Need to go back to N/A, can I keep the VAM setup?

Discussion in '2.3L (N/A & Turbo)' started by M_E_A_T_B_A_L_L, Oct 14, 2004.

  1. M_E_A_T_B_A_L_L Founding Member

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    Well after tearing down my turbo engine, I found that it needs a complete rebuild, the crank needs to be respun, new bearings, new rings, all new gaskets etc. etc. At this point in time, I can't afford to do all of this.

    I still have my N/A engine sitting at my uncle's house and was just wondering what was necessary to re-install it. Can I keep the turbocoupe wiring, computer, VAM etc.? I think I remember someone on here took their turbo off to get it rebuilt and just ran their engine sans turbo. Did it run reliably?

    I hope to just run this engine for the winter, while saving up to rebuild the turbo engine.

    Thanks for your time,
    Meaty
  2. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    yes, you can keep the VAM. You will of course have to run the injectors/VAM/computer as a unit, so remember to swap your 35's over.
    You will have to retard the base timing a bunch. The turbo computer has a much more aggressive timing map for the low compression engine. I was running 0-4* of base timing, but whatever you can run without pinging is fine. BTW, it likes to ping at part throttle, so listen carefully then.
  3. Keasbey New Member

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    so ,just to be sure to have well understood, I have to switch the white top for the brown one?

    And then I can run with my turbo wiring setup?:D
  4. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    Yup, so long as you are using a big vam and the matching turbo computer.
    Don't forget to retard the timing until you no longer hear it ping. It WILL ping at light/moderate loads with stock base timing.
  5. Keasbey New Member

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    To retard the timing, what side do I have to turn, clockwise or the other?
    And should I change the o-ring of every injectors? or I can use the old one if they're good again?
  6. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    you'll need a timing light. A very small change in distributer position is a big change in timing.
    You could reuse the old Orings if they are not damaged, but it is recommended by most most Oring distributers to change them when it is appart.
  7. Keasbey New Member

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    when you say "base timing" is it the timing of the distributer? Or the one of the crank?
  8. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    neither. The base timing is what the timing is at without the computer interferring. You have to pull the spout connector, and set the timing. Then, when you plug the spout back in, the computer advances the timing starting with what you just set it at.
    Do a search or look at reference books on how to set the timing.
  9. Keasbey New Member

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    will I gain some hp with the 2.3T wiring/injectors/computer?? compared to the 2.3n/a?
  10. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    maybe a slight bit, but you will mostly gain headacks.
  11. Keasbey New Member

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    Am I better to just go back with the 2.3n/a setup?
  12. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    probably not. Most of the headacks would be doing the wiring, vam swap, and injector swap. If you already have that stuff done, and are running a turbo now, then don't bother taking it out.
  13. Keasbey New Member

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    the problem is that my turbo block is overbored, and I can't do anything with it, so I just decided to came back to the n/a setup to get my car back on road after 2 months laying in my driveway.. so I ain't running turbo anymore... until I found a new one...

    But another question in the same time, if I'm drilling a hole for the oil return line in a n/a block, switching the head,pistons and crank, can I make a turbo engine with that?
  14. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    theoretcially, yes. I tapped the oil pan for my oil return.
    Your turbo block is overbored? What prevents you from re-ringing it and running?
  15. Keasbey New Member

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    my cylinder #1 is bored at .50 #2,#3 and #4 are at .30, and I don't have the cash to bring it to a machine shop.. :( so I will simply buy an ordinairy 2.3 and convert it.. :)
  16. David Wilkinson Founding Member

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    Keasbey,

    Check your e-mail.

    I thought the previous owner said that engine ran when he pulled it?

    Dave
  17. Keasbey New Member

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    that's what he said, but everything on this engine haven't more value then a piece of crap...

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