New Mustang Owner
 

I just purchased a 1993 2.3 LX. I am trying to find out how to go about getting more power from it. What can I do besides replacing the engine? I am not looking to spend an outrageous amount. But I can manage to aquire things from friends and bartering. Everything is stock.

Short of bolting on a turbocharger, not a lot, without spending some money and doing serious work on that engine. Start with a total tune up and then consider a steeper rear axle ratio for more low-end performance (and a lot more shifting, if it's a 5-speed).
I'm (obviously) a V-8 guy, but realistically the 2.3 was made for economy, it's in a 3200 pound car and it's not going to respond to small modifications, as a 5.0 does. This is why a lot of folks either give up on the 4-cylinder Mustangs, or end up putting a 5.0 in there. I would do the best you can with what you have and try to be content with that, or consider an engine change or a turbocharger set-up, which is expensive. Nitrous is a quick-fix to the performance problem...but even a small shot will probably destroy the head gasket and only yield 16-second quarter mile et's. The 2.3 simply is what it is. A low-powered, gas-saving engine, meant for mundane duties, not high performance.

How much are we talking about to put in a 5.0?

If you're gonna drop another powerplant in your 'stang why stop with a 5.0? If you can locate a 351 or a 390 it will drop in there just as easily. Granted, you might have to rework the springs to be able to bear the added weight without dragging your oil pan, but you will be happy with the end result. Anything is better than the 4-banger gerbil engine.

for four cylinder build-up, get a catalog from www.eslingeracing.com or racerwalsh.com both companies specialize in 2.3 litre engines. eslinger is up to 350hp.