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Turbos, 2.3L Safe?

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Old 10-02-2006
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Turbos, 2.3L Safe?

I've got a 1995 Ranger, supercab xlt... with the 2.3L high output motor (stock).. Need some help on finding a turbo kit that's worthy enough to throw in there, also need to know if the pistons are turbo "proof", as I'm told they are, but I need to know for sure, don't need to make an aluminum foundry. I am buying a new head for it anyways, so that will be covered, but im, again, not too sure about the pistons and connecting rods. Also, will I need a new transmission (ive got the original manual tranny).

Also, is there any other performance mods I can get away with while this things still in my school shop, i can do all the installations myself (minus a new exhaust) so I'm pretty open to anything.
 

Last edited by Airmann_90; 10-02-2006 at 11:12 AM.
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Old 10-02-2006
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if you want a turbo in a ranger then your best bet is to do a 2.3T swap from a 80's thunderbird or cougar... the motor may have come in another ford too but im not sure... your motor is not designed for a turbo
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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What about If I threw forged pistons / rods in? I'm not too sure if I really have the option of swapping the motor, cause the class ends in february, though If need be how much would that motor put me in the hole, and how well does it fit in with the truck?
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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i have no idea how much it world cost but it would be a direct swap since it is basically the same motor you have now
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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Well hey, if it's a direct swap then for sure, lol, now I"ve just got to find a thunderbird motor. So what kind of kits are available for that?"
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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The only thing different about our 2.3s and the turbo thunderbirds is they have a drilled/tapped hole on the passenger side of the block.
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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so why couldn't he do that himself? as long as he gets it exatcly how it should be, he should be able to add a kit. why not? if their both the same motor, he could drill and tap that hole himself.
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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wow i never said he couldnt! I was just sayin thats the only thing different between the turbo thunderbird and ours.
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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So the only thing stopping me from turboing my current 2.3l is getting the right turbo?
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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there are different internals as well for the different compression ratios of the turbo.

check over on RPS, everything youll need to know about doing the swap is in their 2.3t section.
 
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Old 10-02-2006
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you will want forged pistons for anythign over 5-6 pounds of boost, the rods are the same as the turbo motors. You will need to run an oil line to the turbo and an oil return line, one way to do the oil return is to drill a hole in the oil pan and use a bulkhead fitting. you will also need to deal with fueling the engine porperly and the correct programming of the computer...
 
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Old 10-03-2006
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anybody want to buy a turbo for these, since you are thinking about turbo
 
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Old 10-03-2006
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Umm, yes?
 
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Old 10-03-2006
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Its 100% easier smarter faster to do a swap from a donor 88 or so tbird

get the wiring and computer too.

many differences in the engines.
 
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Old 10-03-2006
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Originally Posted by Airmann_90
Umm, yes?
then pm me
 
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