Torn on how to proceed. Need advice for winter project

[phillysrt4]

Hello everyone!

Well, I have acquired a 1990 LX convertible roller in great shape. Subframe connectors already in place, legal rollbar, etc. My problem is I am torn on how to proceed. I have been doing a lot of searches and reading on different and novel powerplants that can be put into the engine bay.

When it comes to the powerplant, here are some of the criteria I am using in the selection process:

1) Novelty - Is it a relatively uncommon swap?
2) Power Adder - How does it take to power adders (turbochargers in particular)?
3) Performance Aftermarket - how much is out there and how much does it cost?
4) Initial cost of acquisition
5) Amount of custom fabrication - is it a bolt in swap, or do I need a machinist every step of the way?
6) Engine configuration - I have a STRONG preference to OHC versus OHV. Maybe its from previous cars I've owned, but I like the idea of being able to spin the motor to 7000+ RPM

So, given all this, I have come to the following choices for a swap:

1) 2.3 liter lima based turbocharged SOHC
Pros:
-Bolts right in
-I already have some parts (cylinder head, intake/exhaust manifolds, turbo to get it up and running, etc)
-Cheapest bulletproof rotating assembly of any of the options I've looked at, even if I go to a 2.5 stroker.
-I've already taken one of these apart and I have the most knowledge of this engine versus any other being considered.
-Relatively Uncommon
-Off boost Id get the fuel economy of a 4 cylinder car (30 mpg give or take)
-Several kits to convert it to EDIS ignition to use with standalones such as Megasquirt to allow both fuel AND ignition control.
Cons:
-The cast iron head doesn't have the flow of later SOHC designs on their bigger engines. This means extensive porting and machining to the head will be required for bigger valves, higher lift cam, etc.
-Probably limited to 425-475 horsepower without going with a $2000.00 aluminum head from Esslinger

2) Twin turbo 3.8 liter OHV v6 from 99-04 base model mustang.
Pros:
-Still a relatively bolt in process
-Still relatively standalone (i.e. Megasquirt) friendly
-Plenty of room in the engine bay to accomodate a twin turbo setup.
-Still get good fuel economy when off boost
-Heads flow better compared to the 2.3 limas
-Very uncommon swap.
Cons:
-OHV. Granted I dont know as much about it as I guess I should, but I just cant see spinning an OHV car to 7k RPM, even with hardened pushrods.
-Expensive performance parts. It seems the few places that do offer upgraded parts seem to charge quite a bit for them.

3) Single or twin turbo 4.6 or 5.4 mod motor
Pros:
-Relatively large aftermarket. This means getting forged parts are going to be cheaper than the other options.
-Is still a bolt-in process (with correct k-member).
-No need for aftermarket standalone since Ford's computer has tons of 3rd party tuning support
Cons:
-Desired/popular swap
-Large size of motor versus the 5.0 or lima block means space is at a premium, possibly nixing the possibility of a turbo setup.

4) Single or Twin turbo 4.0 SOHC V6 (as found in Navigators)
Pros:
-OHC. No qualms with spinning it up
-Relatively cheap to get one out of a wrecked vehicle
-Enough aftermarket to really beef it up.
Cons:
-Expensive aftermarket
-Not a bolt in process whatsoever. Fabrication is going to be required in ways where it might be more trouble than its worth.
-I have no idea whether its feasible to use a standalone with this or if I have to source a computer. No knowledge of tuning aftermarket for this motor.

I will NOT put a pushrod 5.0 back into this car. Period.

Give the above, I am leaning toward the 3.8 v6. If someone can point me to empirical proof that this motor can be worked to spin above 5500 without grenading, it would make it a lock. Second choice is the 2.3 lima. Yeah, I'm going to be playing second fiddle to the cars in the 10.00-11.49 bracket, but its going to be a relatively cheap build.

If anyone has any suggestions or insights into these options I would greatly appreciate it. I want to formulate a plan and actually start buying parts no later than the first weekend in October.

Thanks.

[Steve-0]

Well I know for a fact that my brothers 3.8 easily spins to 6200-6300. I'm not sure what the limitations are, you could probably ask him. We are getting his car tuned at SGS on wednsday, so new turbo numbers should be up soon.

[phillysrt4]

Id be curious to hear about it. 6200-6300 with stock pushrods means I can probably get close to what Id like with hardened ones. That really puts that back on the table and 3.8 v6's are dime a dozen at u-pull its.

[5k#Eaton]

cool project

[phillysrt4]

Thanks!

Ive been wanting a RWD project for quite some time now that my neon is getting up in miles and Im tired of fighting the problems of FWD cars in races from a dig. I want to feel that neck jerking 1.5 60' launch. I'm sick of being frustrated at running in the 12's despite a 118 trap because I cant get a 60' under 2.0.

There are two things I'm a big fan of: Forced induction and computer controlled fuel injection. I can calculate turbocharger size to meet the power goals of any engine in my sleep, and with the 2nd generation processor thats in the current Version of megasquirt, you get all the features you would want in computer controlled fuel injection and ignition timing. Things like 12x12 fuel and spark tables, wideband support, data logging, tuning with your laptop, support for turbochargers and nitrous, etc. The best part is if you can solder you can put one together and the kit is under $300.00. I'm pretty much set on using this to control the motor.

I think I'm going to need some maching work on the cylinder heads and possibly some custom header work, so I'm going with one of the vendors here I already PMed a few weeks ago.

I'm probably going to size up the turbos so that I can peak out in the 475-550 hp range with a nice fat area under the torque curve. That means I can probably save some money and use T3/T4 hybrid journal bearing turbos. Then I can use the money I save toward machining work.

[Viper_ed]

Save your money to feed the horse pulling your buggy some better oats so it's not so tired after plowing the field all day!