Dylan them 2.3 and 3.0 were some of the best motors Ford had I'm not a huge Ford fan, but I do love the classics and swear by these two motors my 91 aerostar had a 3.0 with 5speed manual overdrive it was excellent ❤
Kinda funny you hook up a boost gauge before an oil pressure gauge. I guess if it’s running it has some sort of pressure but it’s definitely something you might want to monitor as well. No oil pressure equals no boost pressure.
@@DanDan_and_the_boyswell, as far as I know, no oil pressure equals destroyed turbo. So why bother checking the oil pressure while trying to make the turbo whistle???
@@TerrorTubbie666 why check the oil pressure lol , not being rude but any competent person that knows the basics on mechanics knows oil pressure is one if not the first thing you check. Without oil pressure or adequate pressure the anything else done is useless.
Be carful where the gas line is run lots of them caugh on fire under the hood iirc the gas line was right over the distributor? I just know they were not made right
Those 2.3 engines are super durable! Not the most powerful things ever made, but they’ll run forever. I’m a Zamboni mechanic, and for many years, Zamboni ice machines came equipped with the 2.3 Ford engines. I’ve had timing belts break, but it’s not a big deal, because they are not “interference” engines. They’re the same engines used in everything from the Pinto to Ranger pickup trucks. Some came with the 8 spark plug head, others only have 4 plugs, but they’re good, durable “run forever” engines!
I know a guy that has a 1986 Mercury Capri and has had it since it was new. I honestly didnt realize all the small little differences between these and a normal Foxbody Mustang. The little 2.3 especially with a turbo is awesome. Honestly id give that engine a refresh and look into that cam and rocker. I know they had issues with oiling up top and wiping the cam if they weren't maintained properly
I appreciate that Dylan keeps finding some of these cars that many people would overlook. Not everyone can afford the Chargers, Mustangs, or Camaros. These are great learning and stepping stones on how to get these cars going!
Those 2.3 8 valve engines were so underrated for their day and could easily be upgraded. However, they're outdated by today's standards. I am in NO WAY saying that they can't be built to compete with today's engines, but I have driven so many T-bird Turbocoupes and they all felt really slow. Ive even driven some of the Merkur XR4Ti's. That doesnt meant that these cars aren't still cool as I'd live to have one, but I'd really like to see one of these old Capris with a 2.0L EcoBoost/manual swap. There are a few cool 400 whp Fox Body 2.0 EcoBoosts, but no Capris.
I would think modern fuel injection would really wake these things up. For the cost, it might be cheaper and simpler to ecoboost swap, but for coolness, an updated 2.3 turbo is unmatched
@@bgee461I absolutely agree. I am a firm believer in using the stock drivetrain and I know firsthand that these 2.3 8 valves can be woken up fairly easily. The worst part is converting this car to fuel injection, a turbocharger upgrade, boost control, and/or making that carb work with increased boost levels...I have seen the 2.3 put down some really good numbers, but they at least require supporting mods. Most of the NA 2.3 8 valves only ever put down 105 HP at their best and that was with fuel injection, but we all know that turbochargers change that very quickly...The 1979 Mercury Capri RS Turbo was only rated at 116 HP...and that's sad. I took a 140 HP 1.8L DOHC non-VTEC Honda engine (B18B1) that had 250,000 miles on it, rebuilt it to stock specs with ACL Race bearings and NPR rings, put an eBay turbo on it, installed supporting mods like ARP head studs, a Cometic MLS head gasket, a Gates Racing timing belt, ARP main studs (not needed, but helps), bigger fuel injectors, a larger throttle body (also not needed), a larger fuel pump, a blockguard, BC Stage 2 Turbo cams, dual valve springs with titanium retainers, I socketed and chipped an OEM Honda ECU to run on Crome Gold, and it made 412 whp at 18 psi. I later fully built that engine with CP 9.0:1 pistons, Eagle H-beam rods, I installed a Golden Eagle LSVTEC conversion with a Civic Type-R VTEC head, Skunk2 Stage 4 cams, Skunk2 LMAs, Skunk2 Ultra 3.5L Race intake manifold with a 90mm throttle body, and a Garrett GTS3582 dual ball bearing turbo and it made 709 whp at 34-36 psi. Best time in my 1997 Civic coupe was a 9.56 @ 155 MPH.
