[nandomart]

Hello to all. New here to the forum. I have a question I was hoping could be answered. I have an 86 notch that I plan on doing a V8 swap down the road. It has a 2.3l carbed engine in it. Well, this weekend I stumbled upon a 88 lx with a 2.3l efi engine. The 88's engine is blown according to the PO. I was wondering if I could install the 86s block into the 88. Can I do that by simply transferring the intake components or is there more to it? Also what would be recommended to do to the good block while it is out?

[nandomart]

anyone?

[ReverendDexter]

Near as I know, the shortblocks should interchange between all of the N/A 2.3s.

[nandomart]

so technically I could use a 93 dual plug short block and swap over the 88 intake on it? The reason I ask is I found a 93 complete engine for 200 and if it will work then that would be easier to do....

[ReverendDexter]

I certainly don't guarantee it, but my understanding is yes.

[blaten22]

Main difference would be the heads. I think 90 > are MAF and 89 < are Speed density.

[nandomart]

I found a block off of a 93..it is the dual plug head..could i use that block? or would it be to much of a hassle to make it work in the 88?

[blaten22]

88 should have the Distro hole while the one from a 93 doesn't. It depends on what you want to do. You can Turbo any of the blocks, but its ALOT easier from my understanding if you have a 90 or > block to find a single plug head for the 93 and find a PCM/harness for say a Turbo coupe/SVO Mustang ect and go that route. 88 if its stock non turbo you should only have to drop in Forged piston and put it back together. Grab the correct exhaust manifold *i think e6* and a turbo kit and your gtg. You should be able to piece together the 86 and 88 to make one motor with no problems.

While you have it apart upgrade the stud bolts for the head. Only thing i'm getting mixed reviews on reading is if the Forge Piston are a direct drop in or if you have the prep the block due to the expansion rate of the pistons.

OHC is rather knowledgeable on the 2.3 side of the mustang. I would seek his advice as well.

If i'm wrong am sure some one will correct me. I'm still learning as well and this is coming from notes i've pulled off doing my research for my 2.3 project.

[Av8tor]

The 93 2.3 will still have a distributor hole in the block, it just doesnt have a dist in it. It has a little nub that still allows the oil pump to be driven, but doesnt need the rest. For most any of the 2.3's it my understanding that unless you find one that was turbocharged, will need a set of forged pistons if you wanna go with any real boost. This is at least what ive been able to find out. Im in the process of putting a 93 dual plug 2.3 into a 81 stang, with the eventual goal of turbocharging it and standalone efi.