Chosing what to do...

Topic: Chosing what to do... (Read 1250 times) previous topic - next topic

Chosing what to do...

January 31, 2007, 05:17:18 PM

Well as some of you may know. My newly acquired 2.3T Turbo Coupe, took a dump on me. Then more havoc was caused when it was towed to where it sits now.

So now I'm left with a decision. Fix the 2.3T or swap in a HO 5.0...

I've done some research and talked to a few people (thanks guys) and to repair the 2.3T isn't that hard to do. Its actually pretty simple, just its a kinda long process. I'm still debating to do it or not. Well heres the break down...

What needs to be replaced:
- Aux shaft and gear
- Dissy gear (possibly a new dissy too)
- Oil pump
- New gaskets

Thats bout it. Pretty sure it will run after all that it done.

Then i got to thinking, hey why not like swap in a HO 5.0? Would be around the same cost, maybe a bit more. But would be nice to have a V-8.

The only thing kinda holding me back is, I'd like to keep the car original. Sticking with the 2.3T and slightly modding that. :D

So guys let me know your opnion. I have a IDEA of what i want to do, but curious what you guys think.

-Mike

Chosing what to do...

Reply #1 – January 31, 2007, 06:38:32 PM

Hey Mike, I guess you couldn't sell it? I have had two 5.0HO swaps and I highly doubt it would be cheaper or easier, especially to do it right. I say keep the 2.3 and that 47k mile car original.
Jim

Chosing what to do...

Reply #2 – January 31, 2007, 07:03:16 PM

Personally,I like the 5.0.Just something about the sound of a healthy V-8.If you mod the car,it's not original anymore.A car can only be original once.Do what you want to it,if you want a V-8,do it.There are people who will have heart attacks,throw fits and go crazy,but,it's your car and you should do what YOU want with it.If you like the 2.3,then go with that.Only you know what is good for you.A 5.0 swap wouldn't be that hard,and parts aren't that hard to find.People here are selling the motor mounts,a harness shouldn't be hard to find either.I'll have one in a month or so.Do what you think is right,not what everyone else thinks is right for you.Good luck.

Chosing what to do...

Reply #3 – January 31, 2007, 07:11:35 PM

5.0L swap is awesome,did it to my own low mileage tc,however this is not an easy swap and it will take you quite some time as well as a good chunk of change.
You will need a parts 5.0L tbird or cougar (easiest way to get all the parts you need)mustang will give you some parts but many are different.
The 2.3l turbo is also an awesome engine and will cost you much less to fix and then add some mods to then to swap to an HO.
Now if your still interested in doing this swap do a search and read my write up,it is one of the most complete tc to 5.0HO swap instructions around.

Chosing what to do...

Reply #4 – January 31, 2007, 07:21:02 PM

Vin, i mean original as in the same motor that came with the car.. and all that, you know?

Yea Jim, nobody wanted a broked low mile TC. O well, I'll keep it and do something with it. :) In no real hurry (though i would like to drive it soon)

Dom, i think i'm gonna stick with the 2.3T. Although a 5.0 HO/T-5 swap would make this car just cool. A healthy v-8 sound is just a great sound. But i don't think its the right choice for this car, maybe a BH'd 3.8 :)

-Mike

Chosing what to do...

Reply #5 – January 31, 2007, 07:34:03 PM

I'd stick with the 2.3 you dont see that often anymore.. they are always being swapped out.. I know, I know.. comming from a guy with a V8 LX... if I had a TC with a bad motor you had better believe it'd have another 2.3T in it.

Just my 2 cents..

Chosing what to do...

Reply #6 – January 31, 2007, 07:37:06 PM

Quote from: 87thunderbirdBlackJack;126953

I'd stick with the 2.3 you dont see that often anymore.. they are always being swapped out.. I know, I know.. comming from a guy with a V8 LX... if I had a TC with a bad motor you had better believe it'd have another 2.3T in it.

Just my 2 cents..

I think i will, the 2.3 is a great motor with a lot of potential. And its always cool when a bird flies by and its got a whistle. :)

-Mike

Chosing what to do...

Reply #7 – January 31, 2007, 07:42:33 PM

Oh yeah. 2.3T with a 5 speed has alot of hidden potential.. Im kinda a purist.. Ive taken sides with most of the 2.3 clan when it comes to keepin the 2.3

5.0 gets tiring to say over and over and over... who expects to get beat by a 2.3? yeah thats where this is going lmao.

Keep up the work man..

Chosing what to do...

Reply #8 – January 31, 2007, 07:56:51 PM

Quote from: 87thunderbirdBlackJack;126955

Oh yeah. 2.3T with a 5 speed has alot of hidden potential.. Im kinda a purist.. Ive taken sides with most of the 2.3 clan when it comes to keepin the 2.3

5.0 gets tiring to say over and over and over... who expects to get beat by a 2.3? yeah thats where this is going lmao.

Keep up the work man..

I'll try to fix it and be driving it soon. Hell, i just got the call today the title and reg. are in my name.. lol Its also weird how a '86 TC is more to insure then a '01 escort :flame:

I've seen some badddd 2.3's. Thats what has got me into them, just a little monster motor. :)

I kinda just hate it when ppl rip up a TC drive train to power their Mustang or ranger.. or something else. Just breaks my heart.

-Mike

Chosing what to do...

Reply #9 – January 31, 2007, 10:51:59 PM

You really do hear "5.0" a lot.Next year,you'll be hearing "5.8" from me.It makes me giddy like a school girl.LOL.

Chosing what to do...

Reply #10 – January 31, 2007, 11:34:14 PM

Quote from: ManicMike;126958

I kinda just hate it when ppl rip up a TC drive train to power their Mustang or ranger.. or something else. Just breaks my heart.

-Mike

Then you're not gonna like me.

I should have the cylinder head back from the shop this week for the 2.3T Ranger swap. But hey, the tranny and rear are going in the 86.

Chosing what to do...

Reply #11 – February 01, 2007, 03:53:06 PM

Quote from: 86elan;127002

Then you're not gonna like me. I should have the cylinder head back from the shop this week for the 2.3T Ranger swap. But hey, the tranny and rear are going in the 86.

I mean if the bird is past saving then sure, you can take the drive train. But i'm talking like a nice one, that was bought cheap or something and just ripped apart.

-Mike