F Head-Turbo or replace?

Curious as to what others think. After seeing the thread on turbo charging the the f-head, I am at a crossroad of sorts. A buddy has a late model 2.0 or 2. something turbo/fuel injected 4 cylinder from a Ford Thunderbird. It is in complete condition, and ran when removed but probably in need of a rebuild. Although he is missing the computer for it. The early 50's F-head in the current late 40's chassis is complete but is of unknown condition and is in need of at least a rebuild. Would you turbo the f-head or go through the trouble to buy the adaptor for the tranny/transfer case and try to figure out the fuel injection and computer needs to get the Ford up and running. Basically it will be a daily driver with some beach fishing thrown in.

 

KISS! Turbo what you have and then rebuild the motor after you get all the bugs worked out. I watched that video also and am very interested in doing the same to my 6.

 

A turbo F-head would be something different but on the other hand you are still working with 60yo technology. The Ford 2.3 is a great engine and a good conversion add the turbo, again something different.
Turbos also like fuel injection and work best with it. The 2.3 turbo also has a cult following and depending on the year, can get an easy 300hp form that engine. These engine also can turn the higher RPMs from the factory, add some anti-pump lifter, 7k without problems.
As for money, the Ford might be a little more up front but I believe you will have a A LOT more time and marginal performance from a turboed F-head, unless you fuel inject the F-head and at the time you are looking at a push on cost.
Performance wise, believe the Ford would be much more drivable engine.

I do do like the idea of a turboed F-head, it would be a work of art once that hood pops open.

 

looks like i have gotten a few to thinking I bet those big honkin intake valves would respond nicley to a turbo

 

As someone who has the turbo 2.3L, I vote for it. It gives me all the power I need and then some, It can rev high enough that you can go pretty much as fast as you want, especially with an Overdrive. I love never having to mess with the carb. The swap wasn't that difficult, and you get a factory engineered turbo motor.

 

What adaptor did you use between your 2.3 and t98?

 

Grandpa Jeep,

A couple of questions, what adaptor did you use to mate the 2.3L and the T-98? What did you pull the 2.3L out of and what year? Did you pull the entire electronic controls, etc?

I am very interested in this possiblity.

Thanks

 

My engine came out of an '86 Mustang SVO. I used the wiring harness from that donor. I also had an '88 t-bird harness which would have worked too, but the Mustang harness was more self contained. The T-bird harness had stuff like the ride control and headlights integrated. The Mustang harness was just what was needed for the engine. There is a company out there who sells harnesses but I don't recall who. A search on http://www.turboford.net/index.shtml should be able to turn it up.

I modified the stock T-5 bellhousing to fit the T-98. I had three ears welded on and had material added behind the 4th bolt hole. I also used a Ford input shaft, and had some material added to the input bearing retainer. Finally I had a Ford pilot bushing turned down to fit in the 2.3 flywheel. Details and pictures are here.

I haven't had any problems with the clutch or transmission so it works well. There is also a company that makes an adapter plate to use a 5.0 bellhousing and flywheel. That would also work and you would get a 10.5" clutch vs. a 9" clutch. The only question I have is the starter clearance. I ended up shaving off one of the mounting bolts for clearance and it's still tight. Not sure if the 5.0 bell would make that better or worse.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.