Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88 (Read 1879 times) previous topic - next topic

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

i have the motor out of my 86 and one out of an 88.
im going to use the wc 5speed w/ my cable bellhousing.
what motor should i use?
whatever one i use will be rebuilt i was just wondering if one is beter than the next?
i understand that the la3 (i think) computer from the newer one is better along with the VAM?
if i swap the entire computer will i run into trouble with any of the wiring or sensors?  what about alternator?
anything else i should be thinking about?
84 TC - under contruction
2018 F150 2.7 4x4 STX
98 F-150 XLT - 4.6, auto, 4x4, extended cab

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #1 –
im at the stage now where im going to be swapping the new computer in  i need some help though im not sure what i should use.
84 TC - under contruction
2018 F150 2.7 4x4 STX
98 F-150 XLT - 4.6, auto, 4x4, extended cab

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #2 –
If you've already got it, use the LA3 and large VAM, with the browntop injectors.
There's no difference between the motors. Have the blocks checked for proper cylinder wall thickness before you bore it. Use which ever one will have the thickest walls after boring.
      Also, affordable pistons are tough to find. Federal Mogul's dished forged turbo piston has been on backorder forever, with no commitment as to when or IF they'll start making them again. You could always buy the flattop forged piston and have a dish milled in the top. That is the option I'm using. Your other popular options are Diamond or CP.
88 TC 5speed, 168000+ miles, stock 2.3T long block, ported RFE6 exhaust, Evergreen T3 running 15#'s.
Up next: FMIC, fresh air intake, ported intakes, ported big valve head.

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #3 –
Shouldn't a guy go with the 88 intake manifolds and throttle body as well?

Scott
1980 birds X 3, 1982 bird, 1984 XR7, 1988 TC

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #4 –
An 86 should already have the "4square" intake setup on it. And the throttle bodies are identical.
88 TC 5speed, 168000+ miles, stock 2.3T long block, ported RFE6 exhaust, Evergreen T3 running 15#'s.
Up next: FMIC, fresh air intake, ported intakes, ported big valve head.

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #5 –
The engines themselves are the same aside from the turbo and the intercooler.

Using the LA3 ECU will require you to repin the connector at the computer.  The L-series pin locations are not quite the same as those in the earlier (P,Z  and T series) ECU's.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #6 –
i want to use the newer wiring along with the compter is that more work than its worth?
84 TC - under contruction
2018 F150 2.7 4x4 STX
98 F-150 XLT - 4.6, auto, 4x4, extended cab

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #7 –
Trying to use an 87/88 harness in an 86 isn't worth the hassle.
88 TC 5speed, 168000+ miles, stock 2.3T long block, ported RFE6 exhaust, Evergreen T3 running 15#'s.
Up next: FMIC, fresh air intake, ported intakes, ported big valve head.

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #8 –
Quote from: croga001;314380
i want to use the newer wiring along with the compter is that more work than its worth?


Yes, just do some digging for repinning procedure and reuse the 86 harness.

You can find the info at Turboford or NATO.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #9 –
here may be the ine rewire info your looking for....
this is for a Merkur, but the TC also used the PK ECU

http://www.ptaaron.com/la3/
1985 TC (yet another one) Fully loaded
has 225k mile  still with the factory head gasket






84  Turbo ranger  Daily driver  ($800.00 Ebay deal)
          volvo FMIC and more getto rigging than the law should allow

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #10 –
can i use the 88 motor with the 86 harness thats in the car?
84 TC - under contruction
2018 F150 2.7 4x4 STX
98 F-150 XLT - 4.6, auto, 4x4, extended cab

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #11 –
Yes, the 86 and 88 motors are the same engines.
88 TC 5speed, 168000+ miles, stock 2.3T long block, ported RFE6 exhaust, Evergreen T3 running 15#'s.
Up next: FMIC, fresh air intake, ported intakes, ported big valve head.

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #12 –
the only diffrence is the upper intakes, the 86 has the Tall "butt crack" upper to clear the taller VC.. the 87/88 have the short upper intake with the DIP VC

also the 87/88 intake have an exta sensor needed to run the 87/88 ECU and large VAM
run whicever engine is in better shape
 Use the 87/88 intakes. with the 86 harness ( do the rewire for the 87/88 ecu) and you should be fine
1985 TC (yet another one) Fully loaded
has 225k mile  still with the factory head gasket






84  Turbo ranger  Daily driver  ($800.00 Ebay deal)
          volvo FMIC and more getto rigging than the law should allow

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #13 –
ok sounds good thats what i needed
84 TC - under contruction
2018 F150 2.7 4x4 STX
98 F-150 XLT - 4.6, auto, 4x4, extended cab

what 2.3 to use 86 v.s 88

Reply #14 –
good luck on it!!
1985 TC (yet another one) Fully loaded
has 225k mile  still with the factory head gasket






84  Turbo ranger  Daily driver  ($800.00 Ebay deal)
          volvo FMIC and more getto rigging than the law should allow