Ford Thunderbird 2.3L Turbo Coupe, Engine Build, Project Introduction

I take on a friends stalled 2.3L turbocharged engine project from his 1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. This video is a formal introduction, backstory and some initial teardown as I delve into this project with gusto.

[@danbanks7930]

I had one of those in an 86 and the Achilles heel of those cars was there computer module that ran everything and when that thing burned out your car didn't go anymore and nobody could get those anymore the cars were considered Obsolete and you couldn't even find them in junk yards and this is before the internet where you didn't know people that you could send them to to get them rebuilt or anything like that sure nowadays you could probably find some aftermarket part but back then it was you have to go to a complete racing ignition or something... that's what very difficult happened to the car I had I tried several computers from different junkyards and none of them worked in the car never ran again.. I've seen a few people use those motors for project cars for college programs in like mechanics and things they're putting those Motors in pinto Pinto bodies and then there were a whole section of people that are used that motor in boat racing and I found several aftermarket racing part so you can get like aluminum flywheels and roller cans and stuff from a company called at Slinger out of California somewhere they have a catalog with but a lot of stuff they sell the boat Racers is a pole series of boats that use that turbo engine for racing

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Those projects always seem great until you have to find parts.... sucks that nobody makes replacement parts for that stuff. Would be a great engine if you had the parts.

[@johnmcmullen456]

I also quickly destroyed one of those aftermarket bushings for installing a V8 T5 on the 2.3. After that, I just turned down the T5 input shaft to the size of the 4 cylinder version to use the stock 2.3 input shaft bearing, no more problems. Also, for anyone thinking about using a V8 T5 with a 2.3, a switch to a 4.10 ring & pinion should be mandatory.

[@claycoates5056]

no it is not needed it is surprising how much power one of these has they are fun to drive and the little four is just that

[@someguyto4675]

Im planning on swapping an a4ld auto to a T5. Will the same crossmember for a a4ld automatic work for a T5? I know the bushings appear to be shorter.

[@johnmcmullen456]

​@@someguyto4675Not sure about reusing your old one, but a seller on Ebay is currently advertising a T5 model for $25 plus $20 shipping. Maybe you could do even better at a local salvage yard.

[@richtruesdel4477]

Very nice combo there, doing the same swap into a 72 Pinto Runabout. Thanks for the info, cant wait to see more! My garage is worse.

[@dannystephens7246]

I wonder if one of those would fit in my 1997 Ford ranger XLT. The 2.3 in my truck is a gutless wonder!

[@hauldr]

i have a 94 ranger with the 88 turbo coupe engine and transmission in it this exact build so that answer is most likely yes

[@Hoppysjunkyardrally]

Absolutely will fit! I have one in my 88 ranger.

[@serich9722]

Nice Video. I had a 87 Turbo Coupe back in the day. Nice car!

[@johnhickman106]

Woah, 2 videos in just over 24 hours. Nice work Mike!

[@whitelx]

Some nice parts there. It's going to run good when it's back together.

[@markmccarty9793]

Sell the 2300 and the dinky tyranny and drop a Windsor with a world class t5! It'll be awesome! Did that with my dad's turbo coupe! They hook much better than a fox Mustang, and Noone was the wiser with that mild cam! It's was awesome! Maybe next time I run across one a turbo Windsor with my tci c4??

[@user-xb5zs2gr4h]

❤😂😢😮😅😊😊😊😊😊😊 what do you think the horsepower will be? It’ll be nice. I can’t wait to see it in the car or Mustang or the Teebird whatever which one you do.

[@fw1421]

Boy,and I thought I was sloppy.

[@user-xb5zs2gr4h]

❤😂😂😢😢😮😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😊😊 that turbo 2300 is gonna rip. I can’t wait to see that sucker in whatever he’s gonna put it in a tea Bird or a fox Barney. I think it’s gonna be fast and it’s gonna kick ass and take names Chevy and Dodge and spit out on the tailpipe.

[@expels]

Make some power with it

[@WslowdownM]

You dropped something into the bottom of the block at the end of this video.

[@Mike-FoxsAbroad]

It was the light diffuser from the LED light on my camera.

[@WslowdownM]

@@Mike-FoxsAbroad I couldn't tell, figured you know it was there. You just made no mention of it in the video. Thanks.

[@phillskaggs2558]

Terribly embarrassing, but that's my mess. LOL

[@dougmarthaler3066]

That V8 trans is geared completely wrong for a 4 cylinder. Use a "World Class" T5 from a Turbo Coupe or SVO to get proper ratios. Just a good as that V8 trans. Plus no need for all that adaptor paraphernalia...!

[@rorymerke6659]

its mainly about the clutch size!