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rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

I have my 2.3 torn down and am going to take it to the machine shop here soon.  Besides the standard boring and decking, if required, would you spend the money to balance everything?  Any other things I should ask to have done like align honing?  My goal is @ 300-325 HP so nothing radical, but it will have a HE351 turbo on it.
What make of rings/bearings, etc do you guys suggest?
thanks.

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #1 –
The rod bolts aside, the stock bottom end is good for what you want to do.
Have some ARP rod bolts installed in the stock rods and have them resized while they are doing everything else.

No need to get fancy for your hp goals.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #2 –
thanks chuck....are standard rings OK or would you get the zero gap?
what should I have them resized too?  Not sure what you mean on that....I know what resizing is, but should I have them do this regardless?

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #3 –
The stock replacement pistons made by Federal Mogul/Sealed Power are on back order forever. DO NOT let your engine builder talk you into using hyperuetectic's. They won't hold up.
The other dished piston options are not cheap. Just an FYI.
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.

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #4 –
Quote from: lakenheath24;320178
thanks chuck....are standard rings OK or would you get the zero gap?
what should I have them resized too?  Not sure what you mean on that....I know what resizing is, but should I have them do this regardless?


Std turbo rings.  I used zero-gap rings on the old engine...won't again.  As far as I know, they stopped recommending them for higher boost appplications.  Mine killed a block when they came apart.

The stock pistons will be fine as long as they are in good shape.  No need to upgrade.

When you press rod bolts in and out, you can make the bore on the big end out of round.  Resizing just makes sure they are round and true.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #5 –
ahh, gotcha ChuckW.  I THINK #2 and 3 pistons have loose wrist pins.  They clank a bit when I sit the piston on the ground and pull up and down on the rod. 
jangus..thanks for the tip.  The stock pistons look Ok, but I will check them...the skirts are all ok looking.  There is no carbon build up on the top of the pistons either.

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #6 –
You mentioned boring the block in your original posting. That's the only reason I mentioned piston availability. Having to  get over sized pistons on a budget isn't easy with the cost effective ones out of production for all intents and purposes.
If you can get by with just honing your block, and the stock pistons are in good shape, by all means reuse them.
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.

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #7 –
jangus....yes I see what you are saying now.  I can catch my fingernail on top of the bore where the piston stops though, so I am hoping a cleanup will do!

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #8 –
well 2 and 3 had piston slap....030 bore and new pistons should fix i right up.

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #9 –
Prepare to shell out some serious cash for those pistons. Unless your rebuilder has a couple sets of FM dished forged ones laying around. In which case I'd like to purchase a set from him.
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.

rebuilding 2.3 turbo question

Reply #10 –
oh yeah, i am expecting $100 each....sucks but the block's gotta be bored.