I'll tell ya what Dylan, I am the biggest 79-86 Fox Body Mustang and Capri aficionado. I've had countless over the years and have a substantial amount of parts. I've driven everything but the V6. I have my 1980 coupe that I'm going to restore and have had it for 30 years. I have a T-Top roof I cut off another Mustang that I'm going to put on my Stang. Odds are you won't find anyone more dedicated to the pre-fuel injected Foxes than me. You're gonna have real fun with this. I also have 2 sets of the TRX wheels. Your best option is to restore the engine and run it that way.
Were you ever called Scorched earth customs and did ALOT of "scorching" burnouts up the main highway before burn outs got organized?......the longest one was .25 of a mile....
I used to have a 1982 Mercury Capri. Loved that car. When I got it, (she was a hand me down and no one ever fixed her correctly) she would bog out on flats and choke herself out. Had to do an overhaul on the automatic choke assembly and the carburetor. Once I figured it all out and had it idling properly took her out for a test drive. That's when I found out she was a turbo. Little light came on in the dash (that hadn't been working), I saw that and was like no way. Down shifted gave her a little more gas and Kapow. I was flying down the road. Drove that car for many years before she finally gave up on me. But it took a lot to kill her. Those engines once tuned correctly were the bomb. You ever find another one let me know. This vid brought back some great ole memories. Thanks. Peace.
I am a disabled vet n going to power tour was on my bucket list. Now it's just a dream but thanks to you I get to live my dream through you. Thank you for letting this old dog live his dream through you.
I had the same model car. Same color. LOL That turbo whistles just like mine did. That's the way it sounds from the factory. Loved that car. Growing family . I had to give it up .
A lot of people laughed at me when I had my turbo coupe thunderbird until that little 2.3liter turbo walked away from his big bad ass anemic 82 Z-28 with that 305 that had less horsepower than my Thunderbird lol
I had a 72 Maverick 302,4spd warmed up a bit with cam and headers and some port work. One of those turbo coupe t-birds wanted to race at the light. The light turned green and that t-bird took off like a slingshot! He got ahead of me pretty quickly. I did catch him and pass him but it took awhile! Once I got around him and started pulling away he just didn't have enough to get back around me. I had no idea there was such a thing as turbo thunderbird. No..I didn't tell my friends that I was nearly beaten by a 4cyl car..I wanted that coupe to sneak up on them and do to them what he did to me! Those thunderbird coupes were nice cars
@@thunderray1987 my Maverick spanked the fox body Mustangs frequently..but there was no way I was going to mess with one of those GNX Regals,Not at the strip anyway. Those were lightening quick!
My brother once put a 318 in an 85 Mustang. It was a tight fit, and the passenger mount had to be located behind the block ears instead of in front, but it was a fun ride. You have no idea how much low-end torque makes a difference until you find it hard to keep the tires from spinning...lol. Great video Dylan, thanks for sharing.
@@sabledriver That sounds like Coker. But if I owned a TRX-equipped car, I would put those rims in the garage and buy standard rims to accommodate cheaper tires for actually driving the car.
@@shaynechild2517 I got rid of my TRX wheels in the early 90's, after I had bought some police car steelies. I'm now running 10 holes with the cat head caps on my 84 Capri RS 5.0. I have been eyeballing those LMR wheels, they look sweet.
@@Mohawk21-oi1nit mine was red with a grey front ground effect, it went to Kentucky years ago. I took the bubble hatch off and put a 83 hatchback on it with no wing.
Brits have another take on the Capri - the beefier model came with a 2.8 V6 - and there was an aftermarket turbo conversions that would 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and top out at 143mph ! Hate to say it - a lot better looking too . . . .
the biggest euro capri is a 3.2 your thinking of the 2.8i that sold in the millions for a while think they finally stopped selling it in the 90s . the south africans had a capri pirana that had a smallblock ford v8 from factory in the euro capri body.
