A friend just got a 2.3 '89 RANGER. He says that a 2.3 and a 2.3 Turbo Coupe are two totally different animals!!! I say that a 2.3 can have the oil returns machined for the oil returns making any 2.3 = to a 2.3 turbo engine. Now wouldn't it be easier to find a running Turbo Coupe or SVO Mustang to get all of the necessary parts to build a Turbo Ranger.

 

The turbo block has a machined boss on its side for the oild drain from the turbo. Otherwise, it's the same block. I think the heads were different, the camshafts definitely were. If he can find a TC, he can get all of the parts needed to perform the swap. I'm tempted to do this on my Mustang, but it's a '91, and I''m not sure if an '88 engine and computer will pass the '91 emissions test.

 

Mabe you need a 2.3L mustang with a close ratio auto 3 speed that takes 10 minuites of warmup to make drivable.

Anyway we are looking for performance too, mabe cam, headers, different carb may help, Definatly a 5 speed on one of these engines, we want to beat Honda civics.

 

You can get a turbo coupe or merkur or cougar xr7 or svo. They all have 2.3 turbo motors in them.

It is easiest to get a parts car and pull the drivetrain and install it in something else like

Pinto,Ranger,Chevette,Rail,Rx7,karman ghia, mustang,etc...