My interest in the Ford 2.3L Turbo began in x-mas of 1980, when I received a Model of the carburated 2.3L Turbo. It was a clear plastic model with working electric motor and lighting spark-plugs. A short 3 years later I was staring at a fuel injection version of the same motor in Hot Rod's Magazine "Mustang" Winter Edition 1984. At the time I was only interested in the Boss cars, but the Turbo was always in the back of my mind. That marvelous "wonder" of technical goobly-goop had made a lasting impression. And it was only one more year 'till I could drive!

The summer editions of "Mustang" magazine also had a Bonus "Ford Motorsport" Performance Guide. On the cover was a 1984 Ford SVO. And on the third page was the Mustang GTP. It used a 1.7L Turbo making 600Bhp @ 9000 RPM! Included in these pages were parts for all the Ford engines, from the 1.6L to the Police 460 short blocks!

Getting on to the technical stuff, I will keep it as brief as possible. (See my Links page for better information.) The 2.3L Turbo motor began life as an Econo-Box motor. Little better than a single V8 head squared off and a cam shoved on top, it was lackluster at best. However, stuffed into the 1974 Pinto, that 30MPG, 75HP monster was an OHC wonder. Fortunately, Buddy Ingersoll found a way to breath life into the motor, literally. His turbocharged Pinto terror ran passes as quick as 10.14 @ 132MPH!

Parts and Specs

Bore 3.780
Stroke 3.126
Main Journal Diameter 2.3982 thru 1990; 2.2054 1991 on
Rod Journal Diameter 2.0468
Connecting Rod Length 5.2047
Pin to top of Piston 1.583
Firing Order 1-3-4-2
Ranger Roller Camshaft Note (I don't think these are correct! Can only find smaller cam and smaller follower!)

1995-2000 2.3L and 2.5L specs
  • Lobe Lift
  • Intake 0.2163
  • Exhaust 0.2163
  • Rocker arm (cam follower) ratio 1.86:1
  • Theoretical Valve Lift @ Zero Lash
  • Intake 0.402
  • Exhaust 0.402

    • 1992-1994 2.3L specs
  • Lobe Lift
  • Intake 0.2381
  • Exhaust 0.2381
  • Rocker arm (cam follower) ratio 1.64:1
  • Theoretical Valve Lift @ Zero Lash
  • Intake 0.390
  • Exhaust 0.390
    • Forged 8:1 Pistons Internally Balanced Non-roller and Roller Camshaft Plasma-Coated Ductile Iron ring
    Premium Valve Material Premium (Fel-Pro) Head Gasket Electronic Boost Control (intercooled) Chrome Second Ring
    Cast Iron Manifold
    E3
    E6     		Blocks selected for trueness

    Basic Forms

    1. Draw-thru carburated
    2. Non-intercooled EFI
    3. Intercooled EFI
    Draw-thru was available on the 1979-1981(?) Mustang Cobras and the prominent Official Pace car making a whooping 132Bhp! How does doing the 1/4 mile in 17.3 seconds strike you? Me neither.

    Non-Intercooled EFI was available on the following:

    1. 83-84 Mustang GT
    2. 83-84 Mecury Capri RS
    3. 83-86 Thunderbird
    4. 85-89 Merkur XR4Ti
    In 145hp versions, it managed to move the big ThunderBarge to the tune of 16.5@80MPH! The Capri RS and Mustang GT could cut that down to 16.1@85MPH. I know. I have done it.

    Last but not least are the intercooled EFI motors available in the following:

    1. 84-86 Mustang SVO
    2. 87-88 Thunderbird TurboCoupe

    The 84-85 SVOs used a smaller camshaft, 30#/hr injectors, and single exhaust and were rated at 175HP. The 84 SVO used a 3.45:1 rear gear. Pending was the flush headlight system, so a recessed bulb was used.

    The 85.5-86 SVOs used a larger profile camshaft, 35#/hr injectors, and were rated at 205HP. Flush headlights and dual exhaust are a noticable change.

    I am tired lazy right now and will finish this out and check of accurracy later.

         		  
     

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