I had a buddy that had a red one just like that. Non turbo car though. We spent all weekend putting a new engine in it, got it running and his wife took it for a test drive, and a guy rear ended her, and shoved the back bumper almost to the back seat. Not even 15 minutes after we got it done. I bought the engine from him for $200 and put it in my 1980 Mercury Zephyr... Lol
@@M.TTT.yeah sucked cause it was a super clean car. It had 60,000 miles on it, and we put an engine in it cause she ran it out of oil. Apparently she thought that red oil light was just pretty to look at. But, they had full coverage insurance, wasn't her fault. The engine was brand new, and cause the insurance paid out so well, that's why I got the engine so cheap. Didn't even have 2 miles on it.... Lol
I had a 79 Capri RS Turbo. It had been a demo at the local Lincoln Mercury dealer. Mine had the same TRX wheels, power steering, and a sun roof. It was well optioned. At 110,000 miles, I did pull the 4 and put in a 5.0. Interesting about the 79. You had 4 engine choices. The 2.3 turbo and non turbo. A 2.8 V6 And the 5.0 V8. So swaps were a breeze. I finally sold it in 2002, and the guy made it into a dedicated strip car. Wish I still had it. It took all the abuse I could throw at it. The Capri looked much better than the Mustang. A couple of things you did made me cringe, though. Stop using brake clean to start them. Washes the rings and smokes. Waited way too long to change the diluted old oil. You had very little oil pressure. Mine did not have the open rear though. The cat was the first thing to go on mine. I removed before the warranty was even up. Between that and making the hood scoop functional with a taller air filter, I could hear the turbo.
I took my driving lessons in high school(1982) in a Capri RS turbo. It felt gutless until the boost built up, then it was okay(LOL). I drove a '73 Capri(the German made one) with a 2600 V6 and a manual trans after getting my driver's license. My '73 felt much quicker than the Capri RS turbo.
After I joined the Air Force in 1982 I bought a 1979 Indy pace car. It looked cool but it was a gutless wonder and I can’t tell you how many times I hit the front spoiler on stuff. It had Recaro seats and it handled well. That car is worth a fortune today
Hey Dylan!!!! I have a 1980 Triumph TR7 and had exhaust work done. Sadly, no matter what you do to it, it is still just a four banger. They can sound ok, but you'll never get that throaty rumble from it. Now as for the CapriSun, I love it. Can't wait to watch the follow up video.
Excited about this series, as I remember being a kid and my uncle had a Capri although I think it was a little later but still a Fox body. I’m here for it! Thanks for the great content!
This is a cool new project ,Dylan. I've always loved the bulging fenders on these. Back in the early 90's , I bought a '79 mustang indy pacecar with the 2.3 Turbo motor for a daily driver. Only paid 500.00 for it back then. Running and driving with some quarter panel damage. It wasn't very fast but it was fun to watch the tach needle swing when the boost came on. LOL. I drove it for awhile and then sold it to someone else for 700.00. Looking forward to seeing what you do with yours.
Back while still in the Navy in San Diego, I bought a New 1974 Capri that had a 2.8 liter V6 with a 4 speed. Didn’t have a turbo but she was pretty quick and fun to drive! Looking forward to seeing how your turbo car comes along!
With those wider fender wells, you can put bigger wheels and tires. Maybe do a McCool full tune-up on it? The exhaust sounds good. That is a good car to save and put $ and time in on.
I have a capri and multiple mustangs, the capri fenders and quarters are deceiving, the opening is the same size and the car is actually the same overall width as standard fox mustang. That being said, this car is very much worth putting some money, and some mccool treatment into.
My wife had a turbo EXP (escort) same vintage as yours when we first met , was a fun car to drive and the turbo would come in it seemed all at once like you kicked it in the back bumper . It even had the the TRX wheels and tires also thanks for taking us along ! B
Thats awssome, I had a bunch of Capris, my first car was an 86 GS 2.3 / 4 speed, and I had an 84 5.0, and an 83 RS Turbo, also had a 79 Pace Car Replica with the same engine as yours, best of luck with it Dylan.
