I have a 79 Pace Car with the 2.3L turbo that I want to restore. I'm kind of on the fence - One part of me wants to build a turbo 306 for it. But I'm also thinking of keeping it original and rebuilding the 2.3L. I hear these turbo motors aren't great for making big power? And the SVO turbo motor is better for this. If it was your car, what would you do?
Gko, go check out turboford.org The 2.3 turbo is a very fun, reliable, economical engine to run. It is at its best in fuel injected form.
I am a purist when it comes to the old 4 eye car, especially the turbo versions, but only because they are so hard to find in good condition, and I've always had a soft spot for the 2.3. With that said I'd recommend keeping the car with the 2.3t, however the blow through carb turbo setup sucks! The EFI 2.3 setup can yield you 300Hp without much effort. It's your car and ultimately your choice, but keep in mind that you can't find the old 4 eye turbo cars often, and they do have a following. Good luck with whatever you decide. The new 5.0 Coyote motor would be an awesome ride as well. I know how it runs in my 2012, and couldn't imagine it in a light weight 79. Vrooom
It is a very stout engine. When I bought the car I had every intention of picking up an '11 Shelby, but after driving the 5.0 I just couldn't justify 20k difference in price for 138HP. Don't get me wrong the Shelby is a wicked car, but I was impressed with performance of the Coyote motor and opted to save 20k.
I would think it'd be better to keep a '79 Pace Car in original condition...I'd think those are becoming collectible these days!
If you want to do a 5.0 swap, pushrod or coyote, find one of the eleventy billion 2.3 N/A cars lying around. Please keep that pace car original. Some day in the future someone will be very very glad you did. It may be you when you get a big $$ offer for it!
