Ford 2.3 turbo+Fiat 131+Sradale kit=Killer car

[BlackBII]

Okay. It has begun. I'm building an autocross race car, A 1976 fiat 131 with a 1988 Turbo coupes' 2.3 Turbo and 5 speed. I've got both cars and the body kit is on the way. I'm going to start pulling the motors and mocking up the engine compartment for mounts, etc. on the Fiat next weekend. I'd like to get the 2.3 rebuilt(160,000 miles on car on motor?) intakes/head ported, better cam and a larger turbo. What do you suggest I do to the 2.3 that would be best for the amount of money I spend? Also, will the larger T3 turbo bolt up to my motor? or a T3T4 hybrid? How much boost for a moderately built 2.3 is best? here are some pics, updates coming soon

PLUS

PLUS

EQUALS

 

[ZMan]

very cool project. Should be fun getting all those glass panels to fit!

As for the turbo, you'll need a manifold that the garrett will bolt to.

 

[warhawk]

*sigh* Again I see someone else live my dream. Good luck with the project man. Keep us updated. I would love to see your car evolve.

 

[Southern3.0]

looks like alot of fun, post lots of pics of the build

 

[BlackBII]

Livin your dream? You been wanting to do a Fiat 131? I think i'm the only one i've ever talked to likes these cars. Dont worry they'll be plenty of pics

 

[warhawk]

Livin your dream? You been wanting to do a Fiat 131? I think i'm the only one i've ever talked to likes these cars. Dont worry they'll be plenty of pics

Well not a Fiat 131 exactly but taking an older car of that era and turning it into a race car. The car I have dreamed of is a MK1 Escort.

EDIT: Smaller Image

 

[BlackBII]

I've always liked the MK1, Datsun 510 is cool also, there are a bunch of 'em, saw one with a chevy 350....

 

[seattleAIC]

yeah keep us updated, especially on the engine mods and that stuff. im starting a 2.3 T ranger build.

 

[Dave R]

Interesting project, should scoot along quite smartly.

What do you suggest I do to the 2.3 that would be best for the amount of money I spend?

Depends on your budget.

Also, will the larger T3 turbo bolt up to my motor? or a T3T4 hybrid?

They are a direct bolt on to the stock manifold.

How much boost for a moderately built 2.3 is best?

I suppose it depends on your definition of moderate, 15psi was stock. Most reasonably stock motors can handle 21psi but it's pointless without quite a bit of port work and a GOOD front mount intercooler.

 

[BlackBII]

Interesting project, should scoot along quite smartly.


Depends on your budget.


They are a direct bolt on to the stock manifold.


I suppose it depends on your definition of moderate, 15psi was stock. Most reasonably stock motors can handle 21psi but it's pointless without quite a bit of port work and a GOOD front mount intercooler.

Budget-not really one, money is there but don't want to blow the bank if you know what I mean

Direct bolt on? sweet, there are a bunch on ebay, those will work?

Moderate- I plan on getting the head and intakes ported and the exhaust manifold, I have a huge aftercooler off an old mack diesel. What about a cam?

Ok lets say the number 1 is stock and the number 10 is 30psi and nitrous, I want like a number 6 or 7

 

[bdeuce]

i thought i was the only one that liked fiats! i've got 3 X1/9's!! one is carbed, runs great, but rusted to unsafe-ness. one is a shell with no interior, no motor, and no susp, but not a mark on the body (good old landfill!), and my red one is undergoing a top end rebuiild. it's efi, and has the calfskin interior. my little ferrari...

 

[CJREX]

Oh, to relive the X 1/9 dream (nightmare).

I had a '79 model.

It was an absolute blast to drive, especially with the roof off.

If I could've scrapped the Fiat engine, transmission, and wiring it would have been perfect.

Back on topic though, that 131 with the body kit looks very tough!

Should be quite interesting with around 300hp

Edit: Can't mention Fiat without the acronyms. Fix It again Tomorrow, Fix It Again Tony, Fix It All the Time, Failure In Automobile Technology

 

[BlackBII]

Yeah I was looking at X1/9's, thought they'd be cool with a 5.0 and some forced induction That's the only 2 door 131 I've found in that condition in like a year and half. I was orginall going to put in a 3.8 SC motor but figured the 2.3 would fit better, be lighter and be more buildable.

Yeah I'm looking to get somewhere around 250-300 hhorses under that little hood, 300 horses, 4.30 stock diff ratio (if she don't blow up!!), 900 kilo in weight and some 295/50 15 goodyears and I'll see you guys later!

 

[BlackBII]

UPDATE-Well i got the old fiat 1800cc DOHC motor pulled, it looks like the 2.3 will do in nicely, sorry no pics yet, camera stoped working

 

[Dave R]

Budget-not really one, money is there but don't want to blow the bank if you know what I mean

Yeah, been there many times myself.

Direct bolt on? sweet, there are a bunch on ebay, those will work?

Hard to say without actually seeing them but, probably yes.

Moderate- I plan on getting the head and intakes ported and the exhaust manifold, I have a huge aftercooler off an old mack diesel. What about a cam?

Since the cam in these is easy to change, less than 2 hours, I'd say to start with a '89-'94 Ranger roller cam and get the thing running first. While your at it do the DIS conversion and toss the distributor in the dustbin where it belongs.

Ok lets say the number 1 is stock and the number 10 is 30psi and nitrous, I want like a number 6 or 7

I'm guessing that car will weigh in at about 2800-3000#, I should think 25psi would do you very nicely.