TURBO 2.3 BABEY

[bathtub.toaster]

Planning out my turbo build for my 97 2.3. Found a donor 83 TBird and a decent T4 Garret turbo kit. Only thing left is the ECU. I've been researching options and have just come up short on what to do. I've seen people recommend the Tweecer RT but I've also read that it has several issues with usability and user friendliness. Megasquirt seems like the most viable option but have been lost on which one to even get. Just need some suggestions on a good standalone that's reasonably easy to use (and also preferably on the cheaper end).

 

[Blmpkn]

My plans are roughly the same with my 2.3, and I bought a tweecer rt. It's still living in the box it came in as I'm not to that point in the project yet but.. I dont see how it would be any worse than a full stand-alone.

I plan on paying the folks at tweecer for remote tuning.. because I'm nearly inept with a PC these days let alone trying to actually tune an EFI system.

 

[bathtub.toaster]

My plans are roughly the same with my 2.3, and I bought a tweecer rt. It's still living in the box it came in as I'm not to that point in the project yet but.. I dont see how it would be any worse than a full stand-alone.

I plan on paying the folks at tweecer for remote tuning.. because I'm nearly inept with a PC these days let alone trying to actually tune an EFI system.

A lot of people complain about it being buggy. My main issue is the fact that I gotta pay for a whole bunch of stuff on top of the Hardware. I'm looking to tune my setup, not get upsold.

 

[Blmpkn]

A lot of people complain about it being buggy. My main issue is the fact that I gotta pay for a whole bunch of stuff on top of the Hardware. I'm looking to tune my setup, not get upsold.

The software that YOU would need to tune it yourself is free to download.. at least it was last year when I bought mine. Pretty sure the program is even compatible with windows all the way back to XP lol so you don't even need a super current computer to run it.

 

[Blmpkn]

Just double checked their website... Everything you need to tune your rig is included in the package, and the software is free to download.

Other than that.. I personally thought their tuning services were pretty reasonably priced.. even for remote tuning.

The bugginess is not something that I have heard of.. but.. id be willing to bet it's an operator error deal by people messing with it personally rather than letting someone who knows what they're doing tune it.

 

[Mechrick]

On the two turbo Limas I built I used Megasquirts. My Mustang I used a V3.57 assembled version and on my Bronco I built a V3.0. These were both MS 1 boards. The Mustang used 63 lb/hr high impedance injectors. I don't recommend using the stock low impedance injectors for two reasons: One they tend to leak fuel, and two, they cause power supply noise with Megasquirts. I believe you can only get MS 2+ kits now, which is a slight added expense but superior hardware/software.

Do you have emissions testing in your area?

 

[scotts90ranger]

I hope you plan on mixmatching stuff for your engine build... I don't think an '83 is very desirable, don't remember if they had the good 8:1 forged pistons... but if they're forged and in good shape hone the N/A block and use new rings and go for it... all 2.3L rods are the same but '88 up crankshafts had smaller crank journals which is actually better...

I have no experience with aftermarket stuff though, most of my engine is a combo of '90 Ranger and '86 thunderbird... with modern injectors there's plenty of options for high impedance and high flow... the LS guys use stock E85 injectors to make a bunch of horsepower if I remember right... low impedance went out of style years ago until you get to silly horsepower...