Ranger noob intro

[Sluggo]

My name is Doug and I'm a turboholic.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/dougs-turbocoupe1_126387.htm
That is my 88 Turbocoupe. It's been 12.25 @ 115mph so far. For the last year everything has been on hold and I'm now getting ready to get ready with some new junk for next year. Nothing to fancy, but it should need a cage soon.

My Ranger is a 1996 ext cab 2.3L 5sp all factory stock daily driver with 225K miles that I've had since new. It's been a great truck, but it's starting to run crappy. I'm thinking if I have to go in, may as well go turbo.

Since I'm new to the 95+ engines and Ranger chassis I will need some help. I'm finding that a 89 turbo block will require some modification for the crank sensor? And a plug of some sort for the dist hole? So, I'm thinking of dropping in a 2.5L stock bottom end and only boosting to @ 5 psi for now. That will buy me time to put forged pistons in the 96 2.3L block to get it to a respectable level of around 200rwhp.

I will be posting questions in the gen disc forum as needed. Most of the info needed seems to be around, but doesn't always come up with a search.
Example: Tried searching for "maf" and came up with nothing.
I did find some info in the FAQ's though. :thumbsup:

Anyway, Great forum and thanks, Doug

[Top Notch]

Welcome. Might need you help to get my notch in the 12's. Can you post specs of the Turbocoupe? Thanks

[Sluggo]

Here's the specs on the Bird.
Chassis type: 88 TC
Subframe connectors, MM lowers, CHE double adj uppers,
Bolt in torque box reinforcements, Manual brakes,
Weld Draglites, Stock interior

short block mods/compression ratio/displacement: Diamond, Crower / 8:1 / 2.3 + 0.030
head/port work/valve size: Bowl work / 1.89, 1.59
cam specs/degrees adv-ret: A237
intake/throttle body: Square + 3.5" tube upper / 65mm
intercooler: Large NPR
nitrous system/shot size: 70hp dry fueled with MS
exhaust manifold: 40BOB
turbo: SC60
wastegate: Internal
exhaust size: 3" with cutout open
engine management: MS1 V3, LC-1, Mallory 685
a/f ratio, total timing, boost: 11.6 / 23* / 22#
fuel octane/brand/leaded or unleaded: 15gals 93 + 5gals 110
hp@rpm: N/A
trq@rpm: N/A
flex plate/flywheel: Stock
convertor/clutch: Spec stage 3, 6 puck
transmission: T5, Stock
rear/ratio/tire type/tire size: 8.8 / 4.56 / Spool / 26" ET Street
race weight without driver: 3250 + 170
ET/MPH: 12.255 @ 115.89 / 7.979 @ 89.62 / 1.772 60'

I think it's best to chase the 60' times first, then build for 1/4 mph. I have a hard time following logic and tend to make too many changes at one time and screw up everything.

[Top Notch]

Sounds good.

[nagelandy55]

Very nice! 12's ........ Damn i hope some day i'm there

[fordnut71]

nice pass for a heavy car.
how about some motor pics?

[Sluggo]

Thanks for the nice words. Here's an engine shot and a decent body shot. This thing is just a hobby car. If it ever gets a paint job I could take it to shows.
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa216/Sluggo_2007/IM000658.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa216/Sluggo_2007/IM000667-1.jpg

My Ranger needs to get me around in DC area traffic and 150 mile round trips to work. I don't think that will be a problem with limited boost.

[Jesshwarren]

12.2 is impressive for a T/C. Welcome!

[nagelandy55]

I've been DDing my ranger @ 10-15psi for 2 years now with no real issues.

[Sluggo]

Thanks Jess.
I've been DDing my ranger @ 10-15psi for 2 years now with no real issues.

That's good to know. Did you install forged pistons? How did you tune it?

[nagelandy55]

Yep forged pistons, stock bottom end. Tuned with XCal 2

[Top Notch]

Whats the upper intake manifold made out of aluminum? What size 3 1/2?

[Sluggo]

It is 3 1/2". It's a mild steel 90 bend cut to fit with the alt in the stock location. The alt moved after that only because I lucked into the mount at a j/y. Up close it's not real pretty, but I made it and I like it. I'm learning to let others do my welding for me.