1989 Probe GT barn find rebuild

[tour96se]

turned out great. those pipe really make that otherwise drab engine bay pop.

[plx92]

Just read this thread...twice! A lot of inspiration to be had here! I am picking up my 89 PGT tonight.

I love how you did the suspension and handling mods before even worrying about a bigger turbo what are the most important mods you can do to get better handling out of this car?

Also if you don't mind me asking, what is your suspension setup and what was the size/spacing on the xxr's? I love the stance!

Thanks of the kind words! Glad the thread is inspiring others!

I'd say for the best suspension performance the first thing you should do is make sure you address any old parts. Bushings balljoints and tie rods are wear items and I have often found one of the most neglected areas of these cars.

Id say first steps towards upgrading would be a good set of springs and dampers, poly end links and frame bushings are also a readily available rehab/upgrade. 90+ MX6GT rear strut tower bar also made a reasonable difference and you can also grab the lower tie brace (Kind of a placebo mod, never noticed a difference with/without one installed.)

Stance on the xxr's were achieved with 2g tein coilovers using fc rx7 camber plates in the front and s13 front camber plates in the rear. The sizing was 17x8.25" wheels with +35 offset and a 205/45-17 tire but there was room for a wider tire.

turned out great. those pipe really make that otherwise drab engine bay pop.

Thanks! Definitely adds some bling haha.

[plx92]

Had a crazy long term project thought this weekend, Ford offers a full engine management retrofit system for using their ecoboost 2.0L engine from the focus st . The prices at salvage auctions for a totaled FoST seems reasonable, with enough meat left on the bone to recoup a few bucks.

Going to do a little poking to get some rough dimensions of the drive train package but seems like a retrofit could be doable with a donor car.

[Brizzy]

He 1.6 isnt doing it for you anymore? Lol

[plx92]

He 1.6 isnt doing it for you anymore? Lol

I'm saying stuff the ecoboost motor in the pgt. Still in the crazy idea stage, need to gather many more details and rough drivetrain dimensions.


The 1.6 has 400whp power potential with a turbo upgrade and a good tune, but I'm avoiding hot rodding the daily

[Brizzy]

Would be interesting...

[BLUEnoEQ]

plx92 is that the same engine from the '13 and up Fusion? It may be easier to find one of those wrecked. Probably with a 6 speed atx though. It should move out pretty good with that engine, considering the one I drove was burdened with a heavier body, atx and awd.

[Brizzy]

Why not test the potential of the f2t first?

Fe3 would be the only motor I would replace an f2t with

[plx92]

Why not test the potential of the f2t first?

Fe3 would be the only motor I would replace an f2t with

For starters, the smooth power delivery of the direct injected engines is phenomenal, but also a much more stout 6spd trans, there is one of the best ecoboost tuners in the country local to me, and reliable power potential of the eb 2.0 is far greater than the f2.


Would be more for the wow factor and a new uncharted project than anything, just a fun idea I'm kicking around. If the stars align and I find a local wrecked st3 for the right price. My checkbook might get lighter. But for the meantime, I'm more than happy with the performance of my f2.


As for other news, crappy plastic spectra radiator let go the other day, Ordered an aluminum s13 sr20 2 row and fan shroud kit and will be retrofitting that in the next couple weeks.

[unionrdr]

I kicked the idea of an ecoboost in my 94 SE as well. With the right transaxle, it could be a beast...

[89probegt]

engine looks so sweet!
hey, that manifold heat shield looks brand new, where did you get it if so?

[plx92]

engine looks so sweet!
hey, that manifold heat shield looks brand new, where did you get it if so?

Thanks! I actually painted it with high temp paint, but the paint is burning and beginning to flake. Thinking of trying to find a nicer one and having it nickel plated.

[plx92]

Latest Developments:

[unionrdr]

Nice! Me likey!

[plx92]

In the midst of other projects as well. Back to stock brakes, picked up some blank rotors for all corners to go along with the ebc pads. Also picked up some proper hub centric spacers, rings on the way, hopefully this will get rid of the slight vibration. New open ended lugs as well, more of a housekeeping thing.







First salt this morning so won't be able to really play till the spring.