These Ford 2.3 motors have awesome potential. For the amount of cash to get
200 HP from a 2.5 TR6 engine, you can get 450 HP from the 2.3, and drive it
comfortably on the street. Their only drawback is the weight. They are
almost as heavy as the TR6 engine (turbo included). They are strong though.
My heavy lump of a Thunderbird TC was good for (high) 14 sec qtr. times with
a stock motor, and got 24 mpg with that engine. It should be great in a TR!
I have a 2.3 turbo motor and T5 trans on the garage floor waiting to go in a
TR right now.
I would dearly like to talk to Dale if possible. I'm in Ohio, too. Please,
please, please!?
Thanks for the report,
Jim
----- Original Message -----
From: <mocharand5@aol.com>
To: <6pack@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2002 11:30 PM
Subject: Turbo TR6 Story
> I just got back from a business trip in Ohio. During the evenings I was
> driving around looking at anything and everything, I spotted the rear end
of
> a TR6 in a garage. I turned around and told the guy I was with. " I have
to
> stop and see this guy".
> Well, it turns out I met his wife, the owner wasn't home, but she let me
> check this car out. It was emaculent.
> The guys name was Dale Knapke. He had a 4 cylinder Ford thunderbird turbo
> engine in this thing. 255 X 50 X 16 rims with 5 bolt lugs. Roll cage
mounted
> to the frame.
> I talked to Dale the next day on the phone and asked him how he liked his
car
> and I hope he didn't mind me talking to him.
> He was delighted to talk about the TR., just like the rest of us.
> Dale really did his homework on this car, it was fast! How fast?
> Dale spends his time drag racing the car and drives it on the street.
> The car puts out 270 HP at the wheels, and runs the quarter mile with
slicks
> 12.22 seconds 110MPH. Without slicks, high twelve's.
> Dale also has a straight X ford rear end with 4.55 gears. Dale claims he
gets
> 30 MPG on the highway. He has tried autocross with it and claims it has a
> push. Just likes dragging.
> I hope to go for a ride in this thing the next time I get out in Ohio.
> Truly a great guy. How about that 4 cylinder.....................
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