[evintho]

Because this question arises at least once a week, I've decided to address the topic and hopefully the administrators will make this a sticky in tech so those wanting to know can simply click on a sticky post.

How do I turbo my normally aspirated 2.3?

You can install a turbo on a N/A 2.3 but don't turn the boost up past 5-6 psi. If you do, the pistons will disinegrate! And, even running that low psi, they probably won't last very long anyway! True turbo motors came from the factory with forged pistons. Forged pistons will take the heat and pressure of forced induction. N/A pistons are made of cast metal. They're very brittle and simply can't take the heat and pressure. So, if you're going to rebuild your motor, simply replace the cast pistons with forged units. You'll also need to fabricate some sort of oil drainback for the turbo. Oil is fed into the center section of the turbo from the top, circulates and drains back into the oil pan. 2.3 turbo blocks have a threaded drainback hole thats tapped into the block just above the oil pan to accomplish this task. If you have a bare N/A block, you can drill and tap this boss in the block and acquire the appropriate brass fitting to screw into it. The fitting can be found on any turbo block in the junkyard and occasionally they're for sale on Ebay. Another alternative is to tap into the oil pan, above the oil line and run a hose from the bottom of the center section to the pan. That's it for the actual shortblock. True turbo heads have a different combustion chamber and port configuration than N/A heads along with exhaust valves made from a stronger metal known as Iconel.

Turbo motors use a Vane Air Meter and larger 35# fuel injectors for fuel and air delivery. Both can be found in the junkyard or on Ebay. To provide the appropriate amount of fuel to the injectors along with the correct metering of air, you'll need the right computer. An LA2 or LA3, found in '87-'88 Thunderbird TurboCoupes with 5-speeds is the one you want. An LB2, LB3 and PE will also work. The LB series is for TC's with automatics and the PE, the most aggressive of all computers, is found in the Mustang SVO. The computers themselves are easily swapped. You'll also have to repin the wiring harness computer connector. Most people give up here because it sounds like such a daunting task! It's probably the simplest procedure in the whole swap. There are several websites that give you step by step instructions. In addition, you'll need either a factory or aftermarket boost controller to control your boost pressure. A good idea would be to add a 255 lph fuel pump to provide the additional fuel that's needed. Too many turbo applications have died due to lean conditions!

By far the cheapest, most thorough and simplest way to add a turbo to your N/A Mustang is to purchase a donor car and swap everything over. The first choice would be a '87-'88 Thunderbird TurboCoupe. They come with a factory 195 hp turbo'd 2.3, T5 and 8.8 rearend with disc brakes and 3.55:1 gears. All this can be easily swapped into a Mustang. In addition, you'll have everything you need along with a zillion nuts, bolts, fasteners, etc. There are many other parts that can be swapped into a Mustang as well. Interior pieces, suspension pieces, brakes, the list is endless. Here's the kicker. '87-'88 TC's are a dime a dozen, at least on the West Coast. $500 will get you a good running, high mileage TC. And as you know, 2.3's are pretty much bulletproof! The iceing on the cake is, what you don't use on your project, you can resell on Ebay or any of the message boards dedicated to 2.3 turbos. There's a good sized market out there for used TC parts. Your $500 will be recouped in no time!

If you can't find a '87-'88 TC, the next best thing would be a '83-'86 TC, followed by an '85-'89 Merkur XR4ti. There are turbo Cougars out there that are also good candidates. I believe '85-'86 are the years for them. Of course an SVO would be the ultimate! However, they're pretty rare and you probably wouldn't want to part one out. Below is a list of websites of both vendors and just regular Turboforders that offer tons of information. I hope this addressed some of the basic questions of turboing a N/A 2.3. It really isn't a very hard swap. If you have some basic mechanical ability and a good set of handtools, you can easily perform this swap. You'll learn a few things along the way and the sense of accomplishment you'll acquire will make it all worthwhile. Oh, and you'll be amazed at how quick you car is gonna be!

List of websites:
www.stinger-performance.com - wiring conversion
www.flemworld.com - wiring conversion
www.turboford.net - turbo 2.3 website
www.turbotbird.com - TurboCoupe website
www.craigslist.org - if you're looking for a donor car
www.ebay.com - all the used parts you could ever want
www.forced4.com - lots of 2.3 performance parts
www.esslingeracing.com - more 2.3 performance stuff
www.racerwalsh.com - even more 2.3 performance stuff
www.summitracing.com - cheapest forged pistons I've found - P/N - TRW-L2500F
www.rockauto.com - dirt cheap namebrand auto parts
www.boostvalve.com - aftermarket boost valve

[ScottHalliday]

Excellent writeup and thank you for taking the time to post it!

