The problem with these forums is to much info scattered around....but its all good info. So Im trusting my Fox-bodied bretherin to help me with their first hand practical knowledge on my latest dillema. I have my 1988 Cougar LS. It had a 3.8L V6 in it. Im trying to decide whether to put a 5.0L MpFI V8 in it (which I have) or install a 2.3L I4 Turbo. Handling of course would be improved with the 4, torque with the V8. I went to hell and back pumping out 220+ bhp out of my turbo Lebaron (which was fun) but Im just wondering for ease of installation and parts availability, should I just put in the V8? I can get a turbo4 and 5 speed out of an 83-84 ish TC for $500 near me. Or I can just ravage my 1988 XR7... Johnny 5 needs INPUT INPUT INPUT!!!
Don't choose based on a handling difference since the engine weights are closer than you'd think.
If you're going to use the 2.3, I may suggest upgrading it to '88 specs, intercooler, TC hood, and all...just my thoughts.
For instant flat right foots and big grins, I'd go with the V8, for something a little different, I'd try the 2.3
My next car will be a 2.3 beast, but I'm not trying to influence you, just pointing out what you (should) already know. In the end, the choice is up to you, and I would base it on what parts are more available.
Say for example...an '88 5.0 engine harness from a Tbird/Cougar.
They're pretty hard to find nowadays, and I doubt you'll have one for much less than 100-150 bucks. If you have one already...well...;)
Tough decision, ain't it? :D
V-8. You'll hear opinions for both,and good reasons for both.So,in the end,it ends up a decision only you can make.I say a V-8 because parts are everywhere,cheap,and very accessible almost anywhere.Yes,there's a few specific parts you'll need...harnesses,motor mounts,etc.But,with the 4,the same holds true....harnesses,motor mounts,etc. You already have the 5.0 engine as a foundation to build on,so,you're already on the way.Go with the 5.0.
If you're talking a std 5.0 from another Fox Coug/Bird(NOT HO) I'd go with the 2.3T... If you are talking HO 5.0, I'd give it a edge but slightly modified, the 2.3T will respond better... If you are talking a built 5.0 with good cam, aluminum heads, etc, AFAIC the 2.3T ain't even in the picture...
No replacement for displacement. V8 FTW
Well everyone does V8's in 87-88 cougs. A 2.3 would be pretty original and different.
And 200whp/300wtq is really really cheap and easy to get out of a 2.3. 300whp isnt much more.
What's your goals? Is it going to be a DD?
Personally I see no advantage to putting a regular 5.0 in it. Yes they are decent reliable engines. But there performance and mileage are nothing impressive.
I don't know if you'll notice any difference in handling, the 5.0 bird I had seemed to handle as well as my TCs.
The 2.3T will be a little lighter, get better mileage, and outperform a stock 5.0 that came in these birds. And besides the grin that will be on your face when the boost kicks in will be the best part.
But that is just my opinion. :burnout:
just curious here, but better mileage how? I cant get 30+ on the freeway out of mine. Several time I got over 19 city doing pizza delivery. Ans the 2.3 was only 150hp in all but 87-88, which makes them the same as an 86-88 stock 5.0 s.o. Just less torque. I think the 5.0 is a hard engine to kill and will run as long as you take care of it, and even when you don't, and the same probably goes for the 2.3. But if your swaping in a 5.0, go for an H.O., then the choice is pretty one sided.
Is the V6 K-member the same as the 5.0/2.3? (I don't know so I'm asking.)
IMO, I think a 2.3 is a little small your car as a city daily driver and a 5.0 will be "easier" to live with on a daily basis.
Like someone already asked, what do you want to do with the car? Have you considered a mild turbo set-up for the V6?
hehehe I have a 460 in my '76 Elite :) It almost went into my 86 Thunderbird
I've got a DOVE 460 sitting on the stand waiting to go in something and I have a '87 TC with the engine out of it. It sure is tempting!!!
Well, like I said. I already have a 1988 Mercury Cougar XR7. Its not in as good a shape as the body of my 88 LS is. I bought the LS with no engine or tranny. Its going to be a weekend car play toy etc. A friend suggested a 4.0L V6 out of an Explorer or Ranger (OHV not SOHC) which is basically the esshag V6 anyways. Id hate to take all the performance parts from the beat up XR7 and put em on the LS. I think Im going to go with a modified 5.0L V8 and a 5 speed. The Lincoln Mark VIII Dohc set up was thought about but I am not a fan of the 4R70W
Eliminator:
a H.O. 5.0 would seem a better choice.
As for the 460 suggestions...you don't want all that torque of a big block in a light Fox Body....lol ;)
Ask me how I know :D
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s3/83-88T-BirdGuy/New460incar2.jpg)
the 4.0 is a cologne, not an esshag
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Cologne_V6_engine
yep. Go big.... I was going to go a 460 but I went a fuelie 5.8L swap. I still want to do the big block swap some day....But the 5.8L is soooooo much fun right now.
Or try a 4.2L out of a truck for a 3.8L swap? I think I saw someone do that swap before
This guy had a 3.8 cougar and went the 2.3t route. He said it was his daily and didn't want to modify it too much. He had an SVO that was mostly stock running in the 12's.
http://www.streetfire.net/video/turbo-cougar-vs-2005-stang-gt-5-sp_150789.htm
http://www.streetfire.net/video/87-cougar-turbo-23t-vs-03-mach-i-stock-mach_117724.htm
http://www.streetfire.net/video/87-cougar-23-t-5-sp-swap-stock-motor-turbo-sto_134888.htm
Makes me want to swap just listening to the turbo and open exhaust (against the Mach).
Make a turbo V8. Problem solved!
NICE! An old incon twin turbo 351w. Oh baby. Still call it a turbo coupe.
I've seen many stock TC's running the same 1/4 mi times as stock SO 5.0 birds. I've even seen modded TC's running mid-16's. Both SO and HO 5.0's can turn some really good MPG numbers with the right gear and driving style. Plus they're a bit more reliable and much cheaper to mod and maintain.
I say 351w FTW!
Good luck
-Don
You definitely want the SOHC if you were to go that route. I have the OHV in my explorer and it is an absolute turd. 160 hp, 225 tq. It will get out of its own way up to 30 mph, but otherwise, forget about it.
The SOHC explorer motor has 205 horsepower (5 less than the 5.0) and it's faster than the 5.0 explorer. That's stock, mind you.
Agreed. Or just stroke the current 3.8L to 4.0L. I'm not sure what would be needed for the Fox cars to make the swap, but the MN-12 cars have lists available on the interweb.
Gumby is right ( I had a duh moment) the Cologne V6 is even worse than the Esshag. I pretty much made up my mind. Turbo 4 5 speed. My buddy really knows how to extract power from the 2.3 (he said 500, I said um NO). Thanx for the input. I did like the Turbo V8 suggestion :)
All this engine talk excites me... :burnout:
Tmi, wd t m i!! Lol
:burnout:
muahahaha, now that you've joined us, there's no escape!
lol ive joind ya and now leaving with 351 power lol.
I bought an 87 TC to strip out and put into the 88 LS
Here you go:
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/thundr306/87%20turbo%20coupe/DSC03403.jpg)
I went 351w and never looked back. The thought of a turbo on the big small block....Oh yeah!!!!