stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Topic: stay 2.3t or swap to v8 (Read 3574 times) previous topic - next topic

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #15 – February 12, 2014, 04:39:02 PM

Bad gas mileage out of a good running 302 is a crock. I've been able to constantly get my cars beyond 25mpg almost every time I fill up. in my last two tanks of gas, I've hit over 1000miles and the gauge still reads above 1/4. I I put in 15 gallons when I filled up, but I forgot to clear the trip computer. even if you assumed I ran two tanks dry that's 22.5mpg. I'm guessing when I fill it up, it will be between 30 and 33mpg.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #16 – February 12, 2014, 06:29:50 PM

I am keeping my TC as a 4cylinder. With the new computers you can pull 400 easy and still get good mileage. I am looking at the Holley Avenger set up. You have to do a cost compare as well as you cant just drop a 5.0 in there. You need the oil pan and headers, plus the computer and harness unless you are carbing it. Just toss a junkyard holset on there and boost away! LOL

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #17 – February 12, 2014, 09:53:59 PM

Quote from: rodsterh;428797

Any old pictures of your 83TC?

The ecoboost 2.3 swap is one I'd like to see and I'm sure it's just a matter of time till someone does it! Could give new life to some of our cars. :hick:

I looked at all my old pre digital pictures that I still have and could not find one of that car. It was a white 5 speed car and was in good shape until the accident. One thing I do remember about it was that it had those bs metric trx tires. That was not one of Fords better ideas! I drove it across the country one summer, it was a good car. The only problem I ever had with it was the clutch quadrant failed one day (broke into pieces while using the clutch).
I am sure I am not the only person thinking about doing an ecoboost swap. I am really interested in that engine, looking forward to seeing what people do with it.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #18 – February 13, 2014, 06:43:44 PM

Thanks for all the replies. After alot of thought for the past few days , I have decided to swap to a small block. I'm wanting low end torque for this car and I don't think the 2.3t will be able to deliver. I would really like to put a 351w in there but not sure if it will clear the hood. Definitely gonna be EFI for drivability.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #19 – February 13, 2014, 07:25:10 PM

Unless you get real crafty, an EFI Windsor won't clear a stock hood. You can space the K member down a little bit, and use custom mounts to gain a little more clearance. I believe Chuck W's mounts are a little "shorter" than stock type, as well as much stronger. As to whether he has any in stock, you'd have to communicate with him. I've got a set, ed good stuff, in case you were wondering. As good or better than anything you'd ever find in a catalog, which, of course you can't for these cars.

There's a fella here that has a 460 under a stock hood, but I believe his carbed.

I've wanted to do a 351w with Cleveland heads for years...before the end of the year, I'll have something going on. One can get pretty decent C heads out of Australia, at some expense, and they're better than anything you'd find in a junkyard, or from someone old stash of parts that may be shot to hell anyway..

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #20 – February 13, 2014, 08:48:17 PM

Never really gave much thought to the whole "gas mileage" argument between the two engine types. That being said, my 2.3T averages 17-19 mpg but I just can't grandma drive it everywhere, lol! This is also a 2.3T that will flat ass embarrass a new 5.0 stang, new camaro and outrun GT500's unless they are heavily modded. I run a C4 auto and it takes off from a dead stop just fine. No overdrive keeps it from being a long distance cruiser, but my bird is probably a bit much for what you are wanting to do anyway.:hick:

Edit: And mine is not a "tuna can", lol. Rear seat delete, no A/C and Kirkey front seats. Still has P/S, PB, PW, the PRC suspension and a 8pt mild steel rollbar. Tuna can.....hadn't heard that one in a long time.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #21 – February 14, 2014, 01:09:02 AM

Id really like to see a clevor efi setup. ever since the trickflow manifold, I've been tempted.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #22 – February 14, 2014, 10:45:40 AM

I've always liked a V-8. I can't claim great gas mileage, but with the 3.55 gears and the "fun driving" I do, I can't complain either. It still does pretty good. I'd guess about 22 to 24 on the highway. But that V-8 sound and tire melting torque are pretty sweet too. I have NO doubt that there some Turbo Coupes that could outrun the Sport, but I really couldn't care less. There's ALWAYS somebody faster. I wanted what I have called a great "all around" car. Quick, comfortable,, has the options, A/C, etc. and it's own unique special features.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #23 – February 14, 2014, 09:55:28 PM

I didn't mean to step on any of the V8 guys toes. I just wanted to make sure the OP knew that a streetable, fast 2.3 is very doable. By all means, everyone's idea of the perfect hot rod will be different. Carry on:cool:

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #24 – February 14, 2014, 11:11:57 PM

I felt no offense. There are two sides, plain and simple. I always think the owner should build for themselves, not by popular vote. Believe me, that is how I built the Sport.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #25 – February 14, 2014, 11:16:48 PM

I like the uniqueness of a 2.3. If I could ever find a tc cheap id rock one out.

stay 2.3t or swap to v8

Reply #26 – February 14, 2014, 11:55:25 PM

Fast. Cheap. Reliable.

But you can only pick two....