1989 Mustang LX 2.3

[PMDtempest]

sometime this week i am taking the possesion of a 1989 mustang with a 2.3 I4. somewhere i heard that the 2.3 is bad engine? is this true, also i was wondering iof there is somewhere i can get some minor perfomance parts for it? and no i wont be doing a 302 swap because i dont have any money. any help will be greatly appreciated

[SkylineUSA]

Not sure about those 2.3s, but the ones in the Pintos back in the day were BAD ASS!

Damn, I want a Pinto!

[fmfgnarly]

Your a funny one skyline. A good site for the 2.3l is racerwalsh.com, and summitracing. at summit just type in "2.3l" in the serch. I also have a 2.3, and think that in stalk form it is a bit under powered, but there are plenty of parts out there for them. I dont think that they are a bad motor. Also, if you want a new intake manifold, you could take a look at 40bob.com. Summit has better prices on a few of the cams, but at RW, they have just about whatever you want.

[Rod&Custom]

Hey, don't make fun, those motors can scoot with the right combo! Bore, stroke, cam, etc...

[SkylineUSA]

Originally Posted by Rod&Custom

Hey, don't make fun, those motors can scoot with the right combo! Bore, stroke, cam, etc...

Who's making fun? I really want a Pinto, and there is no need to put a V8 in it, with that 2.3. I agree its a bad ass little engine.

[fmfgnarly]

ya, i found videos of an svo online that can run a 9.3 1/2

http://www.ford23.com/stinger/videos.html

[PMDtempest]

didnt the SVO's have 2.3L Turbos? hey guys thanks for the help, hopefully i will get this car either tommorow or on friday. I think im going to take it to my ford dealership and get it checked out so i can drive this thing without problems for a while.

[fmfgnarly]

ya they do have turbos, i just mentioned in cuz its the 2.3l. ive also heard of them running 400+hp without turbo. dont know how long it would hold up at that level, but it can be done.

[PMDtempest]

thats sick never knew that small of an engine can handle that much hp.

[PMDtempest]

another thing i wanted is do i have to change anything if i wanted to put a set of 5-lug wheels on?

[glowstang93]

Originally Posted by PMDtempest

another thing i wanted is do i have to change anything if i wanted to put a set of 5-lug wheels on?

It requires a 5lug conversion kit. WWW.50resto.com has one for $400.00. Is it doit yourself? depends on your skill. I have not done it to mine or have found the need to yet.

[tturnpaw]

Originally Posted by glowstang93

It requires a 5lug conversion kit. WWW.50resto.com has one for $400.00. Is it doit yourself? depends on your skill. I have not done it to mine or have found the need to yet.

Doesnt that just come with the front conversion though? I thought you had 2 buy new axles for that conversion.

[glowstang93]

Originally Posted by tturnpaw

Doesnt that just come with the front conversion though? I thought you had 2 buy new axles for that conversion.

Go to their website, its under the featured items for now.
Kit Includes:
- (2) 5-Lug Front Rotors
- (2) 5-Lug Rear Axles & Drums
- (2) Inner & Outer Front Wheel Bearings
- (2) Front Rotor Grease Seals
- (2) Axle Bearing & Seal Kits
- (1) Bottle of Friction Modifier
- (3) Bottles of Royal Purple 75W90 Gear Oil


I know nothing about doing the conversion, haven't done it , but I answered ur question on what u will need.

[fmfgnarly]

Also, befor the conversion, an 8.8 rear end would be a good idea if you want a nice strong rear, and better traction (no wheel hop)

[PMDtempest]

i might just buy some 91 chrome mustang wheels with the 4 lug, it saves me money and other stuff. The wire spoke hubcaps dont cut it. thanks for the help guys. now i have to wait till saturday to get it cause my dad is being a prick. If i get some time ill post a few pics.