SPARK PLUG GAP

Hey, does anyone know what the spark plug gap is supposed to be for a 87 turbo coupe 2.3L?

87, this is right from Stingers tech forum, which I use often for reference.

"In general, too tight of a gap won't really hurt anything but too large of a gap will allow the spark to blow out so it's fine to run .024" for 15psi for example. New spark plugs will need to be gapped as they come out of the box gapped WAY too large. Max gaps for different boost pressures are listed below:"
-.032"-(10-15psi).
-.030"-(16-20psi).
-.028"-(21-25psi).
-.024"-(25+ psi).

Yeah, I've used the same chart

I’ve had spark blow out immediately after putting in new plugs at the gap on the plaque under the hood. Definitely use Stingers chart.

Probably worth adding that to the FAQ's section. Andrew!!!

Thanks guys for the info. So now I have another question since boost determines plug gap. My bird seems to be factory stock (as far as I can tell), but I'm adding a Gillis boost valve and eliminating the BCS because it seems to be faulty. What is the max safe boost pressure I can run? 15 lbs or something different???

That really depends on a lot of factors like fuel grade, intercooled versus non-intercooled, type and efficiency of intercooler, fuel delivery capabilities, turbo size, etc.

In your 87, the stock IHI turbo is only good for about 18 psi before it becomes inefficient. With the stock intercooler, premium fuel (93), and stock timing, I would say 17-18 psi should be fine. Elevating the fuel pressure would be a good idea (via a Kirban Adjustable FPR) and if you hear any denotation, the boost needs to be lowered.

Also, do you have an automatic or manual? The autos cannot handle much power before they grenade themselves.

That really depends on a lot of factors like fuel grade, intercooled versus non-intercooled, type and efficiency of intercooler, fuel delivery capabilities, turbo size, etc.

In your 87, the stock IHI turbo is only good for about 18 psi before it becomes inefficient. With the stock intercooler, premium fuel (93), and stock timing, I would say 17-18 psi should be fine. Elevating the fuel pressure would be a good idea (via a Kirban Adjustable FPR) and if you hear any denotation, the boost needs to be lowered.

Also, do you have an automatic or manual? The autos cannot handle much power before they grenade themselves.

I'm probably just going to run the cheapest grade for now (87 octane), given that the price of gas is skyrocketing again. I'm not going to race this car, just use it as a daily driver. It has the factory intercooler that sits on top of the turbo and mates with the air vents in the hood. The turbo size is the factory IHI. And it has a manual tranny. 

I am just finishing up rebuilding the entire front suspension and now I'm in the process of converting the TEVES II brake unit with a vacuum assist. I should have that done today if everything goes right. And I have a few other things to do, but I haven't checked the timing yet, but will do that this week. So what is the timing supposed to be set at for a stock setup?

I believe 10° with the spout unplugged.

87Bird,
If you're going to run only the cheap gas, then by all means, keep the boost low, maybe 12 max. I'm not positive on the numbers, but I do know that the factory BCS kept the boost low when using the regular fuel setting. Personally, I only run my switch on premium with 93 gas.