Turbo 4?
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Elder User
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From: Slippery Rock, PA
Turbo 4?
Hey i just got an 88 Ranger 2.0 4x2 5spd from my brother. I was lookin on ebay for turbos for 2.3s. i noticed a kit "Stage 4 Turbo Kit" for rangers and thunderbirds and mustangs. it was like $600 so i dont plan on buying that just yet. but i was looking around at stock 4 banger turbo parts and it looks like i could build a full kit for around $150. how much power is it actually worth to do the stock turbo? How much work is actually involved if i can def. get all the components? Does anybody on here have pics of 2.0 and 2.3 turbo rangers on here that i can see?
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Why not just look for a turbo 2.3L engine to start with. They're not hard to find. That gives you a great starting point since the engine is already built for it.
Since parts are so easily available for the 2.3L, I suggest using it as opposed to the 2.0L as a base. Forged pistons, rods, crank would probably be a good idea if you really wanna boost it out.
With high boost, it will give unmodified 302 Rangers a good run. It's gonna be kinda lame 'til the boost kicks in, but the turbo's small enough that doesn't take long.
Do a search and post in the turbo/supercharger/nitrous forum, lots of good info around here and there.
Since parts are so easily available for the 2.3L, I suggest using it as opposed to the 2.0L as a base. Forged pistons, rods, crank would probably be a good idea if you really wanna boost it out.
With high boost, it will give unmodified 302 Rangers a good run. It's gonna be kinda lame 'til the boost kicks in, but the turbo's small enough that doesn't take long.
Do a search and post in the turbo/supercharger/nitrous forum, lots of good info around here and there.
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From: Slippery Rock, PA
by the way..i do plan on drag racing it a little in 2008. so if the turbo doesnt work out im goin to build a mid performing 351..just gotta figure out all the traction problems it will have
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From: Aurora
Never mind the rear axle, I think you'd really like the 4 cyl class. It's really a riot squeezing the ponys out of these little beasts. The trucks are soo light that they just ZZOOOM based on that alone, and it takes real talent to transfer that power to the pavement.. I would think its a less expensive class and hence more competitive. The turbo mod is a great idea and like Rangerpilot suggested, 2.3's are everywhere, cheap and well bred. A lot of racing technology went into developing them.
Have fun
Fred
Have fun
Fred
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From: Slippery Rock, PA
nah im not gonna be in a real "class" im just goin down to a somewhat local airport where they hold drag races during the summer every saturday they call it the flashlight drags, and its actually some pretty serious competition. my friends brother runs a 91 S10 there with a 355 and an automatic that makes around 450 NA HP, and around 550-600 HP with nitrous on it..but he cant get all that power to the ground, he just spins and spins, thats why im worried about traction with the torque a turbo'd engine can put out, i think i do know where theres a 2.3l turbo mustang in a junkyard where i got a leafspring for my 77 F-100. Ill have my friend check it out since he lives right up the road from it
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Post Fiend
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
That would be a good starting point, especially if it was wrecked low mileage. Either way, it'll need a rebuild and good strengthening to take serious boost, the stock ones ran at I believe 7 PSI, but don't quote me on that (unless it's right!).
Traction bars are good at keeping tires on the ground, but the best aspect, IMHO, of the turbo 2.3L is that unless you powerbrake it with an auto, you leave the line with little to no boost and therefore, lacking in power, typically allowing the tires to remain locked even as the boost comes on.
I'd say a HP built turbo 4 banger would have a much better chance of staying on the ground over a heavy V8.
Traction bars are good at keeping tires on the ground, but the best aspect, IMHO, of the turbo 2.3L is that unless you powerbrake it with an auto, you leave the line with little to no boost and therefore, lacking in power, typically allowing the tires to remain locked even as the boost comes on.
I'd say a HP built turbo 4 banger would have a much better chance of staying on the ground over a heavy V8.
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that is what I wanted to do with my brother's '87 Ranger. Might still do it, but it will be a few months now.
Post Fiend
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On a stock 2.3 lima, the turbo was good for 175 hp, with an intercooler, 190. This was with modest amounts of boost at factory settings, turn the boost up to around 18 pounds, then your around 230 hp and so on. However, to run high boost levels, you will need forged internials, you would be better to start with a turbo block from the 85-88 turbo coupe, mustang svo, or merkur if you can fine one. If not you will need to upgrade your current block, also racer walsh sells 2.3 and 2.5 turbo blocks that have the upgraded internials. The sky and your wallet is really the only limit. My sons 87 turbo coupe would spool up to 13 psi on stock settings, he installed a boost controler and turned the boost up to 18 psi and it was like a different car. If a turbo 4 can make a car the size of a thunder chicken run, just think what it could do in a little light ranger.
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Originally Posted by broke77f100
well what was in the 79 Mustang GT..i know it was a 2.3 turbo but was it still forged?
The 2.3 turbo in the T-birds, Merks, Mustangs, etc., were stock engines with forged pistons and a turbo drain in the side of the block as the only changes from stock.
This engine will survive over 400hp in stock form if you know what you are doing, and is forgiving at 300hp. The stock crank is fine, but a change to stronger rods is recommended for the higher power outputs.
There are several around running in the 8's, and 10's with the addition of Nos.
Turbo lag is not a problem. Massage the turbo, and gear to the engine.
It is worth the effort to change to a turbo in a street driven truck. It is really nice to go up a steep grade in overdrive and have the truck actually accelerate. jd
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fresno, CA.
A turbocharged 2.3 in a Ranger would be the best of both worlds. HP comparable to a stock 302 Mustang, (or more if you bump the boost) and still gets great gas mileage when you are not stomping on it.