I was wondering if any one has owned and or driven both a 302 V8 and a 2.3 turbo pinto (street cars) and if so which was more enjoyable in all aspects. I know I am trying to compare apples to oranges but I love the sound of the V8 but a 2.3 turbo makes for a great sleeper. I presently run a 2.0 (150hp) in my wagon.
Hi 72 Wagon: I have a 1971 V8 Pinto- 289(365 hp); C4:9" rear with 4:11 posi. Suspension upgrades, Weld rims, upgraded interior. My previous Pinto was a 1972 with a 1984 Mustang SVO 2.3 turbo/intercooled engine making around 175 hp. Had a T5-5 speed; 9"rear with 3:73(?) gears and posi. The 72's previous life was an SCCA race car so the car handled super- had many suspension udgrades. Wicked fast when to turbo kicked in. HOWEVER, there is nothing like the sound and power of a Ford smallblock. My 71 is super fast in a straight line, but you must be really careful or the trunk will be in front of you in a heartbeat. I don't drag race the car but have surprised many hot Hondas, V8 Mustangs and Camaros at stop light runs. Both cars are super, I guess it's a matter of personal preference. Joe
If the sleeper aspect coupled with pure acceleration is what appeals to you, the small block Ford would most likely make you happier, as it is MUCH easier on you (the total cost of parts/maintenence, etc.) and using even the most basic stock small block engines (in 289/302 and 5.0L versions) to be able to get an instantly available, massive low end torque increase over the 2.3, even the turbo version. And yet still be very quiet while doing it. Sort of like, "What just happened, he sucked my doors off and I didn't even hear it?" It's all about the power to weight ratio of the vehicle, and with a street car, driving on the street, acceleration mostly comes from torque, as most people don't drive around at 4,000+ rpm on the street. (t least not for long before the blue lights stop them, either for noise or speed.)
For a torque vs rpm ref comparison, the stock '87 5.0L engine in my Vic already makes its rated 270-280 #ft. of torque way down at 2000 rpm. and the hp is (only)
rated 160!! hp., but getting up there by 3200-3400rpm.
Personally, with it's factory stock duals and stock 3.55 posi., and compared to other higher power rated engines that I've had in the past in similar weight vehicles, I think that both the ratings are probably significantly understated. (Ford and the other Big Three automakers used to routinely do this on ALL their V-8's in years past, to placate the insurance companies. Based on vehicle mileage vs hp ratings for lighter cars with
smaller but higher hp rated engines, I suspect the practice continues.)
According to the SAME references that I'm looking at here, the 1984 SVO 2.3 turbo engine is rated at 210 #ft of torque at 3000 rpm and 175hp at 4400 rpm.
Interestingly enough, (and in case it's a consideration for you), in the real world of typical street and highway driving, repeated tests have shown that using the SAME lightweight unmodified street car, using both a low stressed low end torquer V-8, and and a higher stressed, higher rpm turbo or naturally aspirated I-4, can achieve similar fuel mileage, with the V-8 actually getting BETTER highway mileage as it's able to efficiently work with a much lower numerical ratio final drive at typical highway speeds.
As the comparison vehicles' weight INCREASES, the engines' torque becomes even more important and at highway speeds, the fuel mileage disparity increases. That's why the 80,000# semi tractor/trailers (think of that as being about 25-30 Pintos!) can still get as high as 7- 8mpg, while using engines that are usually "only" rated somewhere around 4-600 hp. as a maximum. Their torque ratings are much higher than in comparable hp car engines.
Thanks guys. I have been leaning towards the V8 but wanted some input with experience. I know what you mean buy the torque comparison my motorhome has a 454 not much hp but plenty of low end torque.
I have had both and can tell you they are both real fun. The biggest problem with the V8 is its nose heavy(er) and handling is a bit different than a 2.3 and with the V8s extra torque its hard(er) to keep the rear end planted. That said, go with what you "really want most" chances are you will build both cars at some point ( Its a sickness....... :o )