[Cobrapatrol]

I'm new to this forum and I'm interested in talking about the project I'm starting.  I owned a 1984 SVO Mustang since new and although the car is gone (totaled) I still have the engine and transmission. I am planning to put this combo into a GBS Zero kit car, which is basically a Lotus 7 style design.  My engine is stock, with about 86k miles on it, and I kept most of the equipment like harness, computer, airflow meter, intercooler, etc.  I think this engine was originally was rated at 175 HP with the non-water-cooled turbo and milder cam.  I'd like to rebuild it and update the engine to give me 200-250 street HP.  So that's where I'd like to start the conversation.  I am tearing down the engine right now so I can assess its condition.

I am 69 years old and am located in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) on the Olympic Peninsula.  I currently have some other running cars in my garage.  I have a 1965 Mustang 2+2 289 HiPo, a 1966 Plymouth Valiant Signet with 360 LA roller cam, a 1969 Triumph TR6, and a 2018 Mustang GT.

[evintho]

Welcome!  I'll be 69 on Thursday and I'm on the left coast too.  SF Bay Area.  So we have a couple things in common.  Your project sounds fun.  For the motor, I would suggest at least a seal-n-shine.  Drop in new bearings, oil pump and have the cylinders mic'd.  With only 86k you may be able to get away with not boring it out and buying new pistons.  If so, have it honed and slap in new rings.  Contact Bo @ https://www.bo-port.com/ and see what he can do about some basic headwork.  Your T3 turbo should be just fine for the job.  A mild cam and a header or log manifold with full 3" exhaust will put you easily into the 300hp category.  These little 2.3's are stout and I've seen many run well beyond 300K miles before a rebuild was necessary.  The Zero kit car looks extremely light and should respond well with a mildly modded 2.3T.  I dropped a built 2.3T into my '27 Model T roadster and it's a blast to drive!  It too is over 300hp and the car weighs under 1500 lbs, soaking wet.  Goes like a bat outta hell!  I call it my 300hp go-cart.

[Cobrapatrol]

It definitely looks like we are on the same wavelength, evintho. I like your rig and the level of mods you have done to it. I left a message with bo-port. We'll see what happens. What computer are you running?
I got the engine down to pulling out the pistons. The bores are really clean and have the original honing like it was assembled at the factory yesterday. I'm thinking of a 1.5 level roller cam and have the turbo rebuilt at Evergreen. I'd like to keep the original manifolds, at least initially. My intake is 84 SVO so the alignment of the upper half can't be rotated (the ports are arranged in a row front-to-back) - not in a square like the later 2.3T engines. I'll probably have to fabricate an upper to run a forward-mounted intercooler.

Your engine set-up looks so clean that it is inspiring!

[evintho]

Thanks! I'm running an LA3 ECU out of an '88 TC. Might I suggest starting a build thread so we can all follow along with your progress?

[Cobrapatrol]

Thanks!  I'm running an LA3 ECU out of an '88 TC.  Might I suggest starting a build thread so we can all follow along with your progress?

Yes, I will.

[Paul LeDuc]

Thanks!  I'm running an LA3 ECU out of an '88 TC.  Might I suggest starting a build thread so we can all follow along with your progress?

Yes, I will.

Welcome! IIRC there was a member that did just what you are planning. I'll do my best to see if I can figure out who it was.

[Jerry J]

In a 4-4-2015 car show here in Jupiter,FL there was a Lotus super 7 kit car with a Ford 2300 T-3 turbo installed.  I have 8 photos of the car in a Word document file but do not know how to post them.  I can email them if desired.

[Cobrapatrol]

Paul LeDuc and Jerry J

Yes, I'd be interested in seeing another 2.3T Lotus 7 project.

[Jerry J]

Cobrapatrol,
I just sent the 8 photos to your email address.
Have fun.
Jerry J

[Cobrapatrol]

Thanks Jerry, I got your photos. Very interesting to see another example for my project.