[4bangen]

Ok guys so heres the deal, As you know I have an 88 tc. Witch in a few months is going to get a full build.
My delema is what to do? I have a 2.3t to build and if I do it will be as fallows:
2.5l stroker, balanced and blue printed.
stock head ported and pollished with big valves
stinger header, and exaust
large FMIC
Gerret or holset turbo
Mega Squirt engine management
100hp wet kit
and a hope and a prayor

My othere option was brought up when I picked up two gerret t-3's. I can build up a 302 with forged internals and slap both t-3's on it. This build will caust me about $1500 to $2000 more than the 2.3l. though through my reserch it seams that the power gains will be slight. I'm told (and have witnessed) 5.0's having a limit of around 500hp and I dont want to fork out the cash for a dart block.

So now I'm asking a bunch of 2.3 guys what you all think. do I stay with my beloved 2.3 or make the jump to a v8?

This is waighing heavy on my mind. and I need guidence.

Thank you for your input.
Matt

[SILENTCARL]

They both will make about 450 hp or so, and will be about the same weight... So it's all down to personal preference. I vote 2.3L because it is different then all the 5.0s running around out there.

[muskrat2.3]

I vote for the V-8 . just can't beat the rumble of a V-8.

[tim_lemmy]

what are the limits of the stock 2.3l? can you run 450hp on that and not blow it within a few months? can you do that on a 5.0? it's not really about preference it's about how long you want the car to last.
just my two cents

[65ShelbyClone]

A "stock" 2.3 turbo engine has a fairly high power ceiling. The most widely quoted upper limit on the stock rods is 450rwhp. However, I can think of one person that went as far as 575rwhp before losing the clutch and spinning a bearing. Hell, Matt and Stinger's 'Project Bolt-on" has gone 10s with a 300,000+ 2.3T. Even more is possible with strapped mains and aftermarket rods/pistons/head.

A stock 5.0 with forged pistons will probably split down the middle at 600rwhp.

Originally Posted by muskrat2.3

I vote for the V-8 . just can't beat the rumble of a V-8.

You're in the wrong forum.

[351wcoupe]

Very simply put...up to a certain power level (That I haven't found yet) you can't match me dollar for dollar if building a V8. I did it and swapped back to a 2.3 turbo because it was cheaper and faster. If I had a dollar for every $10000 5.0 that runs 11's I could certainly build another 10 sec 2.3.

[GIGGLEME26]

I'D GO WITH A FOUR BANGER, I HAVE A 93 CONVERT. WHICH IS PUSHING 453.7RWHP WITH A ONE OFF CAM AND SOME ECU REMAPPING. NOW I'M THROWING A T3/T4 TURBO WITH A 50 TRIM. ALSO I'M USING A HOME BUILT MEGA SQUIRT. ON A STOCK 2.3 IT'S POSSIBLE TO HAVE 550+HP WITH A STOCK BOTTOM END. DEPENDING ON YOUR DRIVING HABITS. I FORGOT THE COMPANIES NAME, BUT THEY SELL A SH@# LOAD OF RACE PARTS FOR 2.3. I'LL FIND OUT MORE INFO ON THEM AND REPOST AS SOON AS I CAN. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT. POST SOME PHOTOS OF YOUR RIDE.

[65ShelbyClone]

Dude.

Caps Lock.

Turn it off.

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Originally Posted by 351wcoupe

Very simply put...up to a certain power level (That I haven't found yet) you can't match me dollar for dollar if building a V8. I did it and swapped back to a 2.3 turbo because it was cheaper and faster. If I had a dollar for every $10000 5.0 that runs 11's I could certainly build another 10 sec 2.3.

For 10k i can build you SEVERAL 11 second Mustangs


$500 for an Explorer 302

$500 or so for a nitrous kit

$400 or so for slicks
_______
$1400 for an 11 second Mustang all day long.

[351wcoupe]

Originally Posted by 85_SS_302_Coupe

For 10k i can build you SEVERAL 11 second Mustangs


$500 for an Explorer 302

$500 or so for a nitrous kit

$400 or so for slicks
_______
$1400 for an 11 second Mustang all day long.

Do you disgree that there's a ton of $10k 11 sec cars? I ran a 12.19 with $1200. looking back on that car I could have easily been in the 11's and stay under $1000.

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Yeah, i guess i would agree, but i don't think the money was well spent. Plus there's a lot of 500hp Mustangs that only run 10s because they're not built to drag race..so i guess there's a lot to take into consideration.

You can go out and get a no option coupe and gut the interior and trunk, put 4.10s in it and bolt some slicks and skinnies on it, put an Explorer engine in it with a nice cam and full exhaust, and with a 5 speed and driving the life out of it you'll be knocking on the 11s. I guess the cheaper you wanna go you should expect to cut corners on comfort and "daily driverability".

[351wcoupe]

Originally Posted by 85_SS_302_Coupe

Yeah, i guess i would agree, but i don't think the money was well spent. Plus there's a lot of 500hp Mustangs that only run 10s because they're not built to drag race..so i guess there's a lot to take into consideration.

You can go out and get a no option coupe and gut the interior and trunk, put 4.10s in it and bolt some slicks and skinnies on it, put an Explorer engine in it with a nice cam and full exhaust, and with a 5 speed and driving the life out of it you'll be knocking on the 11s. I guess the cheaper you wanna go you should expect to cut corners on comfort and "daily driverability".

yeah thats what I was getting at.

I certainly agree though. The fastest and closest to stock car I've ever driven was a no options 87 coupe still SD, only mods were timing, gears, complete exhaust and slicks.