I've been throwing around the idea of swapping out the old 2.3 in my Pinto for a 2.8 and need a few answers.
The 2.3 is slowly dying, oil pressure doesn't rise above 35, it burns oil and has little power these days. That's one car that has been my daily driver for over three years now and gave me no problems other than vapor lock and one blown head gasket.
First I'd like to know is it even worth the effort? I have a good 2.8 from a MII parts car and 4 spd bell but I'd still need to buy a flywheel, clutch and transmission (would the 2.3 trans or clutch assembly fit the 2.8?)
Or would I be better off just finding another 2.3 and just bolting it up? I want a little more power (No v8 though, got a two hour drive to work every day, also a 2.3 turbo seems to be valued close to gold these days) but I' not so sure a 2.8 would be much better than a late model N/A 2.3.
I do know the 90 mustang 2.3 I installed in my 74 Stang can get up to 50 mph in second gear up hill with no trouble (probably more but I don't like revving past 4500 rpm). But its a real slug from light to light.
So in a nutshell would it be more beneficial and cost effective to look for a 2.3 or find a trans and clutch parts for a 2.8?
Keep in mind I'm married now so I don't have much time and money to spend on my cars lol.
Thanks!
Well since no one else replied I'll throw in my .02! ;D
Personally I would keep the 2.3. The v6 doesn't offer very much (if any) HP gain, and the extra weight probably uses that up. The 2.3's are dang near bullet proof, and with a little tuning offer good HP and economy to boot. The 90 version that you put in your stang is a good choice because of the roller cam.
However....you already have a good 2.8, soooo :-\ !!
Depending on what you have to aquire to put it in, I'm not sure about the clutch and trans, (do they use a 23 spline clutch anyone?) If your clutch and trans fit then you are looking at a cheap swap. A 2.8 with a good 350 Holley, good tune-up and duel exhaust sounds sweet! Gas mileage, ummmm so-so.
So it comes down to this: fork out the cash for a late model 2.3 (and maybe sell the 2.8 stuff and recover the money) and you have a direct bolt-in.
Or, figure out everything you need for the swap and the cost, and do a swap that will involve things like wiring, motor mounts, radiator ect.
Tough call!! But for power and economy, a roller cam 2.3 with a good carb, (or even a 350-direct bolt on) a header, cam timing set perfectly (or 2* advanced-see cam timing 101) and it will turn 7000 all day long without a whimper. Gas mileage? That depends on if you can keep your foot out of it!!!
After a blown head gasket Friday evening, ideas have changed to things I need to do.
I've found a 2.3 from a 92 Mustang (complete with the computer) with a T5 for a fair price so my options may have changed a little.
Since it has a dual plug head I will either use my old head or swap to EFI but I'll have to find a harness first.
I will either swap the trans with the T5 or keep the 4 speed.
So now my question would be, What would I need to do to swap out the old trans for a T5? Are the yokes the same or does it take a c4 yoke? Will I have to change my driveshaft length? Can I still use my old clutch cable setup?
Drive shaft might be the same length but the clutch cable is different.
I have some pics posted at www.joe-escobar.com/pinto.html. If you scroll to the bottom, there is some stuff about my clutch cable conversion to a T-5. Works fine to this day.
I would stay with the 2.3 just because the car already has it...why go thru the headache of all that work to swap something in that's not already there? As far as HP gains a lot can be done to the 2.3 to get the same if not more than what the 2.8 would put out.
I agree with RSM. The 2.3 is pretty buildable. You could still add the T-5 though. It added some nice mileage to mine.
Joe
Joe is right! I plan to put a T5 behind my stock 2.3. The only engine changes I have done is removing the EGR valve and swapped the camshaft out for a roller setup to minimize valve train wear. As for the rest of the car, I have the original 4spd transmission still on the car with a 3.40 geared rear axle.
I find myself shifting three times before I get completely through a large intersection! a 5 speed is a must with the current geared rear axle.
The car has a very noticeable and nice acceleration now, I just don't drive it on the freeway much since it revs up to 3700 RPM going 65 MPH! :hypno:
I have a 2.3 with the T-5 and an 8 inch with 3.55 rear end gears. Haven't put a tach on it yet, but I know the cruising rpm is much better than before. Here in Northern California, 75-80mph can be normal on the freeways, and with the old 4 speed the engine would be screaming. I remember my first Pinto in 1973 tach'd at 3500 rpm at 70mph
Joe
Well Joe, it looks like I'm driving your car with a stock 4spd (and slightly higher gears in the axle)
Quote from: dave1987 on January 03, 2011, 09:27:11 PMI have the original 4spd transmission still on the car with a 3.40 geared rear axle.
I find myself shifting three times before I get completely through a large intersection! a 5 speed is a must with the current geared rear axle.
The car has a very noticeable and nice acceleration now, I just don't drive it on the freeway much since it revs up to 3700 RPM going 65 MPH! :hypno:
I'm planning to replace my 6 3/4" rear 2.77 gears with an 8" 3.42 gears but I'm also swapping on 225/60/15 rear rubber. The tire height change will effectively turn the 3.42 into a 2.80 roughly which will put the cruise RPM near stock for the 2300.