just today i learned that the 1983 to 1988 t-bird came with a 2.3liter turbo. i also learned that the cam out of the 2.3liter ranger motor is interchangeable with the t-bird motor. this got me thinking that its more or less the same motor. (im not sure if they are, i just got it in my head =P) im hear to ask if its possible to either put the t-bird turbo motor in my 88 ranger. or what i'd like even more, is to know if i can just put the turbo manifold and turbo on the 2.3 liter i have in my ranger.
my ranger is an 88' with a 2.3liter, its a 5spd if that makes a diffrence in this.
thanks a lot =P

 

The outside is the same. The inside is not. It would be easier to just swap the t-bird engine over because you would need to upgrade to forged pistons/connecting rods/ etc if you just added the turbo to your existing engine. You could probably get away with just the turbo and the cam swap, but you'd snap your crankshaft easy if you ran too much boost.

 

well i wasnt planning on just throwing the turbo on. the guy next door to me is gona machine my block and cylinder head. provided that im gona do this. n i was gona get new pistons and rods if i could find some. (any suggestions?)

so i can just throw the turbo manifold and turbo on to my engine? it will fit?

 

I think the only issue you might run into would be the hookup for the turbo oiler. Someone else should be able to explain better what you need to look for. I've offered up all my knowledge on this subject. Sorry.

 

thanks for the help.
but i have a few more questions you may be able to answer.
if i were to just swap the t-bird motor, would i need new mounts and what not? also, will my tranny fit the t-bird motor? (incase i cant source a tranny =P)
last one, is there a site or somthing i can find a turbo t-bird motor?

thanks a lot

 

Maticuno is correct the manifold will work but you still need some way of getting oil into and out of the turbo ( these fitting are built into the turbo motor blocks and are not present on n/a blocks ). There is probably some way of making an n/a block work but the turbo block would be easier. Your truck is an 88 is that the twin sparkplug motor? If it is then I don't think the manifold will work. I have an 87 T-Bird Turbo Coupe if your looking for a parts car.

 

how much for the car? im in canada near toronto.
also is your car a 5-spd?

 

Wow thats far away, I'm in Maryland. <I was trying to get $800 for the car ( it is complete and runs but needs a full resto ) and yes it is a 5-speed. I was gonna redo it but priorities have changed around and I just don't have time now.> It ran real strong, made about 20 psi of boost and is pretty quick. It has about 140,000 on it and when I replaced the head gasket on it you could still see the cross-hatch in the cylinders. Feel free to send me a pm <if your interested.>

 

wow its runs that much boost? what kind of hp dose that push? if the rules about 10 whp for every psi that should be well over 200hp.

anyway ya im very interested im not sure how i'll ahold of the car when im this far away. maybe a road trip =P lol

 

btw i dont know how to pm lol

 

How far is Toronto from Bangor Maine, I have family up there and was planning a trip in the spring. I would be happy to tow the car up there with me. To pm just click on my user name then it will give you the option to pm. I never had it on a dyno, it belonged to a friend of mine and when he had it we removed the small stock intercooler and replaced it with one from a turbo Volvo ( 740 I think ). The boost is turned up pretty high, and should probably be turned down a good bit for reliability. I would think it was putting down every bit of 215-225 hp at the rear wheels.