Basically, here's the deal. I go to autozone and the dude at the desk after looking at my 1989 2.3 lr mustang, and after I mentioned about getting a turbocharger, told me about his old mustang that he used to street race. 1984 BRAND NEW ENGINE 500 miles on it. BRAND NEW 5 speed. Rebuilt turbo chargers. Enlarged Fuel injectors. Maxed out at 300 horse power. The interior is pretty rough... in the sense that the drivers seat is messed up. Under the hood is missing a "computer" (did they have computers back then?) And the AC. $1,000. he's getting rid of it because he has a Ford Explorer, which he got 3 years prior and has mainly been driving that. And because his Girlfriend soon to be Fianceé says it's gotta go and he can't race anymore. He mentioned something about having to bringit up from Alabama. So I assume he'll drive it? (is it drive able) So the question is, A. Would the engine be compatible with my 1989 mustang. B. would I be able to use my current car for parts and replace the parts missing in the (new) 84 stang. C. I'm not very car oriented so I'd have my macanic do it (who i trust very well). Any guess on cost? and lastly, i've got a checklist of stuff to make sure i don't get is there anything i should add... *Check the ORIGINAL Engine Reciept, make sure the number is the same as the one on the Engine. * Make sure the Engine wasn't from some "bubba's Engine shop" *If he drives it down then that would mean the car is OK and not dry rotting *If he doesn't drive it down definetly get a Macanic, that i trust, to check for Dry Rott. and Finally * Have a macanic, that i trust, to check out the Car reguardless just to make sure. Thanks!!! - Christiaan
Welcome to the boards, Chris! What type of fuel injectors? I'm guessing that the "enlarged" ones are the brown-top 35lb/hr types. You'll need an LA2/LA3 computer and a large Vane Air Meter (VAM) for that. Is it a stock turbo? On it being maxed out...how is it "maxed"? In terms of fuel, yes it is (35lb/hr support about 300hp), but the engine will handle 450+hp if he rebuilt the engine with forged pistons. $1000 definitely sounds like a good deal, especially if the engine is recently rebuilt and runs good. The engine will work in your car. Stinger has comprehensive swap instructions on his website http://projecthp.ford23.com/ The 2.3 turbo engine is basically the same as the naturally aspirated 2.3, with the exception of forged pistons, an oil return line for the turbo, a turbo-compatible exhaust manifold, and a slightly different camshaft. It's a very straightforward swap, which is why I chose to do this, rather than swap in a 5.0. It really shouldn't cost that much, since it's a simple swap. The most complicated part is configuring the wires (you'll need to re-pin and splice a couple). If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. Also, use the search function to see if the question has been answered before. - Chris "i4power"
Awesome... Thanks soo far!! I'm getting in touch with him to get more info on it. Does my 1989 LX have the Computer? Also, i was thinking about having using the 1984 body, since it has the fog lights, and the T top, my problem i'm running into that with, is I've put over $3,000 into my current Stang, replaceing the: started, ignition switch, catalitic converters (2, cuz of the duel exaust) etc... would I be able to place my new starter etc.. into the 84? This is where my ignorace with cars really kill me. So to all you who know lots about cars And nope, I didn't misspell my name It's with 2 A's. - Christiaan
No, the 89 LX doesn't have the correct computer. Head over to eBay and search for the parts I mentioned. That's where I got them. Yes, you can use the new starter. Like I said, the engine is pretty much the same. The only thing that might give you trouble is the AC compressor, but that only involves bending lines. You won't want to use your current exhaust system on the new engine, because it'll be wayy to small. A 3" downpipe, with 3" all the way back to a 3" muffler would be what I want to do, but you can always use dual 2 1/4" mufflers and a y-pipe.
IS IT A GT??? I mean, does it have the factory foglight front bumper and GT badging? If it does then it's a Turbo GT. Turbo GT's a kinda rare and if I were you I'd definitely keep that car whole! (would be one sweet ride)
