So yeah. How about THEM apples?

 

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He is...

 

wait i dont get it why didnt you just keep the stock engine?

 

Dollar for dollar, I feel that I am better off with my new driveline. It would of cost me $1400 for just the rebuild kit. With this engine, for $1400, I can be pushing around 350-400 hp. This is a no brainer for me.

Is it the option for everyone.... I don't think so. The Ford 2.3L requries work, but I am comfortable with working on this engine.

ALSO, to be different.

Jesse

 

Cool idea.

Good luck with it.

 

I've thought about doing just this swap. But if i go pistons i want more efficiency than just 20y/o ohc. although i have heard about a $2,000 ford racing head that's sposed to be rediculously fantastic for the 2.3svo. what's the bore and stroke on it?

 

Check out Esslinger Engineering. You can pick up one of their aluminum heads for around 1k. You would be hard pressed to start with as much of a bullet proof block as the 2.3 Ford. It has it's downfalls, but they ALL have been overcome with aftermarket parts.

There are other good options SR20, 4AGE among others. However, look at power per dollar, and you can not beat the 2.3 Ford.

Jesse

 

Funny, I've heard the same thing from all kinds of different people about whatever there favorite eng. happens to be."dollar for dollar nothing beats it" Just the same hope it works out for you.

 

I really cant believe you regged on the club just to say that.

Also, like jess said, bang/buck theres just no competition. Period. As far as efficiency... porting the head or getting the ESSLINGER aluminum head, is all you need, and then some. Its age or the fact that its SOHC doesnt really matter.

The 13b is how old?

 

Is the 2.3 OHV or what? Good lord it's narrow. The only place where it looks tight pressed for room is behind the turbo, but that's about it. How much does that engine weigh?

 

I will be running a mid or front mount header on it sooner than later, so I can get away with a 25G turbo.. (oops, I shouldn't of spilled those beans...) It is SOHC, and of course Over Head Valve.

I will get it on the scales pretty soon, and we can figure it out. It is not light, but about 125-150 lbs lighter than the 302 V8. Once I dump the steel exh manifold, and put on an Al head, that will save about another 100 or so.

Also Ni, I will string it up tomorrow night, and shoot some pics of the centerlines. As I see it, #1 cylinder looks pretty much in line with the hubs... We will see tomorrow.

 

Very neat. I have a 2.3L truck you give me ideas...I can't have ideas floating in my head.

Nice work though

 

Ive seen truck motors converted for turbo applications before... youre gonna want turbo rods/pistons, if not some sportsman rods and some aftermarket pistons too, depending on how much you wanna spend.

At the very least, z-beater, it wouldnt be very expensive! But youd have people talking smack about it being an ancient, 2v, sohc motor and such :P

 

Hmm now I am confident that my next swap Idea will fit. Vauxhal 2.3 slant 4 DOHC FTW 250hp for about 800$ an engine if you can find them.

 

I considered an SR20 turbo swap in there. That engine is way to expensive for me though.

 

Here are some other pics that I just took tonight.

The strings will show the locations of the struts and axle centerlines.

Jesse

 

Damn... Im more and more impressed at how big that engine bay is. BTW, those are the stock vert rims right? Those look slick on a black FC.

Thanks for the pic from the top! Even a rear flanged log header seems to have some room... exhaust should be easy and have plenty of room without having to bang on the firewall. I could probably even fit a holset in there with no problems.

Seems like a little bit of it goes past the front axle... yet I'd swear ive seen v8s that DID fit behind it. Is it just a longer motor or was it just a slight of camera? Its not that big of a deal anyway, Ive still seen LT1s end up tail heavy and Ive yet to see a weighed swap be 'worse' than 53/47, regardless of whats put up front. And we all know Owen's swap doesnt handle bad or understeer, right?

Youve definitely got me motivated, and the install pics finally convinced my friend to do the same swap! Thankyou, again!

 

Any hood clearance problems? It's kind of hard to tell on the angle, but the one shot straight ahead to the nose, looks like it sticks up just a little bit. Hard to tell on the angle though.....and hopefully you will clean that engine bay up a bit...and the engine too?

Looks good though.

 

Ni, look at my posts on the other boards, you will see how far back it really is... About 1/2 way down the center of the first cylinder is the axle line.

Row.... I will try later this week to drop a hood on it. I will post pics then.

Jesse

 

Update.... Hood does not fit... out by at least 1/2 inch. I could just SLAM it, and cut it so it fits... NAH, it's the rare aluminum hood.

Here are some more recent pics.

Jester

 

Grant said the 87-88 short intake would fit. Isn't that one? I guess he meant when its going over the valve cover...

Well, custom intakes from 40bob aint too expensive, or you could just have the pipes going all over and have it going over the intake... do you think it would clear if it was going through where the alternator is?.

 

I don't know. I will do some research, and find out.

 

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And now, we're all left simply wishing you had.

Interesting setup, I'm curious to see how it does.

What does that thing (2.3t) weigh?