In 2002 I was16 in Joplin,MO. On Main Street My Bub had a Black 81 Camaro Z28 355sb & my Silver Mustang GT T-Top 5.0 306 4spd 3:55 posi!!.. We both never lost a race back then!.. we could never outrun each other!.. was one.of the greatest times of my life😊❤😊😃🥹🥲😊☺️🙂🫠
I still have an 84.5 svo that I've had since the 90s. It would always smoke a 5.0. I rebuilt it and put a motorsport roller cam in it. Now it's slightly faster and chops like a v8 at idle. 7000 rpm is no problem! The speedometer only goes to 85 but it'll do that half way thru 2nd. Keep working on them old rigs brother!
I had a '79 notchback Mustang in the early 90s. It was a turbo 2.3, four speed car. I bought it from a buddy of mine for $250. It needed a head gasket. I fixed the head gasket and drove it for two years, then the clutch started slipping. My buddy wanted the car back, so I sold it back to him for $500, slipping clutch and all.
Excellent video Dylan :) .Bryer :). I remember those cars my cousin Dawn had 1983 Mercury Capri LX hatchback Dark Brown ,.Beige pin stripe package also Interior , 200 small 6 cylinders , 1 barrel carb , Air conditioning, Power Steering + Brakes , 4 bolt aluminum rim plus Black steel rims with plastic hubs caps , 3 speaker in dash plus 2 in hatch too , 4 speed Automatic transmission shift kit , rear ends gears unknown of hand , but had aftermarket Stereo one Sparkomatic cassette original Am/Fm not work at all she had Amp to was cool Ford did ! Dawn had got in 1988 then someone took from her driveway in 1995 ! But tell like dash also Steering wheel and gauge near gear shifter Dodge Daytona had features too in 1980s to 1994 ! But one make Lol the person put exhaust Dawn car had Single till back transmission then Horseshoe to axle after muffler single one too!
Having worked on those when they were new, you really need to find the proper emission hose routing to get that running correctly, including the wastegate. There should be 2 or 3 zone vacuum switches by the washer bottle that control/limit the boost. The brake booster can also leak vacuum, but will give the car a hard brake pedal.
Never wanted a carb 2.3 turbo but I'm on my second SVO. The Lima engines make fun tractor sounds. Especially with a turbo stuck on them. The later bottom ends and much much stronger and can actually hold 400whp relatively easily. Not too sure on the earlier cast bottom ends though. Had 2 5.0 Capris, they're a riot. Its like driving an exotic car with fox body parts availability.
I recognize the cutout on the hood from a four eye foxbody carberated 5.0 H.O. I saw at the junkyard, thats neat to see the correct hood scoop to go with it. Eventually I would like to get that old fox and make a neat hotrod out of it, but it could potentially be a lot of work so, maybe not.
I had 2.3 in my 79 mustang when I was 17 I remember many times putting the number 1 or 4 intake rocker back in place alongside the road I loved that car
My buddy has a Turbo RS Capri but it has an old school 347 stroker on nitrous, narrowed ford 9 and mini tubs. It's pushing rite at 563hp at the tires with a 100 shot.
The 2.3L is a non interference engines, no issue if the belt brakes. It happened to me on an NA 2.3 I was trying to revive, the belt didn't last long on the first tests. Now it's running perfectly. The stud coming out of the fuel pump bolt is for the shield that's around it from the factory, a chunky piece of steel that makes it a bear to work on. I do not know what purpose it serves, it's really thick metal for what it is. Currently doing an engine swap in a 79 Capri Ghia (a very early october 78 built model), so i'm quite familiar with them. But never touched a Turbo model (I do have a Cobra Turbo but that is a basket case project and no engine).
I've owned so many of the '79-'93 mustangs, everything from the 2.3, 3.8 and 5.0 but owning a real SVO Ford Mustang is truly a bucket list item for me, espically an '85 or '86 when they became intercooled and at their peak performance
There is great parts support for those motors due to long years of manufacture and many racing applications. Current midget racing Esslinger version puts out 400 horsepower NA on alcohol out of 161 cubic inches. Change the timing belt before putting it back on the road.
Back in 98 i purchased a capri. Paid $425 for it. Had a 6 cylinder and a lot of rust. Being 21 at the time i didn't have money for new tires. Worn tires and ultra light steering not a good combination for driving in snow.
