Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Life span of a 2.3t (Read 1603 times) previous topic - next topic

Life span of a 2.3t

What's the most miles/KM's anyone has gotten out of a 2.3t (hot or cold air), without a rebuild? I know n/a Lima's have gone as much as 500K mi.
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

Life span of a 2.3t

Reply #1 –
The engine in my 87 TC came from an 86 TC and has right under 300k
When I installed it in my 87 I did replace all the gaskets and the rod and main bearing but left the stock pistons and piston rings since the stock style chrome rings are not available anymore
It also has a reman head on it which was installed about a month ago
The old head still ran good but it had too many cracks to be worth putting any money into
Engine burns zero oil and has zero leaks so I'm happy

I'm sure if I left the engine alone it probably would have made it to 400k no probs
1987 T-Bird TC: 5-Spd, 5-lug conv., CHE Rear CAs, '04 Cobra wheels and 13" Brakes, Vac Assist conv: '93 Cobra BB/MC & Wilwood PV, Gutted/Knived Intakes, T3 turbo, RFE6 Mani, Stinger 3" Exhaust & Oil Feed, 255HP Walbro, Kirban AFPR, RR Cam, Esslinger Cam gear and Round Tooth Conv., Gillis Boost Valve, Speedway Dual Valve Spring,  K&N, 130a 3g Alt conv., 140mph Speedo
Running Better Than Ever :burnout:

Life span of a 2.3t

Reply #2 –
I test drove a few with around 250k.

If an engine is well taken care of, and the oil changed they can last quite a while.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Life span of a 2.3t

Reply #3 –
They'll last till they stop. ;)

The "stop" however depends on how well it was maintained, and how it was treated. It's all subjective in the end.

But I'd put faith in one lasting a hell of a lot longer than the buzzin' half-dozen that spits HG's like an ole redneck does his chaw..
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Life span of a 2.3t

Reply #4 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;442091
But I'd put faith in one lasting a hell of a lot longer than the buzzin' half-dozen that spits HG's like an ole redneck does his chaw..
Oh, the 3.8, took me a second, lol

Side note: 88+ were the worst offenders
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

Life span of a 2.3t

Reply #5 –
I'm 50/50 on the '88 3.8....one of mine failed horribly with little abuse...the other took all I could give it many bad nights blasting down a gravel road at 2 AM not giving a  if I lived or died.
And what killed that one was simply letting it sit for a couple of weeks, then going to retrieve it, forgetting to add oil, and basically ventilating the block via piston rod. Had a gnarly rear main seal leak...I was overlooking a lot of things, still reeling from being lied to by someone I had put a lot of time into.

Anyway.....
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Life span of a 2.3t

Reply #6 –
The lima 2.3 turbo or non turbo....lasts forever....with minimal work....pretty cheap speed if you ask me.

Travis