[Fheyr]

i have a 2.3 1992 mustang lx and i can get a 700 dolar full 2.3 turbo with all accessories lines computer and everything to make it a drop in easy as pie project. the engine comes from an 88 thunderbird.

is there anything i need to be aware of or any hints/tips anyone can give me?

i read the stick and all that but i want to know what people who have done it can tell me.

[93stangfutr5.0]

i know that the only thing that needs to be changed between the two is the MAP sensor needs to be changed to a VAM other than that they should be the same you may want to change trannys though other wise you will probably blow the stock 2.3 one.

[Fheyr]

hmm what is a map and a vam exactly and where can i get them/how much?

also, the mustang is an automatic. why should i change the transmition? is it expensive? what should i get?

[trystym]

Stock tranny is just fine. The turbo from the birds didn't have that much more power than a N/A 2.3. This is actually a pretty standard swap for the Ranger crowd - I've been looking at doing this to one of my trucks for a while now.

[93stangfutr5.0]

your best option is to talk to orange88ranger did the swap himself and knows more than me.

[NavySVO]

88 Tbird had a VAF (Vane Air Flow) meter (commonly called a VAM by mistake) not a MAP (Mass Air Pressure) sensor.

Both of these give a reference voltage to the EEC on how much air was going into the engine so the EEC could schedule the fuel pulse of the injector.

You will also have to do some minor reconfiguration on the exhaust. I recommend you get a hi flow fuel pump as well. Turbo engines need more fuel on demand.
You will need a BAP sensor (Barometric Air Pressure) as well, which you should already have.

The turbo coupes used an ACT (Air Charge Temperature) sensor, but you should already have that with all the goodies you aquired.

[Fheyr]

Hurray! so basically if i take my car and the new engine with all the accessories and parts to a garage they can make the swap no problem and then i just have to add on a little extra bits and pieces?

[NavySVO]

Originally Posted by Fheyr

they can make the swap no problem

I never said that, but I hope all goes well

[Fheyr]

ohhh well what problems can be expected to come up?

[87Thunderstang]

Hi Fheyr,

Good luck with the swap. I am doing the same swap with an 87 Mustang Vert.

You are definitely going to have to change the tranny. The stock 2.3 N/A Engine puts out about 88 hp. The stock 2.3 turbo out of the 88 Thunderbird puts out about 190 hp.

My recommendation is to install a T5 manual out of the same 88 Thunderbird. This is a world class tranny and was designed to handle the hp out of the 2.3. Plus it will make your stang a whole lot more fun to drive. Not to mention teaching all the little girlies how to drive your "stick".

You will also need to change the ECM and repin the wire harness to make the swap complete. My suggestion is to go to Stinger Performance at STINGER PERFORMANCE PARTS - 2.3 Turbo Performance Parts for Mustang SVO, Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, Merkur XR4Ti, Pinto, Ranger, and Sand Rails . This dude knows way more than anybody on the net, and his website is full of tech articles.

Good Luck,
87Thunderstang

[93stangfutr5.0]

once your done with your swap ill probably ask you questions because i plan on doing the swap but in the job sceen i dont make much.

[NavySVO]

Originally Posted by 87Thunderstang

You will also need to change the ECM and repin the wire harness to make the swap complete.

read the first post, he is using the TC stuff and won't need to repin anything as it is a matching harness and EEC

Originally Posted by 87Thunderstang

This dude knows way more than anybody on the net, and his website is full of tech articles.

Shannon knows a lot of things, but does not know more than anyone on the web about these engines/tuning/etc.
Look up a dude named chris roth (caroth over on turboford). He writes tuning programs in his sleep.

[evintho]

I've been watching this post for the last week trying to decide whether to jump in, or not. I'm in. Fheyr, if you're planning to have an indy mechanic perform the swap, I hope you have a large bank account. It's gonna get expensive! This isn't a plug and play operation. There's wiring, modification, minor fabrication, troubleshooting, etc. involved. At an hourly rate it can get out of control real fast! The whole point is to do it yourself, make mistakes along the way and learn from those mistakes.

The first thing you should do is educate yourself on the workings of EEC's, electronic fuel injection and the basic functions of turbochargers. I highly recommend this book.......................
Ford Fuel Injection and Electronic Engine Control; All Ford/Lincoln-Mercury Cars and Light Trucks, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 : ISBN 9780837603018 - Buy.com

Once you're comfortable, give you're new turbo motor a seal-n-shine, rent and engine hoist to remove the old boat anchor and drop in the new beast. You'll have to cut the VAM (Vane Air Meter) connector off the TC harness and splice it into your existing Mustang harness. A MAP sensor can be converted into a BAP sensor simply by disconnecting and plugging the vacuum line from the MAP sensor.

You will have to repin your EEC harness connector. Once you get into it you'll see that it really is a simple procedure. Stinger has a great website but I've found one that reads and articulates very well and is complete, even down to the emissions and fuel switch wiring (if you so desire). It refers to an '85 Mustang but in reality it applies to '87-'93 Mustangs................................
Turbo Coupe Motor Swap for 85 Mustangs

With that said, I wish you good luck on your swap!