1992 Mustang Turbo transplant questions

1010 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by evintho, May 31, 2009

Notime1794

Discussion Starter · May 30, 2009

Hello
I am looking for opinions on my project. I have been collecting parts too turbo a 1992 2.3 dual plug motor. Pistons, 1988 Turbo, intercooler, Lg VAM, ECM (LA3), 35 Lb inj, E6 manifold. I am going to convert to a 5 speed also so had collected all parts but the T5.
Yesterday I followed up a lead and found a 1985 Turbo TBird engine, T5, all the wiring, ECM (PC1), Small VAM, air box, etc. All of this is out and boxed and ready to go. The price was right so I now own two of every thing but the T5.
My dilemma is do I just throw the 85 combo into the car and run it or go ahead and work out the conversion with the dual plug head and go with the LA3 ECM, Intercooler. From what I have read I should get more HP out of the later combo. But I could just upgrade the 85 combo (add the intercooler, E6 manifold, and large VAM and the later turbo.
Comments????
Thanks

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93stangfutr5.0

· #2 · May 30, 2009

if what i hear is correct then you have an 85 engine with a LA3 and a small vam (2.5in diameter) to use the LA3 you need to get a large vam (3 in diameter) from an 87-88 to make it work then you should have the right stuff to use the write ups on stingers site.

im doing the same swap in my 93 with an 86tc donor car that i payed $400 for and i have to buy a la2/3 and a large vam to use those write ups.

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turboeeyore

· #3 · May 30, 2009

if you were really trick you could probally keep the ecm that's in the car and run a megasquirt, keep your maf, dph, and the constant control module, but i'm not too familiar with the megaquirt system, i don't know if it piggybacks your ecm, or its a ecm on its own.

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evintho

· #4 · May 30, 2009

Go with the '85 motor and T5 tranny. From the parts you've collected, use the LA3, big VAM, mount the intercooler up front and use the E6. Sell some of your extra parts and use that money to purchase a T3 turbo. The '88 turbo (if it's off a TC) is an IHI turbo. Rather small. The dual plug head you have is not a performance head. It has the wrong combustion chamber configuration to work properly with the forced induction from the turbo. Just use the parts I described and follow Stinger's wiring conversion and you'll be good to go!
91-93 Mustang Turbo Swap Wiring Info

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Notime1794

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 30, 2009

Yes, After writing this post this AM I have been thinking along the same lines take the 85 TC motor, T5, add the E6, Large VAM, 88TC Turbo, the Intercooler (I have the scoops, air ducts, and rubber seal from an 88 TC), and repin the harness like the description on Stingers site while using the LA3 ECM. It should put me in the neighberhood of 200 HP. Sounds like fun I better find a posi to add to the mix.
Thanks

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evintho

· #6 · May 31, 2009

If you can find an '87-'88 TC rear it's pretty much a bolt-in except for the caliper brackets. You can buy offset ones or make your own. The TC rear will give you an 8.8 ring gear, 3.55:1 (5-spd) or 3.73:1 (auto), rear disc brakes and, oh yeah.........it's trac loc = positraction!

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