turbo on an 88 2.3L ranger

[2000f350v10]

New here, just picked up an 88 ranger 2.3 5 speed 4x4. with a small body lift and 30x9.5x15 BFGs. Been on ford truck enthusiasts for my V10 F350SD for years. I have a couple questions on my latest endeavor to get more power out of my ranger. any advice/help will be greatly appreciated.

im working on putting a turbo on my 1988 Ranger 2.3 5 speed 4x4. I am going to use as many thunderbird turbo coupe parts I can. im using the turbo coupe manifold, injectors, fpr, probably the intercooler, and fuel pump if neccessary. Also going to use a turbo similiar to what was factory on the turbo coupe. Are there any problems I am going to run into I am unaware of? i know i have to repin the ranger harness for the turbo coupe computer to work correctly. The 88 does not have an MAF sensor. will this cause any problems? i think i thought of everything but wanted to double check with anyone that may have already done this.

Thanks,
2000f350v10

 

[adsm08]

I'm not a turbo expert, but I don't think speed-density systems like turbos. If the turbo coupe computer is for a MAF, it definitely won't like the speed-density system. MAF conversion isn't hard to do though. Worst part of it is finding a sensor that doesn't need calibrated.

Ask down in the Forced Induction section. Those guys will know what problems you will run into.

 

[zukirider21]

should work fine as long as you use the entire tbird efi system. just take it easy on the boost because the ranger has a slightly higher CR and the internals aren't forged like the turbocoupe's.

 

[heptofite]

I'm not a turbo expert, but I don't think speed-density systems like turbos. If the turbo coupe computer is for a MAF, it definitely won't like the speed-density system. MAF conversion isn't hard to do though. Worst part of it is finding a sensor that doesn't need calibrated.

Ask down in the Forced Induction section. Those guys will know what problems you will run into.

speed density systems are actually better for turbos, you just need a wideband MAP and a computer that can handle it.

so, not the stock ECU.

 

[adsm08]

speed density systems are actually better for turbos, you just need a wideband MAP and a computer that can handle it.

so, not the stock ECU.

Well, yeah. Sometimes.

As for the OP's question, the STOCK speed density system is not set up to handle boost, nor will a T-bird's MAF ECU be happy about being plugged into a speed-density metering system.

 

[scotts90ranger]

use a turbocoupe ECM and VAM and it'll run fine, just use an aftermarket boost regulator and keep track of it knocking or the stock pistons will explode... the forged pistons in the turbo engines can handle a lot more abuse...

 

[2000f350v10]

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thanks for all the replies. what kind of boost regulator do you recommend? or will any work?
i plan on using the turbo coupe ecm.
as far as the oil and coolant hook ups. there are 2 fittings of the same size, one smaller, and one larger. from the looks of it the small, and large on appear to have oil in them, and the other 2 look clean(so i assume those are the coolant lines).
the turbo i got is a .68 a/r inlet, and .80 a/r outlet, garrett M24, internal wategate. and i just won the bid on a turbo coupe manifold on ebay. I only want to run 5 to 6 psi. how do i go about hooking up the wastegate to make sure it opens at that point?

 

[scotts90ranger]

I'm just using the stock boost controller, but it's not adjustable, any adjustable boost controller should do the job. having the oxygen sensor on the turbo inlet should save some space issues...

I'm only seeing two ports on that thing, looks like only oil not coolant. For the oil supply put a tee in the oil pressure port (back of the cylinder head, right behind/under the #4 intake runner) and for the return either tap the block or oil pan above the oil level.

 

[2000f350v10]

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ok, so the threaded hole on the turbo inlet is for the 02 sensor? cool! if you look closely there is actually 4 ports. but id fugure the clean ones to be coolant, and the darker, oily looking ones to be the oil. thanks for all your help. greatly appreciated.
also, do you have any suggestions for the wastegate actuator? as far as brand, type etc?

 

[2000f350v10]

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i read on a mustang forum, something about taking the wires from the egr, and hooking them up to the turbo coupe VAM? is there any truth to that? i am using the ranger harness and repinning it for the turbo coupe computer, so i am usure as to what to hook the turbo VAM up to.
thank you again

 

[scotts90ranger]

you only need to add a few wires, I think one of them splices to another, go to the tech library, there's a couple wiring diagrams there, most of which are linked in the sticky in the forced induction forum...

you're on the right track with limiting it to 5psi.

I'm just guessing on that port bing for the O2, it's the only thing I can think of that's that big that would be there.