[NWRACER45]

I have just bought a '84 Mustang mini-stock roller. I have everything but the motor. I am looking to build one between now and the next season. I have been doing as much research on the 2.3's as possible but need some feeback from those who know these engines better then me. I will need to build a N/A engine. But heres the question. Should I just buy any N/A 2.3L engine or should I buy a turbo engine and convert it? I know the turbo engines where built for higher horse power. I may start off doing the block first with boring it. Or I may start on the head. It all depends how the funds go. Do all turbo heads have oversized valves? Another question is, is most parts for 2.3's interchangable? Any suggestions or opinions will be helpful.

Thanks

[ethangsmith]

Some quick facts to help you out:

1974-1981 2.3L heads have oval ports
1982-1990 2.3L heads have d-shaped ports (better)
Early Ranger heads have circular ports (avoid)
Starting in about 1989, the main bearing size of the block was reduced
1989-1997 Ranger and 1991-1993 Mustang 2.3L's have a dual spark plug head (avoid)
The only difference in carburetted intakes is whether or not they are oval or d-port.
The turbo engines are lower compression and will be slow as molasses if they are run N/A
Any dual spark plug engine will have a stock roller camshaft
1994-1997 Rangers came factory with a stainless steel header.

[J. Rhapsody]

Ah ha! thank you, I never thought about this: If I used the head from a t2.3 would there be any HP gains? If the valves bigger than n/a heads are they the same size or bigger/smaller than the valves sold by esslingger and racerwalsh?

[ethangsmith]

I know the turbo heads flow the same as the N/A heads. Not sure about the valves, but I would imagine they are the same as well. The loss in compression will really make the motor weak though. I would'nt do it.

[b_chandler]

Valve size is the same. Combustion chamber size is bigger which would lower compression in an N/A setup.

Find a good N/A motor and start there. Way less headaches and way more availability. Turbo motors are for exactly what the name states. You'll spend the first half of your budget (if not more) catching up to where the N/A motor would start you off.

[Lazypig]

Some of the turbo motors have big valve heads though im not sure which ones but i know they exist and they are fairly expensive.

[b_chandler]

Originally Posted by Lazypig

Some of the turbo motors have big valve heads though im not sure which ones but i know they exist and they are fairly expensive.

Those aren't production heads. They were available from Ford Motorsports (now FRPP).