[Rcoupe91]

yes man excellent write up this helps alot i almost have it done , ive been told and ive seen pictures of the car before he wrecked it pulling both wheels off it was barlely off but that still counts right?

[Stretchmobile]

If you really want to blow through carbs, get a pair of Lotus Esprite Turbo Dellortos. They are set up for blow through with shaft seals, postive vented bowls and solid uncrushable floats from the factory. They can be jetted for any car. Manifolds are available for 2.3's. Other than that, fuel injected motors are much easier like everyone has said.

[joeyRALEIGHnc]

Thanks, but I still wonder about the head differences. I'll ask around.

[andyreutsstang]

does any1 no where i can find an la series computer for a 2.3l instead of the lb series...i herd this is a better comp to run with a turbo

[evintho]

I've got a spare LA2 I can sell you for $50 + shipping. It's in excellent condition and out of an '87 TC I had. If interested, PM me.

[MIGISMALLS]

thanks a lot for da info on da swap. i was actually thinkin a lot and readin a lot to see how to do it. out of all of the sites i've visited ur post was by far da most informative and helpful i've came across. thanx again really help me out.

[cuc240]

yo man exelent write up it help alot.....i was wonder if you could help me with my problom?

[88Turbo4JW]

Hey Thanks for answering 90% of the questions I had about Turbocharging my N/A 2.3, However I do have a few more, I have read about a V-8 cousin that has a supercharger and Turbo set up can this be done to the 2.3 with any success or would that be too much presurre?? Also are there After companies that may carry an entire conversion package in case I cannot locate a Turbo T-Bird, Cougar or XR4ti and were all the Merkurs Turbocharged and were any of them independant rear suspension and would it fit??? Also who carries about the best suspension parts to drop my Stang and give it better cornering??? Lastly with these modifications do you think I have a shot at beating up on some unsuspecting V-8s and the occasional Honda???LOL

[mg man 75]

Found one supercharge 2.3t running I think 8 psi. Lot of work he compared it to a mild v-8. Merkur is independent suspension but is weak. Most I read putting in 8.8. No quote "kits" available. J-yard best cheapest route. Even if have to ship half way across country. Yes can surprize people.

[NavySVO]

Good write up, but a some things to add (not trying to steal your thunder)

As mentioned, the only difference in the LA/LB series is the LB is for an auto trans, but will not have any affect whatsoever in a manual trans car. However, the LA/LB series is actually an upgrade over a PE series. The LA/LB series has a faster processor and more aggressive timing and fuel mapping. The idle is much smoother due to the processor as well.

Some things to consider with going from NA to Turbocharging:
1. The changing of the exhaust manifold. Go with an E6 series vice E3 on this. The E3 (if you still can find one) will crack on you (or already be cracked) between the 2nd ans 3rd cylinders. A compatible downpipe will be required as well.
2. A high pressure, high flow fuel pump like a Walbro 255 lph in-tank model will have to be added (as recommended already). Along with this, an '86-93 in-tank fuel pump bracket will be required, as the Walbro pump is a different size.
3. You will need donor fuel lines from either a Mustang or a Tbird. They are different as well, so they won't mix and match to the fuel rail, gas tank, etc. There is the option of having someone good with a MIG (or TIG) welder weld on AN fittings to the fuel pump bracket send/return lines and fuel rail, and then you can go with steel braided lines.
4. You will also need the associated wiring to support the swap. I would recommend getting something that is already intact. Sure, you can splice and dice until you are the Shoa-Lin master of all things electrical, but why? There is a company that has what you need for plug and play. Pricey, but a nice piece. http://www.turboford.net/cgi-bin/ads...er=12&banner=1
5. If you end up with a water cooled turbocharger, you will need the associated coolant tubes and hoses. www.forced4.com
6. For turbo oil lubrication, you will need to scavenge the adapter fitting that intermingles with the supply line and the sender unit. This piece screws into the head on the rear driver's side.
7. You will also need to incorporate a MAP sensor if your vehicle doesn't already have one.
8. I recommend an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. There are many brands and styles out there, so take your pick.
9. You will need to cool the air charge down, so you will want an intercooler as well. Now, this is not a requirement, but you won't be doing the car or yourself any justice without one.

[dakotah2007]

anyone have any info on the turbo joe fuel rail i have a 1989 mustang 4 cyl . fixen to do a turbo swap.

[NavySVO]

It's a good piece. It is a little bulky, and not really necessary IMHO.

If you are trying to go AN, just have someone tig on AN fittings to a stock fuel rail.

If it's a flow issue, I have seen people running 70+ lb injectors on a stock fuel rail.

I just feel the money can be better spent in other areas is all.

[ford-a-natic]

Fantastic article, you know your **** "buddy", quick question though, one guy mentioned that the rods on the turbo engines are identical to the stock na 2.3, sounds contradicting to me, what do you think?