Hello all,

I am getting my Ranger in 2 weeks, and I have a question regarding putting in a 2.3 Turbo engine from an '88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. I can get a Turbo Coupe for $400 (it has a blown auto trans) and I was just going to use the engine, turbo, computer, and wiring harness from it. My question is the computer is from an auto equipped car and the Ranger has a 5 speed. Will I be able to use it, or will I need to find a manual equipped Turbo Coupe, and get the computer from that?

I know the auto equipped turbo engines only produce 150 hp compared to the 190 hp of manual trans equipped ones. However, since the '85 Ranger only has 79 hp I am still doubling the hp. I can always up the boost later.

 

i can get you a computer from a 87 turbo t if needed. the car is getting ready to go to the junk yard in a couple days. it is a 5 speed

 

That would be cool. The car I have my sights on is supposedly a complete car (I have not seen it yet), however it does not hurt to have spare parts.

 

The auto turbo coupe only made 150 hp because the auto tranny sucked off 40 hp compared to the manual version at 190 hp. Back in the 80's, the computer may not have played such a large roll with the tranny, but I can't swear it would work, but thinking it might. At anyrate Mongoose289 has a manual computer for you, so you should be good to go whatever the case.

 

On the automatic A4LD, boost levels were kept at lower levels, and timing was not as agressive as it was not needed. This is a weak trans and will not live long under the torque of the engine. The computer will work with the manual, but for full benefits of the engine, get a manual computer, especially if you are going to use the intercooler. jd

 

I am definitely going to use the intercooler, that is why I am looking at the '87-88 Turbo Coupes. The manual tranny computer will be perfect for mine. I didn't know if I could use the auto tranny computer, because I didn't know if it controlled the auto trans as well as the engine. But I will definitely use the manual computer for my setup. Let me know how much you want for it Mongoose, and we can work something out.

I don't know what the difference is between the auto equipped and the manual equipped versions, if the auto did indeed use up 40 of those horses, then I will get them back by connecting it to the manual tranny in the truck. If it was a difference in the computers, then I will get it back by using the manual trans computer. Either way I should be at 190hp after doing the swap. This is assuming the engine is not on its last legs to begin with.

I am told it ran fine before the trans blew up. The owner even put money into the interior, and a paint job. He is getting divorced, and just wants to sell the car. The truck arrives next Sunday, but it will be a month or two before I can get the Turbo Coupe here.

 

my neighbor that has the car said he will take $40 for it shipped to you

 

That works for me Mongoose. I get paid the 14th, but that check is gone paying for the Ranger. If your neighbor can hold on to it until the 28th, I will be able to pay him then.

 

that should be fine i think he has a screen name on here. i will try to find out what it is so you can deal directly with him

 

That would be cool, thanks.

 

I'll give you 50 for it right now!!!!!! "SIKE" just kidding Nighteyes. Good luck on the project and keep us up dated.

 

Definitely, will be long drawn out project, but I will take photos along the way and post any progress or congress that happens along the way.

 

he doesnt have a screen name on here but he said he will hold on to the computer till the 28th but if you decide you dont want it let me know

 

Okay, will do, I will keep you informed, thanks.

 

It was a shame that they would rather detune the engine than to use the stronger parts in the A4LD. With the right upgrade parts, the A4LD can be upgraded to withstand around 300 hp. Beyond that, the case and shafts begin to flex. Have fun with the project. You can use an Auto tranny computer, but as mentioned, it may produce less power. You may also get a code for the overdrive solenoid (can be fixed by placing a resistor as a jumper in the overdrive circuit, same for the torque converter lockup solenoid if applicable)