new to the game

hello all. i am new to the turbo coupe scene, have always wanted one but they are hard to find around here, finally found a 88 5spd model though and picked it up for $600. it has a salvage title but the frame (er unibody) looks to be pretty straight, no serious panel sag or misalignment. there are a few problems though, and that is where i am hoping all the combined knowledge on this sight can help me. it neds a new front nose piece as well as the headlight assy on the driver side and a driver side front fender. any good leads on where to pick these up at? i can not get it tagged until i get this fixed (at least the headlight) cause due to the salvage title it needs to be inspected. i have driven it around the block and up and down the street and noticed a bit of a clunk coming from somewhere on the rear of the car(any ideas?)are the electric ride hieght shocks and struts for these still available? or do people just use aftermarkets and get rid of the electric controls?
also the engine has a little tic coming from the valve train
and when should the boost come on? this one does not show up on the gauge til almost 4200 and not just talking about the gauge i mean i can not hear it until then.
plusses are.... good shifting 5 spd and a front mount FMIC (even though it looks like a backyard hack job) so i will probably get it back to stock and get it running good THEN do the improvements vacuum lines are a rats nest but it runs and drives. so here i go folks my first turbo car and it is in my opinion one of the best to have so this i sgonna be fun.

Hello and welcome

Take a look in the 2.3 turbo Parts and Accessories for parts http://natomessageboard.com/ultimatebb.p...=forum;f=3

Put want ad in the Wanted to Buy forum
http://natomessageboard.com/ultimatebb.p...=forum;f=4

You can also find parts on Ebay

The rear end clunk could be several things. First thing would be check to tightness of the bolts that hold the rear of the driveshaft to the carrier. They are 12 point, 12mm
Check the back lash and the U joints

Ticking noise. The fuel injectors can tick loudly. Make sure it isn't those first. After that it might ba a worn cam or a faulty HLA (sort of like a lifter)

With a stock 88 you should see some boost before 3K. You need to find out if you got a stock turbo (IHI), an upgrade to a T3 or T3/T4 hybrid or Holset. 4200 is real late for the boost to come in unless you got a monster turbo or a problem.
A problem could be the WG is not properly adjusted.

Welcome. You're at a great place to learn about TCs. Ask me how I know?

okay 87turbobobby.... how do you know?

Originally posted by phil88tbird:
okay 87turbobobby.... how do you know?

I think he's read every thread in the archives.

KS should be a good place to find the parts you need. There are plenty of TurboForder's in your area and Stinger Performance (Shannon) is in Wilson. Like Pete said, the parts section usually does the trick.

Check out the bushings and bolts also for that clunk. Control arms and shocks. Have a look in the trunk for loose crap bouncing around?

The ride control shocks seem to last for a good long time. Mine have 137k and I run them on firm with no front sway bar and it still handles decent. If they're ok I wouldn't replace them. You can pick them up used in good condition or replace with off the shelf stuff without R/C. Of course there are upgrades as well (search).

The FAQ's section has a Vacumm diagram + a whole lot of other good stuff. That should help sort it out and get it running good.

Keep us up on the progress and ask if you need help.

I have read everything over a 2 year period. Came hear knowing nothing about a 2.3T. Since then I have totally rebuilt the engine,swap A4LD for T-5,Centerforce DF clutch,flywheel,255 Walbro pump,instument cluster,rack & pinion,A/C,Poly motor mounts, EnerySuspension trans mount with FMS crossmember and I don't know how much I can't remember right know. And I couldn't have done it without Pete D.,thecrusher315,John K. and a bunch of others. You're at the right place.

cool thank you in advance for any help you guys give.

I found my bird in my gf's alleyway, no glass, all busted out, flooded and infested with bugs. Decided to get it running for a dailey car. After I got the car i came across TurboFord and Nato, since have spent numerous hours on end and learned more than I could ever imagine.

I honestly never know you could make a ford 4cyl fast, i was always into V8s, now I'm chasing to get into the top fastest Turbocoupe list.

Moral is, make the search function your best friend and read as much as you can and enjoy!

******ex gf make that!!! thanks!

well 88tbird, i have a 89 5.0 5spd with some work done to it and the best run i ever got (only to the track once though) is 14.97 so i would say "ya a turbo 4 can be made pretty fast"