[82fairmontfutura]

So I am going to be building the engine for my 1980 Fairmont Turbo, and I have a few questions.
First let me list what I want to do:
I am looking to make around 250-300hp, fuel injection and a FMIC. As far as computers and such, I'm thinking about using the wiring/computers from a turbo coupe thunderbird.

I plan on using the factory 1980 block, but I do not know if the head will accept the later fuel injection manifolds. Port and polish the head, and intake, as well as a valve job on the head.

What is a good combination to run that is going to make the power that I want, and most importantly be RELIABLE.

Any help and input is welcomed, and appreciated!!

[z7turbo]

Originally Posted by 82fairmontfutura

So I am going to be building the engine for my 1980 Fairmont Turbo, and I have a few questions. First let me list what I want to do: I am looking to make around 250-300hp, fuel injection and a FMIC. As far as computers and such, I'm thinking about using the wiring/computers from a turbo coupe thunderbird. I plan on using the factory 1980 block, but I do not know if the head will accept the later fuel injection manifolds. Port and polish the head, and intake, as well as a valve job on the head. What is a good combination to run that is going to make the power that I want, and most importantly be RELIABLE. Any help and input is welcomed, and appreciated!!

You're better off using the later model t-bird/mustang 2.3t engines. They have a better port design on the turbo heads, they have lower compression, and they have factory forged pistons.
Stick with the 87-88 t-bird LA3 computer. I've heard they respond much better to performance modifications.
An e6 turbo exhaust manifold is supposed to be the best stock manifold to use.
A roller cam and followers out of the dual plug 2.3 head is a nice stock upgrade.
An svo mustang turbo is probably the best stock turbo you can use.
A friend of mine had this set up in an 87 ranger pickup...only difference he was running the stock computer with a custom burnt chip and a cut/rotated upper intake ( throttle body faced forward ) and " gutted " lower ( heavily ported plenum ). Along with a few other fuel system upgrades. With the turbo coupe t-5 and 3.27 gears...the truck would run high 12's in the 1/4 @ 18psi of boost....with a 50 shot of nitrous it would run 12.20's. It was also his daily driver....it would also get nearly 30mpg.

I can shoot you his e-mail if you want to pick his brain some...he's a real cool dude.....LMK

[82fairmontfutura]

That would be cool. Can I use the head that I have, or do I have to get a newer head?

[z7turbo]

Originally Posted by 82fairmontfutura

That would be cool. Can I use the head that I have, or do I have to get a newer head?

I would opt for getting a complete engine. I know you can pick them up fairly cheap. They're also durable. I've seen complete engines for around $150.
My friend ran 18psi of boost with nitrous on a 160,000 mile engine. The only thing he had done to it was a quick cylinder hone, rings, bearings,and upgraded to a roller cam.....then commenced to beat the snot out of it....meaning 6,500 rpm launches and shifting around the same rpm....The engine finally let go after numerous years of a constant beating.

These guys can answer you questions better than I can. They're all a cool bunch of dudes. My friends user name on that board is "deathbypsi". I'll also pm you his email address.

TurboFord.net

[z7turbo]

I found a good thread for you to read....a couple of guys are building turbo fairmonts....they are conversions, but everything is basically the same.

TurboFord.org Forums: 2.3t fairmont