Is there a way to wake up a Tbird TC
 

I took my '87 Turbo Coupe to the drags to see what she'll do. I could not break 17.0 with 10 passes. Factory says its suppose to be 190 HP. On paper that should be 15s.

Its a five speed, boost goes to 15 PSI (spec), shifted at 5500, compression's in spec, 92 octane, no spinning, doesn't burn oil, mobil 1 oil..... What gives?

The 5.0 guys have tips for the 8-bangers, how 'bout the 4-bangers. Like ign timing, chips, filters, fuel pressure, exhaust, plugs.... anything. I love the car, but...

Try upping the boost to 18psi. It's easy to do. Before that I would get an A/F gauge so that way you can stop the explosion before it happens if you run lean for some reason during high boost. Get a bigger exhaust 3" from downpipe out. This is what I have on my 88TC and runs strong. There are many websites dedicated to the 2.3l, check them out. Also check out a site called Turbo Tek Toys run by Dave Compton. With not much money you can run with the stock 5.0's and still have 4 cyl fuel economy. It just takes a little planning and not leaning out under boost.

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Please - what are these websites? Who makes an A/F guage? Does it just splice into the existing sensor? And how do you "up your boost" to 18 psi? Unlimited boost seems to kick in a spark dropout limiter.
I know cuz my wastegate froze closed - it is now fixed, and no harm done.

I would love to run with the 5.0s.

18psi my butt!! you trying to wear out the turbo.
your 87 2.3T should put out 200hp.

Remove knock sensor, be sure to listen for detonation and use premium gas.
Remove restrictive airbox and put a k&n on or any cone filter.

3" down pipe

port/polish upper/lower air intake manifold
also port don't polish the exhaughst manifold.

get a boost controller you can get these under $100,this will give you higher boost say 16.5-17psi.

engle 55 cam

also go to this site it has tons of info under the FAQ link

www.turboford.org

and also subscribe the mailing list, you want to make a seperate folder for all the turbo mail and be sure to have you mail filters on.

any more questions, just ask.

Brad.

Just a 5.0 guy here, but I have heard chips can boost pressure on these motors and make quite a bit more power. Is this information accurate?

Good idea, but chips don't make the pressure increase, the chip will help by increasing timing and various other aspects. The best way to raise boost is get a boost controller.

Brad.

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Brad
88lx 2.3T soon to have 350hp
www.turboford.org

Thanks Brad -

I've been E-mailing Galiger and he has said the same stuff - 3" downpipe, boost control....

I know that turbo can pump hellatious pressures cuz my wastegate arm froze the gate closed. Seems a spark dropout kicks in when the boost hits 18+. When I fixed it the boost only comes to 15 PSI and is controlled by the the EEC-IV. I am hip about that knock sensor, I've been thinking the boost and ignition timing is held way back below 4000 RPM then comes on, but its too little too late. I have not tried 93 or 94 octane but I will now.

Thanks again.