2.3 turbo, or 3.8 supercharged for best mpg?

inflood · 02-12-2009

I've been trying to find out the kind of gas mileage you can get out of a 2.3 turbo. I have a 1993 LX with a 2.3L and i get about 23-24 in the city and and about 27-28 on the highway. I don't know what direction to go. I either want to buy a recked 1999-04 V6 5-speed and make the swap and eventually add a supercharger, but I really like the 2.3L. Can you guys that drive 2.3L turbos give some mpg figures? I want to have it as my daily driver with a/c, power steering, etc..., thats why I want either the 3.8 or the 2.3 turbo. what do yo guys suggest? I want to remain in the mid-high 20 mpg range. and push about 250-300hp. is that possible with ok gas mileage? I don't want a V8 for this project

DBT4220 · 02-12-2009

if im correct dont quote me on this but i think you will wind up loosing your ac with a turbo.

inflood · 02-12-2009

I've been trying to figure that out as well. But i think i've seen several 2.3 turbos online with a compressor. I doubt the turbo coupes and SVO owners were running around with no a/c. But i'm still doing my research on what route i want to go with this car. I'm saving the bored and stroked 302 based V8 for my four eye car, but for my 93, i want something that can hang with most late model factory sports cars and i can drive every day comfortably that was built in my garage. I got some time to look around at whats best. I'm in college, and i wont be finishing nursing school for another 2 1/2 yrs, so i got time to think about it.

NavySVO · 02-13-2009

SVOs and TCs have AC.

The V6 will be a tough bolt-in option

Amscray88kr · 02-13-2009

dont give up your 2.3 n/a for some crazy project. your 2.3 will get better gas mileage so jsut leave it alone. save your time and money for your four eyed fox with the v8 goin into it. that should satisfy your need to build something in your garage and your need for speed.

$0.02

Matt-Culpepper · 02-17-2009

I made around 275 hp or so with a turbo swap, had a/c, drove 500 miles a week and I got 32mpg on the interstate which including crossing a mountain to get there. I got about 25mpg if I rode around town much.

inflood · 02-18-2009

Is this with a turbo 4cyl? If so how reliable is it?

inflood · 02-18-2009

I was reading the Project Bolt On from the link (Stinger performance) in one of your other posts, is that car yours? I saw your name as the owner. Can you tell me how you upgraded to the 90mm Lightning mass air meter?

Matt-Culpepper · 02-19-2009

I sent you a pm