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Topic: Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8???????? (Read 9630 times) previous topic - next topic

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

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!!!

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #1 –
Don't choose based on a handling difference since the engine weights are closer than you'd think.

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #2 –
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
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #3 –
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.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #4 –
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...

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #5 –
No replacement for displacement.  V8 FTW

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #6 –
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.
93 Festiva L, 193k miles, BP+T/G25MR swap, T3 50trim .48/.42, SRT FMIC, Capri electronics/Rocketchip, 2.5" exhaust
bests: ET 12.86, MPH 110.25, 1.92 short
02 Subaru Impreza WRX, 129k miles
97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, 236k miles

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #7 –
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:
...and there was light!

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #8 –
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.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #9 –
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?
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #10 –
hehehe I have a 460 in my '76 Elite :) It almost went into my 86 Thunderbird

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Eliminator;323885
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!!!
...and there was light!

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #12 –
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

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #13 –
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


Alan Mackin--Semi Professional Ford der
83 T-Bird 460
83 T-Bird Heritage 5.0
84 T-Bird 5.0
86 T-Bird Turbo Coupe NHRA Stocker & Super Stocker
87 T-Bird Turbo Coupe
88 Bronco II Drag truck 302
95 Mustang GT auto
2004 F-350 CC Dually V-10

Frickity Frak! Turbo 4 or V8????????

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Eliminator;323887
A friend suggested a 4.0L V6 out of an Explorer or Ranger (OHV not SOHC) which is basically the esshag V6 anyways.


the 4.0 is a cologne, not an esshag
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Cologne_V6_engine
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!