87 LX mustang turbo swap

[milesgiles05]

Hey everybody. I'm new to the whole mustang business here, so please don't mind my ignorance.

I bought an 87 LX convertible off craigslist. It has the N/A 2.3 in it. I have read a few things about how much better the 2.3 turbo is. I talked to a guy that has a 2.3t out of an 87 thunderbird coupe. He also has the wiring harness and computer, I believe.

If/when I go through with the swap, what more should I have to buy? I believe that I'll have to get an intercooler, but besides that what should I expect?

Also, I am planning on using my stock auto tranny. Will the turbo motor bolt straight up to it? what all needs to be done?

Thanks for all the help and advice. I really do appreciate it. I'll be sure to post pics of everything once it is all finished.

Andy G

[Stinger]

You'll have to give us a better idea of what you want to get out of the engine as far as hp/performance before we can give a very concise answer as those things change the answer greatly.

[88bluebird]

If your just looking to swap out the motor for the 2.3T. Grab the motor, wiring harness, computer and VAM... now as far as what else you need to buy, depends on what all is on the 2.3T (e.g. turbo, manifold.....) Now your tranny will bolt up, but is turbo computer for an auto or manual? But those transmissions don't really like to hold up to the power you can get out of a 2.3t

[milesgiles05]

Supposedly, the guy I am talking to on Craigslist says that everything is there, as far as the motor; its complete..

And as far as the tranny, I dont want to get into drag racing or anything. All I want is a motor with ok mpg and has a little bit of kick in the pants. I figured the turbo is all the power I need, although I don't plan on maxing out any gauges just yet..

thanks for all the advice so far!

AG

[oneowner88lx]

My son's '88 LX was a 2.3 NA auto car. We swapped in a 2.3 turbo out of an '88 turbo coupe and swapped in the turbo coupe five speed. Other then the pedals swapping to a five speed is easy and will make the car much faster. You will also need an exhaust.

[oneowner88lx]

Oh, and the only wiring you need is the VAM wiring harness. You retain the stock Mustang 2.3 NA wiring with some modifications.