2.3 turbo ford!!!

MonsterMach1

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So I have done my research and I have grown more and more intrigued by these hellacious 4 bangers that ford had back in the 80s. Especially the SVO. I thought about making a post on turbo ford, and those guys are extremely knowledgable about this engine, but turbo ford is an extremely outdated web forum and needs some hardcore updating before I go back to it. It's drives me insane trying to navigate through the AOL style photo galleries... Anyways enough of that. What I am really here to talk and ask about is my future plans for making one of these builds. For starts, I sold my 2003 Mach 1. It was a pain to see her go but I miss having a fox. So with that being said my plans are to build a 87-93 notch or hatch back fox! I've seen that the 87-88 turbo coupe thunderbird engines are tough to find but they are obtainable if you know the right people. And my cousins has a coupe turbo fords. But unfortunately he lives in Missouri and I now live in Florida.. I know just about every little set up that is out there, from the standard 2.3t swap into a n/a mustang with no extras. To the volvo swap that has grown in popularity. I personally want to buy an Esslinger SVO block with an Esslinger D-Port Cylinder Head. The options are limitless. And now there's an adapter plate to put a Tremec t-56 six speed behind the 2300t! Give me your thoughts? I have so many wants. But I need advice on this matter. Thoughts?
 

STANGMAN93

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So I have done my research and I have grown more and more intrigued by these hellacious 4 bangers that ford had back in the 80s. Especially the SVO. I thought about making a post on turbo ford, and those guys are extremely knowledgable about this engine, but turbo ford is an extremely outdated web forum and needs some hardcore updating before I go back to it. It's drives me insane trying to navigate through the AOL style photo galleries... Anyways enough of that. What I am really here to talk and ask about is my future plans for making one of these builds. For starts, I sold my 2003 Mach 1. It was a pain to see her go but I miss having a fox. So with that being said my plans are to build a 87-93 notch or hatch back fox! I've seen that the 87-88 turbo coupe thunderbird engines are tough to find but they are obtainable if you know the right people. And my cousins has a coupe turbo fords. But unfortunately he lives in Missouri and I now live in Florida.. I know just about every little set up that is out there, from the standard 2.3t swap into a n/a mustang with no extras. To the volvo swap that has grown in popularity. I personally want to buy an Esslinger SVO block with an Esslinger D-Port Cylinder Head. The options are limitless. And now there's an adapter plate to put a Tremec t-56 six speed behind the 2300t! Give me your thoughts? I have so many wants. But I need advice on this matter. Thoughts?

My racecar started as a 93 with 87 turbocoupe swap. Drove it that way for a while and ran 13.8 at 101mph with the little IHI. It's a full blown racecar now, if you have been looking around at 2.3 stuff you have probably seen it. I think a well built 2.3, esslinger block and head like you mentioned, and a t-56 setup would be pretty cool. :beer:
 

wheelhopper

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I always liked the SVO Mustangs and I think the early 80's GTs that had a turbo 4 are even cooler. Personally I would look for a 4 eyed fox to do your build.

As far as the T56 behind it. I doubt I would put a transmission, that weighs as much as the motor, behind the 4 banger. I doubt the extra gear would be needed so why add the extra 75lbs.
 

STANGMAN93

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I always liked the SVO Mustangs and I think the early 80's GTs that had a turbo 4 are even cooler. Personally I would look for a 4 eyed fox to do your build.

As far as the T56 behind it. I doubt I would put a transmission, that weighs as much as the motor, behind the 4 banger. I doubt the extra gear would be needed so why add the extra 75lbs.


The iron headed 2.3 weighs almost the same as a 302. I don't think the hundredth of a second he loses in the quarter from the massive "75lbs" will make enough difference to not do the install, just saying.
 

wheelhopper

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The iron headed 2.3 weighs almost the same as a 302. I don't think the hundredth of a second he loses in the quarter from the massive "75lbs" will make enough difference to not do the install, just saying.

Spoken like a drag racer.

Who says he is going to drag race. I open track and 75lbs effects balance, braking, and overall acceleration and top speed. As a time trial racer we do all we can to shed pounds. Actually even when I drag raced my '03 Cobra practically any drag racer I knew would love to have saved 75lbs. Otherwise there would have been no reason to rebuild the 4.6 motor with an aluminum block, or use a tubular K member.
 

MonsterMach1

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My racecar started as a 93 with 87 turbocoupe swap. Drove it that way for a while and ran 13.8 at 101mph with the little IHI. It's a full blown racecar now, if you have been looking around at 2.3 stuff you have probably seen it. I think a well built 2.3, esslinger block and head like you mentioned, and a t-56 setup would be pretty cool. :beer:

Stagman93: I read every single page of your swap plus watched all of your videos on YouTube. You have certainly thrown yourself into the Jon Huber, and Dave Flanders league. Your build was absolutely beautiful and well done! Huber's new setup is going to be a tough one to beat. I have a source who says he has a custom SVO tall deck block built and made by esslinger! Apparently only huber has the magic to have that block.. Nothing else is like it out there right now. He's making over 600hp more than he had before! 1300hp out of a 2.3T is freaking insane! That's terminator status! But as far as the T56 swap. I've been told that it improves gas mileage and better shifts for the turbo! I'd probably do a 410 gear ratio or higher. My cousin mike helped in the designing of a custom bell housing and adapter plate for the swap! He hasn't done in his 87 tbird turbo coupe. His setup is a nasty essy build with a massive turbo! But, now I'm sort of torn... Do I build a 2.3 Turbo like I've always wanted. Or a turbocharged terminator 4.6!?!? I know a guy that I work with that has 4.6 teksid dohc in his 97 cobra with a t56 and spline setup out of a 04 cobra! His car is so unbelievable fast for a street/daily driver. And the sound that those 4.6s make with a turbo will make any panty drop when passing by hahaha :eek:
 

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