Resurrecting Darkthunder February 04, 2007, 08:11:28 PM Some of you may have known about the 351w powered TC I had planned on trading up my 87TC for. Well me and my fiance decided to buy a house and I had to cancel the trade. I was pretty bummed out about it as I truly had my heart set on that ride. It is clean and practically rust free. Whoever gets it is a lucky chap. But anyways, once the house is secured, I "plan" on purchasing another DD. I've got my eyes set on a 90ish Grand Prix.... but who knows. I do know it won't be another Fox. I just CANNOT control the urge to modify. I've tried... I can't. Sometimes I feel like I need treatment, lol. This brings us to my current 87TC. It is not rust-free by any means and one day it will be crushed. Which brings us to darkthunder. Eventually I will set up a savings account specifically to fund Project Darkthunder. But I am having a hard time deciding which direction to take DT. Suspension wise I've got that locked down (in my head at least). Basically a carbon-copy of dogcharmer's front end, and in the rear a MM 3-link setup. My problem is with the engine. Currently there is a carb'd 302 in the engine bay that was installed when I purchased it. Ran great up until I lost #1 cylinder and was forced to park it. I am looking for about 350 to 400hp street/race/showcar. Strictly a fun car. I may drive it to work "maybe" once a year. Originally I wanted a 4.6 DOHC TT setup, but that is well out of my realistic budget and HP range. Then there was the 427 stroker idea, but again out of HP range and budget. So here is what I narrowed it down to.darkthunder v2.32.3t with Aluminum Head T3/T4 HybridTubular HeaderFMICEEC Mods or StandaloneSupporting Hardwaredarkthunder v5.0Mustang H.O. Engine w/EFI SetupAluminum Heads347 Stroker KitEEC ModsSupporting HardwareI am leaning heavily towards the 2.3t, but there's that part of me deep down inside that wants that beloved V8 exhaust note. But the 5.0 conversion will be more expensive as I already have a head start on the 2.3t stuff. And since this won't be my daily, I'm not all that concerned with low-end torque streetablity. Also I am looking to achieve 50-50 weight bias (or as close as possible) so the the 2.3t scores another point there. But the 5.0 is a whole lot simpler and is the "road more traveled" so to speak. Parts are readily available as the 5.0 aftermarket makes the 2.3 look like it doesn't exist. Being different is cool, but when something breaks... especially when it's custom, or sold by one or two vendors, it can be more of a burden. But since it's not my daily that really shouldn't be a problem, but something to consider.Yes I know there's been a ton of threads out there with the very same topic and this is partially subjective. I'm just interested in hearing opinions.And with all of that said, which would "you" choose? Thanks. Reference Material[Engine Weights][2.3 Cylinder Head Weight][Esslinger Info][306 vs 347 Comparison] Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #1 – February 04, 2007, 08:33:16 PM I'd say roll with wutcha got.stick to the 347 in DT. Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #3 – February 04, 2007, 08:47:22 PM Antonio, being different is good and all but sometimes tried and true is the key to happiness. I would go with a fuel injected 302 block based engine. This is what I chose for my 88 TC, EFI 302. Whatever you do, put a 5 speed behind it! Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #4 – February 04, 2007, 09:04:24 PM i say stick with the v8, not much of 4 cyl fan. Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #5 – February 04, 2007, 09:11:45 PM how about a carburated 4.6 markVIII engine? theres lost of aftermarket stuff available to get that horse power cheap Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #6 – February 04, 2007, 09:14:14 PM , no love for the 2.3T. Oh well. Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #7 – February 04, 2007, 10:23:48 PM i love v8's but i love the fact that the 2.3t is so underestimated, for the power they can push, hence why i want to put one in a ranger, instead of a v8 swap Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #8 – February 04, 2007, 10:31:56 PM I like the carbed 4.6 idea. I spotted one in the local trading post that had the trans, harness, and ECM for $600. Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #9 – February 04, 2007, 10:47:56 PM 2.3 THAT BEAST! Be different! Heck, check out SLEEPERS currnt build, and that would be enough encouragement for me to build (if i had a bay that needed an engine). And, call me crazy, but I like the sound of a 2.3T better anyways (clearly an oppinion), v8's sound awsome as well. What edzactly do you mean by having a "headstart on the 2.3T stuff"? That could be a very could factore in your decision...Frank M.btw, that 85 is a sweet looking car!! Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #10 – February 04, 2007, 10:50:42 PM 2.3 THAT BEAST! Be different! Heck, check out SLEEPERS currnt build, and that would be enough encouragement for me to build (if i had a bay that needed an engine). And, call me crazy, but I like the sound of a 2.3T better anyways (clearly an oppinion), v8's sound awsome as well. What edzactly do you mean by having a "headstart on the 2.3T stuff"? That could be a very good/big factore in your decision...Frank M.btw, that 85 is a sweet looking car!! Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #11 – February 04, 2007, 10:50:53 PM 351 5-Speed or 2.3T. The 2.3 will be a LOT more tempermental though, ask me how I know. Stay away from a n/a 4.6 for all you're worth. And even if you have the $$$ for a boosted one, go for a blown 302/347 or 351/408 instead... Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #12 – February 04, 2007, 10:50:54 PM hes got another t/c thats rotted, i guess he'll steal its motor, and send it on its way. Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #13 – February 04, 2007, 10:52:25 PM just how tempermental are the 2.3's to build? Quote Selected
Resurrecting Darkthunder Reply #14 – February 04, 2007, 11:29:21 PM 2.3T More gratification , more milage , just plain fun. ;) Quote Selected
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