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Old 08-18-2006, 10:39 PM   #1
coupe
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First modifications for 2.3 Turbos

I'll start it off. I'm on my 3rd SVO, so I've had a little experience with the fun and frustration of these cars.

The best initial mods for these cars consist of the following:

1)Replace the air-filter box with a straight K&N cone or for '86 models, use a 5.0L fenderwell cold-air kit (may need some modification to fit).

2)Swap the electronic boost solenoid with a manual "bleeder" valve. Allows adjustment of boost on stock turbo up into the 20psi range. Any more than that is becoming a restriction and decreases power of stock turbo.

3)Add an adjustable fuel pressure regulator (5.0L style will fit) and check it with a schrader-valve gauge. Run around 40 to start with. It will gain 1 psi fuel pressure per every 1 psi boost you run. Works great.

4) Replace fuel pump (swap the duals with a single in-tank on 84 & 85 models...does require better gauge lead wire). Add a 255 into the tank on the '86 models. Installs exactly like the 5.0L setup.

5)Turbocoupe intercooler works very well and drops into stock location.
The response just before boost hits is really improved with this mod.

6)Bump timing to 13-14ยบ or whichever seems to run the best. This procedure is exactly like the 5.0L; just need to disconnect the plug near the TFI (or splice a switch/plug into the 84 & 85 models TFI wire). Do not disconnect the TFI plug as the car won't start.

7)Replace Catalytic converter with a straight-pipe. For offroad driving only of course. This mod makes an unbelievable difference.
If money allows, buy or have made a complete 3" downpipe from the turbo to the exhaust Y (or all the way back). These exhaust mods really free-up the flow and the turbo responds much better.

This stuff is pretty cheap and can get the car into the 13's on a cool night with a little boost thrown at it. Can put around 220hp or so to the tires.
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Old 09-06-2006, 07:08 AM   #2
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Here are some links that may help out also. I'll be putting some more links as I find them again. Lots of information out there.

http://www.turbomustangs.com/turbofaq.php

http://www.msvorinich.itgo.com/

http://rothfam.com/svo/ Got to hunt his site and find some gold.

http://www.student.kun.nl/p.oonincx/Intercooler.html Intercooler pic's

http://members.tripod.com/turboflush_2/cams.htm Cam specs' (caution) Pop ups !
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Last edited by SvoBrown; 09-10-2006 at 02:12 PM.
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Old 11-23-2006, 01:09 PM   #3
shiftless
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Here's my list, in order of importance and "bang for your buck". Detailed instructions for each of these can be found on TurboFord.org:

#1 -- 3" downpipe. Mandrel bent if possible, but crush bent is fine. This makes a HUGE difference. For best results, use with a free flowing (straight through) 3" muffler such as a Magnaflow, Borla XR1, Dynomax, etc. The turbo will spool up a LOT faster and you will gain quite a bit of power.

#2 -- boost controller, such as the one like this (http://www.3barracing.com/product_7.htm) or this (http://www.boostvalve.com). This will greatly improve your spool up time as well and enable you to easily turn up your boost.

#3 -- Disconnect knock sensor. The 2.3's knock sensor has the bad habit of falsely detecting knock and pulling out timing when it shouldn't. Just run good gas and keep your ears open when tuning.

#4 -- Advance initial timing to 12-14*. This must be done with the SPOUT connector (the little plug just off the ignition module) disconnected. If it pings, back it off a hair until it quits pinging.

#5 -- Turn up boost. If you have a non intercooler car, you may be able to run 15 psi or so, maybe a little less, without pinging. Intercooled cars (87-88 TC, SVO) can be safely turned up to 18 psi.

#6 -- Install a front mount intercooler and plumb it in. A good choice for Fox body cars (SVO, T-bird) is the Isuzu NPR intercooler. It will bolt in very easily. Not only will you gain a good bit of power just from the intercooler, you will also be able to turn your boost up for even more power. 87-88 TCs shouldn't exceed 18 psi, but all other cars (with the T3 turbo) can be turned up to 24. Better install some "oh s--t" handles.

Those are the basic ones you can do without much money or a lot of work. If you are handy with a die grinder, here are a few more you can do:

#7 - Port the exhaust manifold. The main area to work on is the plenum where it dumps into the turbo. Hog the s--t out of it, radius the turns, and smooth it out good. There will be noticeable gains in spoolup time and power.

#8 - Gut the upper intake and "knife edge" the lower. By knife edge, I mean smooth it out so that air can flow smoothly into the four individual runners. There will be a slight loss in low end power but big gains in top end power.

Well, there is more you can do. You can port the head, install a good cam, better valve springs, etc. But this list ought to get you started and keep you busy for a while. If you do everything on the list, you will see BIG gains in power, and you don't have to spend much money to do it either.
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Old 02-11-2007, 07:57 PM   #4
MikeSVO
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IMO-

There are only three things you need to really think about -

1) Air (turbo)
2) Fuel (injectors)
3) Controlling air and fuel

Those will determine how much power you will make, and a totally stock longblock will be able to handle enough power to scare most people.

Other things I believe based on what I've seen:

-The VAM pegs by ~4000 RPM, which is scary because...
-...a stock T3 will support 300 whp.
-The stock intercoolers don't flow all that well.
-Money spent on a tuner (doesn't really matter which) and a datalogger with wideband will be the best money you can spend - PERIOD.
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