Gonna build up a short block for a little boost,..

Stangler

A.K.A. Mr. Hankey
Founding Member
Dec 20, 2001
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What's needed in a 2.3 to handle about 300-350 RWHP? Will the block take it? Stock rod's? I know I'll be getting pistons, but tell me your combo's. I'm doing a turbo on my 5.0 first, but the daily driver is next. Thanks

Nate
 
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2.3's are bulletproof! The stock bottom end will easily handle 300-350 hp. Do the standard stuff on the rebuild, turn the crank, resize the rods but don't go over .030 on the overbore. .020 would be better. Thin cylinder wall castings. Make sure you buy FORGED pistons, not the hypereu....(I won't even try to spell it)! Most of your power can be derived from the headwork and the intake/exhaust track. A Holset or hybrid T3/T4 will fill the bill.
 
What's needed to handle 300-350 hp?

Step 1 locate 2.3L Turbo engine
Step 2 rebuild with stock pistons
Step 3 make 300 hp :)

My engine is a recent rebuild, the only aftermarket stuff I have in the block is ARP rod bolts, a homemade windage tray, a crank scraper, and then I have ARP head studs (for peace of mind). That's it. People have run 400 hp on stock bottom ends with no ill effects.
 
Red_LX said:
What's needed to handle 300-350 hp?

Step 1 locate 2.3L Turbo engine
Step 2 rebuild with stock pistons
Step 3 make 300 hp :)

My engine is a recent rebuild, the only aftermarket stuff I have in the block is ARP rod bolts, a homemade windage tray, a crank scraper, and then I have ARP head studs (for peace of mind). That's it. People have run 400 hp on stock bottom ends with no ill effects.

Are we talking a stock bottom end from a turbo motor, or my N/A motor? Do I need the turbo block if I'm gonna upgrade the rods and pistons?? I read someplace that the turbo block is the same, just it has a oil drail back. I will be looking for the turbo head though... Thanks for the info, please keep it coming.

Nate
 
I'm talking about the stock bottom end on a turbo engine...

However to my knowledge the n/a engines have the same rotating assembly aside from the cast pistons. Everything interchanges. You can use an n/a block if you run a return line to the pan, which is pretty easy to do.
 
Red_LX said:
Well, in that Shiny Avenger buildup (I think it was) in MM&FF, they had that SVO that made 412 hp at close to 25 psi (somewhere around there) on a completely stock bottom end. That shows you how godawful the stock heads flow though :notnice:
there also not useing a small IHI turbo...or a t3 even.
 
hey guys, haven't been on here in a while, i just wanted to know if i understand what you are saying. I can use a stock NA block with a turbo head? Can i just put a hole in the oil pan for the turbo instead of the block? I just want relatively low boost at this point. do i just take the head from a turbo coupe, along with the manifolds, turbo, ecu, etc. this 2.3 i just purchased is a 93 dp head. I just wanted to know if i could swap it with a turbo head. also could i use two gaskets to lower compression a little more? I don't want to detonate. Thanks in advance for any info.
A.J.
 
so can i not swap heads? the reason i'm not wanting to pull the motor is then i will have the temptation to put the 5.0 thats on my engine stand in this car. I don't want that. and plus i don't think i could find everything i need for less than 500 bucks without having to rebuild a the engine. i wouldn't mind just rebuilding a head and then i could swap it out in a weekend. any help please?
 
I know it won't just drop in. But that is more than likely what i would do, because i have the engine there. Can someone answer my questions? I want to get started on this if it is possible. What will i need.
 
This has been covered before, many times! To make a N/A 2.3 live and work properly with a turbocharger, you need:

1) FORGED, DISHED TURBO PISTONS
2) TURBO OIL DRAINBACK into the pan or block
3) TURBO HEAD

Under boost the N/A cast pistons will disinegrate sooner than later! That's why you need forged pistons!