure sending unit location...

 

[Turbo-T]

Too bad we're so far apart. I got a complete 2.3T out of a Mercur with new rings and bearings just waitin' for a home.

 

[PaleBlue90]

Too bad we're so far apart. I got a complete 2.3T out of a Mercur with new rings and bearings just waitin' for a home.

damn....i wish i could buy it

 

[scotts90ranger]

dude, how much? I'm just down the road...

 

[High Desert Ranger]

the only difference between the turbo and NA engines are the pistons, an oil drain hole into the pan and I think an oil supply which you can get from the oil pressure sending unit location...

Stock turbocoupe motors used different cylinder heads than non-turbocoupe motors.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I know that, but the stock ranger heads are suppposed to work fine

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

Pistons: Use the stock forged ones out of a turbo motor or buy forged ones from summit or something ($$$$$$)

Rods: These are the same for turbo and non-turbo motors

Crank: Use whatever came in the block you're using. Turbo ones are the same as non turbo ones. One thing to consider is that DIS ranger cranks will not fit in a turbo block and vice versa because of differences in the main bearing size.

Block: If you are planning to use a TFI dist. ignition use a turbo block as it already has the oil return. If you want to use DIS (required for an 8-plug head) use the ranger block and drill and tap an oil return into it for the turbo. Even the ranger blocks have the coolant return for the turbo.

Heads: Turbo heads have inconel exhaust valves and flow a little better than other 2.3 heads but have a slider cam. Once you start porting, add stainless valves, and ranger roller cam, the heads become equal performance wise. A stock turbo head with turbo dished pistons get you 8:1 compression. A ranger dual plug with the same pistons get you roughly 8.5:1 compression. Turbo heads have 4 plugs, ranger heads have 8, and require DIS ignition.

Turbo: get at least a T3 (found on most turbo fords). Don't waste time with the IHI found on the 87-88 turbo coupes.

That header is good, I used it on mine.

Find an LA2, LA3, LB2, LB3, 8UA computer out of a 87-88 turbocoupe. They are the best.

Ebay is a great source for intercoolers and piping.

I have a wiring swap spreadsheet to put the 87-88 turbocoupe electronics into a 90 2.3 DIS ranger that keeps the DIS. Let me know if you want a copy I will email it.

 

[crbnunit]

I burned up two oil cooled turbos on my 84 SVO. They are junk. Sure am glad I opted for extended warrenty! Anyway, opt of the later, liquid cooled turbo. Don't rememeber the model number but It requres a little extra plumbing to get coolant to the unit. I never had a problem after the change. Don't forget the Mercury Merkur as a possible source of parts.

Biggest thing I can tell you to prolong the life of your little turbine is to let it idle for several minutes before you shut the engine down. Sounds easy but it is really a pain in the butt. There is an oiler you can install that flows oil for several minutes after shutdown. It also stores oil under pressure and opens a valve when the ignition is turned on to act as a pre-oiler. Just rememeber the turbine is still spinning at 60,0000-90,000 RPM or so. Just whipping in and shutting off it's oil supply after a hard run is a bad thing!

Insulate the hot side. It will keep a lot of heat away from the intake side and decrease the under hood temp considerably. If you add a regulator to the wastegate feedback hose, you can increase boost significantly. Don't get carried away unless you like hearing things go BANG!!! I think normal high was 16lbs. I went as high as 24lbs but it better be a nice, cool day with premium AND octaine booster.

Ever heard of turbo lag? It is significant in these engines. It takes some driveing skills to keep it up on boost and drives like an old 2 stroke motorcycle. Bog, bog, bog, Slam you back into the seat. Really exciting on wet or icy roads. Should be even more exciting in a Ranger with no weight in the back! You are going to want a locker or at least new clutches in your LS.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Sevensecondsuv, I'd be interested in the wiring...

Scott