PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: kartracer28 on March 30, 2014, 10:45:55 AM
-
I have several 2.3 heads how can I tell if they are standard or the Turbo head. What is the difference?
-
I have several 2.3 heads how can I tell if they are standard or the Turbo head. What is the difference?
Turbo heads use a D shaped combustion chamber and d shaped intake runners. Older pinto 2.3 heads use D shaped chambers but use a oval port intake runner but they can still work just fine for a turbo motor.
Stay away from the 2.3 heads with heart shaped combustion chambers unless you plan on having the heart shaped ported out to increase the cc of the chambers atleast on a turbo motor.
-
I'll add that if you are not running a turbo, the head (turbo) is a detriment. It will lower the compression ratio and thus lower performance and mileage. Otherwise, as BT said you need turbo head with a turbo to prevent detonation.
-
Well thank you! now I know I have 1 complete turbo head that came on a complete motor(less turbo) that I picked up on here. I might be interested in selling. In your opinion what is that worth? Its missing intake and distributor.
-
Pick A Part type yards get about $250 for what THEY call a complete motor. There is a $65 core charge plus their other fees and taxes. Out the door it is probably $350-ish. That said, they have 50% off sales (that aren't really 50% off). But that would be about $225 I'm estimating for a complete.
Back to "regular prices." You are missing the turbo ($89), intake - probably injectors too $60 and distributor ($35). That gets your block/head" down in the $200 price range. The other issue is, is it a real turbo block??? The main difference is the turbo drain hole in the side of the block and it has forged pistons.
Frankly, unless someone already has a turbo setup and is just looking for a block/head replacement they prefer a complete "pull" because there are 101 little "this and that's" required for an engine swap to a turbo. Buying a complete Turbo Coupe nets them all that stated plus a wire harness, computer, VAM. I did my swap from an '88 TC and it was SO nice to have the complete car.
For integrity make sure you know what your selling. Then all the best in getting a decent return.
-
One possible issue to bear in mind is that most turbo heads are cracked by now. It's usually a good idea to have one checked for cracks by a machine shop before shelling out any cash.