Turbo pinto 2.3 in a CJ3B

[DavidF]

Thunderbird turbocoupe 2.3 actually.
I was relatively happy with my 2.3 swap, but the lack of power really showed itself on my trip to the mountains last summer. Had a week off work so I decided to swap in the turbo long block I had.
You really should use a turbo engine, they have forged pistons, lower compression heads, and an oil drain in the block.
Aftermarket header was used, stock location put the turbo into the firewall. It’s still a tight fit, especially since I decided to run 3” exhaust. Apparently the less back pressure the better for turbos.
I’m using an ihi turbo from an 87 turbocoupe, they come on at lower rpms than the alternative, however they run out of steam around 4500 rpm. Shouldn’t be an issue for me.
I’m also using an intercooler from the turbocoupe, although that added a set of challenges. It’s a tight fit under the hood.
I’m fueling it with the tbi Holley sniper 2300 that I had on before, it’s not designed for blow through but can be made to work, at least up to 10-14 lbs of boost. I’m limiting my boost to 10 psi. This should give me around 150-170 hp at the wheels, enough to maintain speed on the hills anyway.
( previous projects have been upgraded brakes)
If anybody is interested or have any questions feel free to ask.
Couple pics here: https://imgur.com/a/waRRnaz

[Rus Curtis]

Thunderbird turbocoupe 2.3 actually.
I was relatively happy with my 2.3 swap, but the lack of power really showed itself on my trip to the mountains last summer. Had a week off work so I decided to swap in the turbo long block I had.
You really should use a turbo engine, they have forged pistons, lower compression heads, and an oil drain in the block.
Aftermarket header was used, stock location put the turbo into the firewall. It’s still a tight fit, especially since I decided to run 3” exhaust. Apparently the less back pressure the better for turbos.
I’m using an ihi turbo from an 87 turbocoupe, they come on at lower rpms than the alternative, however they run out of steam around 4500 rpm. Shouldn’t be an issue for me.
I’m also using an intercooler from the turbocoupe, although that added a set of challenges. It’s a tight fit under the hood.
I’m fueling it with the tbi Holley sniper 2300 that I had on before, it’s not designed for blow through but can be made to work, at least up to 10-14 lbs of boost. I’m limiting my boost to 10 psi. This should give me around 150-170 hp at the wheels, enough to maintain speed on the hills anyway.
( previous projects have been upgraded brakes)
If anybody is interested or have any questions feel free to ask.
Couple pics here: https://imgur.com/a/waRRnaz

That's impressive work!

[OnlyOneDR]

That's impressive work!

Agreed!  Working with pipe can be so time consuming.  You should take it to a dyno when you are finished.

[DavidF]

Thanks, I actually used to be a pipe welder and fitter, can’t do that anymore. I don’t mind doing it a bit in my garage. I bought mandrel bends so it was pretty easy, if a bit expensive.
I’m off to buy one last coupler for my intake then it’s time for a test drive.

I had a fellow do me up a tune for the old version, I’m going to get him to do one for the turbo version. Once that’s got a few miles on it I might shell out for dyno time.
Cheers

[DavidF]

Well, got off work early so I managed to brave the traffic to Costco to fill up with premium. Ran pretty good once I figured out that I had a plug wire off.
Not sure what the hp rating is on my particular setup, but I had it up to 40% throttle and had to back out of it. Should be no problems on the hills now. Couple pics of the engine compartment here. I’ll still need to disassemble and paint everything, but that can wait
https://imgur.com/a/unnilJ4