The DOHC 2.3 rated at 275hp, while the 5.0s were just hitting the 220hp spot. It made more power than their V8 5.0 liter Mustangs.

After a few months on their project and their proto-type model, Ford dropped the SVO 2.3T program. They came up with the idea of a 16V DOHC head to fit on the 2.3. Then, in late 86 SVO had come up with an idea to gain more power from their 87 SVO Mustang. However the SVO wasn't alone, it had a few cousins the Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe '83-'88, the Merkur XR4Ti '85-'89, the Mercury Zephyr 79-82, Ford Fairmont 79-82 and the Mercury Cougar XR7 '84-'86 and the Mercury Capri '79-'84. These Mustangs were in production from 1984-1986 for the SVO and 79-84 for the turbo GT. From then on it was known as the '2.3 Turbo.'įord had done this with a draw-thru carb setup until 1983, when SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) had come into play.At this point they made the 2.3T's fuel injected, and from then on, the 2.3 Turbo Mustang was known as the SVO Mustang and Turbo GT. So Ford decided to add a turbocharger on it to help boost power. But as early as 1979 they realized it made insufficient power. Back in 1974, Ford had decided they needed an economical engine for the soaring gas prices back in the 1970's, so they designed the 2.0/2.3L engine. So you want a 2.3 turbo, huh? Lets start with the basics first. 2.3 Turbo Swap Overview (UPDATED 5/26/08)

88 thunderbird turbo coupe for sale