[sacermors]

I'm about to buy a 2.3L 93 hatch. It only has 70,000 miles on the engine I know for sure. I've driven it and its GREAT.

My question today is...
(drum roll)

Would it be better to hang on to my money and buy a 5.0 or take this nice little 4banger and turbo swap it.

Which would be more cost-effective? I know that if the turbo is done right they can give a 5.0 a good run for its money so thats what I'm wanting.

p.s. I'm buying this 2.3 for $700 and I end up having between 600 and 700 bucks at the end of each month.

[mg man 75]

Is money tight? Is this your only car? Turbo sway should be one weekend but usually isn't. Especially if dealing with used parts. Even have problems with rebuilt motor. What do you want? Do you want a 2.3 turbo? Do you have the mechanical abilities to do the work yourself? Not many mechanics will do the swap. Hope this helps Maurice

[5.8capri]

Well like previously said you have to decide what you want a 4 cyl turbo or a 5.0, ask yourself questions like how far do I drive everyday, can i afford to drive a 8 cyl, how about insurance, here in canada there is a significant differance between the 4 cyl and the 8cyl.
Also are you gonna want to do a bunch of mods? the 5.0 would be better for this in my opinion.
also from what I have read you will pretty much need a donar SVO or turbo coupe to do the swap. Im sure i read that there are more lines into the oil pan, you need a vane air meter instead of a mass.(FEEL FREE TO CORRECT ME GUYS)
There are lots of things you would need to find or buy to do the swap, a 5.0 swap actually sounds easier than a 2.3 n\a to 2.3 turbo. Mind you I am a all out SBF guy and have 2 5.0's and a 5.8 capri and am new to the 2.3's cause I cant afford to take one of my 8cyl cross country so i got myself a turbo coupe
So it really comes down to what you want.

[mg man 75]

As far as 2.3 swap to 5.0. I think the 2.3 turbo swap is easier. Rearend is reusable, Trans is reusable. [Of course the A4LD] is not going to last long]All your 2.3 accessories just bolt on. Now a 2.3 NA to turbo. Rebuild the motor [Probably needs it anyway]. New forged pistons. [higher than a regular pistons agreed]. Change the shape of combustion and get rid of heart shape. Redo head. Drill drain in block. [boss on block is there]. Get computer 75 to 100dollars and vam less than 75 [Most like me getting rid of it chipping the computer] Install and run exhaust. [probably need new anyway]. Need turbo exhaust manifold. A few wire changes at computer and good idea now to install 255HP/HV fuel pump. Also need some new fuel injectors. But they fit the NA intake etc. Rest of block, intake, mounts etc same. Now me I would have went 5.0 if Mustang came first. But motor came first for my MGB project. Then found out wife wanted Mustang and I had spare motor. Me I like all the Mustangs, the first to last including the II. No mater what motor.