Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Turbo differences (Read 1246 times) previous topic - next topic

Turbo differences

So I have a '85 with what I am hearing has a t3 turbo. The '87-'88 has an IHI turbo. What is the better turbo? I you were going to do a turbo upgrade on a bone stock turbo coupe, what would you use and why?

Ready for some schooling! :D

Turbo differences

Reply #1 –
I upgraded my 88tc to a T3 but on dads 83 we installed an ihi just to see what happens but we havent had it running yet.

Turbo differences

Reply #2 –
Also, this isn't limited to just those two turbos. What would be a good upgrade for a stock 2.3; IHI, t3, t4, t3/4 hybrid, etc...

Turbo differences

Reply #3 –
http://www.forced4.com/ this is a website mainly for the SVO Mustang but I am sure it will all work for your car.

Turbo differences

Reply #4 –
88turbo, what possesed you to put an IHI on an 83 TC?  Unless the T3 was dead, and the only thing you had was an IHI, it's a total waste of time.  The IHI might spool up faster, but they're too small for any real top end power.  My 88 will be T3 converted when funds permit it.
As far as upgrading the turbo on an 85 TC, unless you convert over to an "L" series computer with a large VAM, it's really not worth changing the turbo.  The small VAM is holding you back.  If your's is an early 85, the small injectors are also restricting your combo.
88 TC 5speed, 168000+ miles, stock 2.3T long block, ported RFE6 exhaust, Evergreen T3 running 15#'s.
Up next: FMIC, fresh air intake, ported intakes, ported big valve head.

Turbo differences

Reply #5 –
I was told the automatics had a smaller turbo? I'm not real good with turbos I guess.

Turbo differences

Reply #6 –
Automatics from 84 thru 86 received a T3 with a .48 AR hotside versus the 5-speed which got the .63 AR hotside.  The 87/88 cars all had the same turbo, the auto computer limited boost to extend the life of the POS a4ld trans.
88 TC 5speed, 168000+ miles, stock 2.3T long block, ported RFE6 exhaust, Evergreen T3 running 15#'s.
Up next: FMIC, fresh air intake, ported intakes, ported big valve head.

Turbo differences

Reply #7 –
Quote from: jangus;260945
88turbo, what possesed you to put an IHI on an 83 TC?  Unless the T3 was dead, and the only thing you had was an IHI, it's a total waste of time.  The IHI might spool up faster, but they're too small for any real top end power.  My 88 will be T3 converted when funds permit it.
As far as upgrading the turbo on an 85 TC, unless you convert over to an "L" series computer with a large VAM, it's really not worth changing the turbo.  The small VAM is holding you back.  If your's is an early 85, the small injectors are also restricting your combo.


should I upgrade the vam and injectors on the 83?

Turbo differences

Reply #8 –
Mine was unlucky enough to be an auto soooooooo.

Turbo differences

Reply #9 –
88turbo, changing to the large VAM will make it easier for the engine to breath.  The "L" series computer is set up for 35# injectors and the large VAM.  It also has a faster processor than the earlier ones.  The T3 will still flow more air than the large VAM and 35# injectors can support, but it'll sure wake that 83 up.  May want to think about ditching the E3 exhaust manifold and go to at least a ported E6.
88 TC 5speed, 168000+ miles, stock 2.3T long block, ported RFE6 exhaust, Evergreen T3 running 15#'s.
Up next: FMIC, fresh air intake, ported intakes, ported big valve head.

Turbo differences

Reply #10 –
jangus, thanks for the information! I am not 100% sure what the vam is, but I will look that up. It sounds like this '85 is a reasonble starting point, just a few small improvements needed to wake it up.

Quote
86XR7project http://www.forced4.com/ this is a website mainly for the SVO Mustang but I am sure it will all work for your car.


Again thank you for the help! I appriciate all the help you have provided in getting me up to speed on what I have to work with. It looks like the stage 1 should be easy enough to do for now!

Thanks again! :cheers:

Turbo differences

Reply #11 –
Vane air meter.......... got it! :hick:
 

Turbo differences

Reply #12 –
No prob man