Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
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- TurboRagtop
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- Model: 1500/1600
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Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
OK, per a few of your requests I'm starting a build thread for my 1966 1600 getting the old school, Lima engine, the Ford 2.3L turbo motor.
This is a 1987 block, bored .030" oversize, stock crank, Carillo rods, CP forged pistons, ported big-valve head, medium sized cam, stock 35lb injectors, intake was cut and rotated 90 degrees to face forward to catch the charge from the front mounted intercooler.
Stock T3 turbo, 2 1/2" exhaust all the way back. Upgraded ECU with Megasquirt fuel injection, TunerStudio software allows tuning from the passenger seat. Well, sometimes from the driver seat, but that's not recommended...
Luckily this engine fit into the frame with NO cutting of the front crossmember and zero mods to the X-member. I actually set the T5Z 5-speed transmission on top of the X-member and bolted it in place with long (like 6 1/2 inch) bolts all the way thru the X-member. The trans mount pad sits on shock bushings, and I used another shock bushing (polyurethane donut) on top of the trans mount pad.
Exhaust exits on the passenger side, so I ran the exhaust pipe under the engine, in front of the oil sump and went back thru the frame the way Nissan intended. I did have to weld in 4x4 square tubes into where the X-member joins the frame rails to fit the 2 1/2" exhaust.
Enjoy and feel free to ask questions, make suggestions, Monday morning QB, shoot flames, whatever. IDC anymore how folks view what I do.
"The best weight you will ever lose is the weight of other people's opinion of you." - My favorite saying
I am willing to take extra pics and post them up if enough people are interested.
How much HP? These engines were rated at 190 HP in the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, 205 HP in the Mustang SVO. I'm making a bit more than stock so I'm guessing 220 to 230 ish; 15 lbs of boost, pump gas. Rev limiter set at 6,800 but max shift point is 6,000 RPM.
This is a 1987 block, bored .030" oversize, stock crank, Carillo rods, CP forged pistons, ported big-valve head, medium sized cam, stock 35lb injectors, intake was cut and rotated 90 degrees to face forward to catch the charge from the front mounted intercooler.
Stock T3 turbo, 2 1/2" exhaust all the way back. Upgraded ECU with Megasquirt fuel injection, TunerStudio software allows tuning from the passenger seat. Well, sometimes from the driver seat, but that's not recommended...
Luckily this engine fit into the frame with NO cutting of the front crossmember and zero mods to the X-member. I actually set the T5Z 5-speed transmission on top of the X-member and bolted it in place with long (like 6 1/2 inch) bolts all the way thru the X-member. The trans mount pad sits on shock bushings, and I used another shock bushing (polyurethane donut) on top of the trans mount pad.
Exhaust exits on the passenger side, so I ran the exhaust pipe under the engine, in front of the oil sump and went back thru the frame the way Nissan intended. I did have to weld in 4x4 square tubes into where the X-member joins the frame rails to fit the 2 1/2" exhaust.
Enjoy and feel free to ask questions, make suggestions, Monday morning QB, shoot flames, whatever. IDC anymore how folks view what I do.
"The best weight you will ever lose is the weight of other people's opinion of you." - My favorite saying
I am willing to take extra pics and post them up if enough people are interested.
How much HP? These engines were rated at 190 HP in the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, 205 HP in the Mustang SVO. I'm making a bit more than stock so I'm guessing 220 to 230 ish; 15 lbs of boost, pump gas. Rev limiter set at 6,800 but max shift point is 6,000 RPM.
Karl Payne, Gilbert, AZ
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio
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Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Sir, you have my respect. SALUTE!
1967 1600 in waiting SPL311-09002 / R-28178
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport Ultimate
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport Ultimate
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Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Can you post some current pics of the engine bay, maybe some close ups of the front crank pulley clearance of the crossmember, your intercooler plumbing, etc. Are you running an RX7 limited slip? I wonder if the dual brake master will clear the turbo with this setup? I ask cuz I have a 70. Would you happen to have a line on where a fella could source one of these engines complete these days?
Thanks a million in advance for posting and starting this thread! Scott
Thanks a million in advance for posting and starting this thread! Scott
1968 510 Wagon
1970 Roadster 1600/U20/5 sp. swap
1972 510 4 dr. vg30e/5 sp. ricky racer
1971 510 shell behind the shop, r.i.p.
I drive a Roadster or 510 almost every day!
1970 Roadster 1600/U20/5 sp. swap
1972 510 4 dr. vg30e/5 sp. ricky racer
1971 510 shell behind the shop, r.i.p.
I drive a Roadster or 510 almost every day!
- Mattk
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- damarble
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Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Woot, another Ford powered Roadster.
- Gregs672000
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Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Pretty darn cool I Think!
Greg Burrows
'67 2000 #588
Tacoma, WA
'67 2000 #588
Tacoma, WA
- Alvin
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Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Long time overdue Karl!
Alvin Gogineni
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
Instagram
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
- TurboRagtop
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Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Top view
Passenger (EXHAUST) side. White coating is zirconium, a flame sprayed ceramic heat barrier
Intercooler tubing, front mount intercooler view
Crank pulley clearance to front crossmember is near zero
View of BOV, catch can, throttle body. Proper bracket for catch can is under way
Last edited by TurboRagtop on Mon Mar 08, 2021 2:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Karl Payne, Gilbert, AZ
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio
- TurboRagtop
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 316
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:15 pm
- Location: Gilbert, AZ
- Model: 1500/1600
- Year: Low Windshield-64-67.5
Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Karl Payne, Gilbert, AZ
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio
- Alvin
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Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Enjoy the Ride my friend hope to see you at Solvang again
Alvin Gogineni
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
Instagram
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
- TurboRagtop
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 316
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:15 pm
- Location: Gilbert, AZ
- Model: 1500/1600
- Year: Low Windshield-64-67.5
Re: Ford 2.3L turbo build thread (old 2.3L)
Absolutely! My goal is to drive it from Phoenix to Solvang in April. Even if it turns out to be an 'informal gathering'
Karl Payne, Gilbert, AZ
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio
1966 1600 roadster, 2.3L EFI Turbo Ford engine, FMIC, 2.5" exhaust, T-5 trans, 300ZX big brakes, stand-alone Megasquirt ECU/TunerStudio