Hello all, i just bought an 88 fc (na) and have been browsing around for more information on these cars. My plans with this car mostly involve lapping events and maybe some auto x but i dont think i will have it street legal. I was wondering how hard it is to swap out the na motor for the turbo fc motor? What kind of budget should i be sitting on? Most likey i will undertake the swap myself with the assistance of a couple buddys in my shop. Anyday now im going to start gutting the interior and fixing some minor issues just to have a nice rolling car (front hub is dead and seized). Anyways thats all for now, ill check back with my progress and pics and any input is appreciated.
Mike

 

Welcome

 

welcome to the board

 

Welcome to the board.

Answer to your question.

42.

its that easy.

It all depends on how hardcore you go. Full turbo-spec could take a couple full days even with all the parts and a couple guys, or a jspec keg swap could be done in 3 hours if you have a vert. depends on you, your parts, your cars condition and most importanly, your tools.

 

Is that a reference to Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?

Welcome aboard, Mikey, and read the faqs--its very informative.

 

Thanks for the welcoming guys.
My 88 na is not a vert, body is in top notch condition (120k's on the clock)
As far as the engine swap goes, i was leaning towards a TII fc engine.. got a couple quotes of around $750-$850 does this sound like its on par? Is this a good motor to swap in?? im not looking for crazy horsepower. Id like to sit on the 300hp mark.
I have pretty much every tool needed to do any kind of work on a car (i manage an auto repair center in pickering) we dont do much performance work mostly maintenance and repairs. With a TII swap would i have to swap the tranny aswell or will my na 5spd tranny work? ( i would change the clutch either way)
Mikey

 

If your looking to make 300hp, your N/A driveline probably wont last very long. Escpecially if your wanting to race it. To make sure it holds together you should find a Turbo tranny, driveshaft, differential, and axles.
Also, if you want to make 300hp on a stock block, your going to need to upgrade the turbo, fuel system and a way to control the ECU. The stock turbo will run out of breath around 260-270hp.
If you need any parts or info on the swap, then send me an email joe@rpmperformance.ca

 

Also, check out the FAQ in the 2nd Gen forum. It covers this swap in great detail.

 

the N/A trannies are not quite so stout...

I can't make that much horsepower at the line and even with turbo stuff I've broken driveline parts on drag radials, so I'd definatly recommend a full turbo drivetrain.

There was a local guy here a few years ago that had a turbo n/a and didn't break stuff, he was making around 260whp I'd think... the car was fast.

 

Just a little update, ive sourced out some parts and a full front clip from a TII, comes with hood, fenders, engine, tranny, ecu+uncut wiring. I will be ordering it this week, hopefully i'll beable to start the swap by next week, i'll keep you guys posted and get some pics up to see some progress.