Need Some Turbo Advice

[88Turbo]

I got my 1988 ford ranger with a turbo 2.3L 4cyl and a mustang T5 trans virtually rust free about a month ago (traded for a 3 wheeler, SCORE!!). Its got forgded pistons, turbo head gasket, ported heads, cold air intake, new alternator, new water pump, bunch of new little things, a cherry bomb exhaust, electric fan, roller cam, knike edged bottom intake, intercooler from a 502 and 35lb injectors. The turbo is a Garret 60 48 I belive.

Now ive never had experience with Turbo motors before and my question is, what more?? I wanna make sure this motor last and dont blow up on me. Should I get turbo head studs? What boost would be safe without them? Just tell me what I should know and anything else I should do. Thanks.

 

[martin]

The real answer is probably get a good boost controller and keep the boost below ten pounds. Yea right, I can see that happening. Boost is very, very addictive and the more boost you run the more entertaining the pops bangs and whistles are.

 

[88Turbo]

I do have a boost controller under the hood, and thats where its staying, like you said everybody wants more power and to go faster and I just gotta resist turning it up if I want the motor to last.

 

[88Turbo]

Bump!

One more question, should I get a bigger rad or is the stock ranger one fine??

 

[kaytbugsdad]

I'm running the stock radiator and fan in mine and it doesn't get hot at all!!! I'm getting ready to take my truck to get it smog legal for CA (CA smog certification is a big pain in the ass to get, so I've heard), but I've done a lot of research before I did the swap to make sure I got all the stuff i needed...... I'm still running the stock IHI turbo, but once I get it certified, its time to build a better motor!!!!!! MORE POWER, BABY!!!!!!!!!

 

[rbill2k3]

Did the engine come out of a Mustang or Turbo Coupe or Merkur? If so, and the turbo is a Garrett T3, you'd be 100% fine with 15psi all day. 19psi is the max for that engine/turbo combo, but you're pushing the limits. Factory settings is 15psi though. If your intercooler is large, and you have a lot of piping, your turbo will be working harder to keep 15psi with all the extra air. 10psi would be safe, in that case.