Alright I think I want to put a 2.3 turbo motor (5spd) in a old ranger (1985 possibly). what are 0-60 and 1/4 times for a ranger with 15 psi or more? Is going to be hard to find parts to get 20+ psi and not break something? will it be fast enogh?need answers =)
3gears:
With 15PSI non intercooled, I wouldn't get my hopes up to run any faster than 16second 1/4. Not terribly fast, but then again in N/A form the 2.3 has a fun time trying to run 19's.
Like Dave said, lack of bottom end torque is an issue. Especially when you start tuning them. The engine loves to play in the upper RPM's, so they have a nice top end, but getting there is another story.
Take for instance Dave's 15-16 sec 1/4 mile time reference, and then take what I'm going to say next for comparison.
Last time I was at the track I ran a 14.8. No track prep, on street tires, and a fairly cool night. So traction off the line was a big issue, it was either spin or bog on the street tires. Anyhow, I ran a 9.8 1/8 mile, which *should* equate to a 1/4 mile time of 15.3. But I ran a 14.8, that just goes to show how hot these engines are up top, the pickup from the 1/8 mile on was incredible. Had I had anything other than a stock Ranger clutch and maybe some street slicks 13's would have been doable. Again, this just reinforces the lack of low end torque. This can be overcome though when you get serious with your tuning.
Running 20 PSI is really no big deal. Playing with timing will help if you do not want to intercool it. I myself would suggest a front mount intercooler to keep your air cool as 20PSI is going to start heating up that compressed air quite considerably. Though intercooling is not always necessary, no two engines are alike. I however found I needed to go with a FMIC after I started going much past 15PSI,... having slightly more advanced timing was a factor though too.