I have been doing some reading about the possibility of a turbo F23, I have heard some success stories but I want some advice. Here is what I am working with, 2002 SE 4DR 4cyl, auto tranny. I can't quite figure out what hp number I want to shoot for, since that will basically determine all the other parts. What I am looking for from the car is to keep it reliable, keep it as my dd, and more than likely keep it auto, I understand something serious will have to be done with the tranny to keep it from being another slush box. What hp number is reasonable? Another turbo f23 build was getting 250 to the wheels, I was thinking 200 to 300 range. What is the most hp I can get from essentially stock setup? Trying to get a baseline and decided how much work/money the setup is going to run. Please try to keep this constructive, I really dont want another platform, just info about what I am working with, thanks.

 

well my best advice would be to swap out the auto tranny for a manual you can use the f23 the h22 or the h23. allot of people tend to use the h23 since the ratios are a bit better for most people.

also one of the weak spots the f23 has is the piston rings I would suggest getting new pistons rods and rings to go with your build if you are serious about reliability and power.

good luck should be nice once completed

 

Thanks, I had heard there were some weak points when doing the f23 fi setup, but I couldnt remember what they were. I ll remember that as I proceed.

 

If you keep it an auto tranny, be prepaired for failure. Not only does it sap twice the power (usually 30% vs 15%), it will be prone to overheating and dying quickly. THe main problem is overheating, and you'd be best off with a gigantic truck auto tranny cooler added after the stock rad-water cooling element.

 

I have heard about the tranny cooler, that I was going to do. I was also considering an auto tranny swap, to a stronger one, and I have seen some rebuild kits to strengthen it as well.

 

Any guys out there with built F23's could give me some tips?