Thunderbird 2.3T

[longbedGTs]

Ive swapped an '83 Turbo Coupe motor into my '87 Ford Ranger. I just got the motor running today. The only problem is: the computer isnt advancing the timing. What could cause this? Any ideas?
Thanks!

[mfpmax]

Deja Vu?
You registered on Turboford.org too?

BTW, do you have any spare TFI modules? or maybe distributors?

[Moof]

did you swap computers as well?

[xrattiracer]

something wrong with the SPOUT circuit (that damn yellow wire...). check to see that the spout plug is in place and that the wires are not damaged.

[longbedGTs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfpmax Deja Vu? You registered on Turboford.org too? BTW, do you have any spare TFI modules? or maybe distributors?

lol! I did but for some reason, when I try to log in, it says "that user name is not found" or whatever. I dont know whats up...

I dont have any spare TFIs or distibutors. I just sold the last one on eBay a few days ago.

Moof: I did change computers. Im running the stock (LA1 I think) computer from the tbird.

xrattiracer: I did check pin 36 at the computer and it doesnt appear to be loose. Its plugged all the way in.

Should I try running wires straight from the TFI to pin 36? Maybe the wire got kinked or broken along the way?

[xrattiracer]

there are two wires actually, spark input (signal from the pip in the distributor) and spark output (recalculated timing signal going back to be amplified by the tfi, the yellow wire...). I really really really hate that setup and think it is poorly engineered, because any problem with those wires gives either a no start, or what you got.
if it gets no signal back from the ecu at all, then it just substitutes the pip signal directly, hence no timing advance. often the spout plug itself will be dirty or damaged, or just not plugged in all the way.

[longbedGTs]

Ok, the computer is advancing the timing now. I think the SPOUT connector wasnt making a solid connection. I took my first testdrive with the truck and it has NO power. Also, it wants to die whenever I let out the clutch or come to a stop. There are flames coming out of the downpipe. Other than that, it runs pretty good!

[mfpmax]

Flames rock...

[TRRBOJEEP]

FLAMES! I'm assuming the down pipe could be the entire exhaust at this moment? That Ranger should be a tire fryer with that motor!

[TRRBOJEEP]

So how is the Ranger running? Did you get the bugs worked out of it yet?

[ranger1225]

LOL, I had 96 stripper model XL Ranger, had everything done to it you read about on the org and dam that truck was rediculus!!! Fun to pick on mustangs and f-bodys. I could always get them the first time around the second time they were ready lol. You will have alot of fun with it I promise, mine was so dam reliable I hope my 88 Daytona that I am building a 16V conversion will be as good and fast.

[longbedGTs]

Yeah, got it running and omg is this thing a blast! Well, I should say was...
I popped the headgasket when I went to pass someone.
http://www.geocities.com/longbedgts/2.3TblownHGno3.JPG
25psi+stock HG=kaboom!
It was real fun though...1st gear is worthless...2nd and 3rd will put you back in your seat...4th is alright...5th is worthless as 1
Its going back together in a few days though.

[mfpmax]

That's a thropy.

What I did after I put my engine into my Stang and took it onto the highway at 10 PSI I think...think it was ready to go cause the head bolts came loose easy.

[92dodgeDak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by longbedGTs Yeah, got it running and omg is this thing a blast! Well, I should say was... I popped the headgasket when I went to pass someone. http://www.geocities.com/longbedgts/2.3TblownHGno3.JPG 25psi+stock HG=kaboom! It was real fun though...1st gear is worthless...2nd and 3rd will put you back in your seat...4th is alright...5th is worthless as 1 Its going back together in a few days though.

Yikes! I think I better turn the boost down a bit on my Turbocoupe then! I spiked 24 today without a problem but being a stock HG I better tone it down!

Yeah, 1st is pretty useless other than to get the vehicle moving, second is a blast aswell as 3rd, 4th pulls nice, and 5th is OK..

It's so fun being able to break the tires loose at 40mph, talk about a grin you can't get rid of...

Goodluck with everything!

[BoostedOne]

LOL... Ok, seein these blown 2.3 HGs has me compelled to post up mine.
If you are really blind, its hole #3, on both sides.




Got it running again, this time with a 1035 headgasket and this was the result a few days later! Gives new meaning to the term PCV.