In 1986 bought a 1980 mustang with 2.3 turbo for 2500 bucks. Turbo was stuck so tore it out along with all the California emissions trash and replaced with a 302. It was the simplest engine to work on from that point forward.
WOW Dylan that’s the exact car I drove in high school thanks for bringing that memory back to life keep up the excellent work and guess what I’m from South Carolina as well
Very neat find and I hope you do it up right. I've got an '83 with the V-8 and 4-spd. I put many miles on it an it is needing to be restored. Fun car. For the exhaust routing, you might be able to flip that single-hump transmission mount to allow the exhaust a straight shot out to the rear of the car. I forget if it is asymmetrical or not. The V8 has a double-hump mount.
had 7 cars with those pinto engines here in the uk, they bullet proof , i ran a 2.4 block with diesel con rods , cosworth head , t4 turbo, was good for 400 bhp , great engines ,was fitted in a mk1 ford capri , now i run a mk1 with a Windsor engine, lol
That's one of the nicest & cleanest old school Fox bodies / Capri Rs that I've ever seen ina long time!... Even a 79 Wow!.. Had a 82T-Top GT 4 sp 5:0 306 3:55 posi with factory Slapper Bars was slammed with old-school 15inch Modern Racing wheels.. it sat parked for 4 years & she fired up first try!!.. was a blast,loved thar car.😊.. & I almost died in it a few time!!!..😮😊. RIP Silver Bullet!!.. 😢❤❤.
I love these cars! I want to see more of this one!! Also, I noticed a difference in exhaust note with the change up...might just be me but it sounds a bit better. It might need a new glass pack. They do wear out after time. Overall I think this is a great car!! Looking forward to more videos on it 👍👍👍
My mom had the 1981 Capri Black Magic edition. I remember when she drove it off the show room floor. She kept it for about 7 years. The last year we had it. The T-Top were stolen twice, since back then they didn't have locks on them. I think brand new the car only cost about $8,000. I still wish we had kept it. We sold it to a dad buying a car for his daughter in high school, unfortunately she wreck it a few years later in 1990. I remember being 8 years old and my mom was a sleep, I took the car around the block a few times.
Hey Dylan, my friend had one these back in the 80s. But it had green striping . Steering is easier because of the rack and pinion steering. Don't expect to have your neck snapped back when the turbo kicks in. It's more of a passing gear... The rating on oil you were talking about is probably for turbo rated cars., I remember they had a hard time with the oi9 sticking to turbo bearing, causing turbo failures.
I had a 79 fox body stang with one of those scoops. I did the same thing. I cut that piece out. It actually made it look way better. There was a black louver piece attached to that backing that I took off then cut that piece out.
@@justinborysenko3885 Mine eventually got to the point where I'd pull up to a full service gas station and tell them to fill it up with oil and check the gas and pull out of there looking like a crop duster. It was so bad how much oil it leaked and burned that I got used oil from my friends and even gear oil and ran it through the crankcase but I'll tell ya, I couldn't kill that thing.
The winner for the $250 Holley gift card will be announced SEPTEMBER 30th, it was late when I typed that, my bad!
I was wondering lol
Dylan them 2.3 and 3.0 were some of the best motors Ford had I'm not a huge Ford fan, but I do love the classics and swear by these two motors my 91 aerostar had a 3.0 with 5speed manual overdrive it was excellent ❤
Kinda funny you hook up a boost gauge before an oil pressure gauge. I guess if it’s running it has some sort of pressure but it’s definitely something you might want to monitor as well. No oil pressure equals no boost pressure.
@@DanDan_and_the_boyswell, as far as I know, no oil pressure equals destroyed turbo.
So why bother checking the oil pressure while trying to make the turbo whistle???
@@TerrorTubbie666 why check the oil pressure lol , not being rude but any competent person that knows the basics on mechanics knows oil pressure is one if not the first thing you check. Without oil pressure or adequate pressure the anything else done is useless.
I love the 2.3 turbo cars
You built your channel on a 2.3 turbo.
same here @Sleeperdude!!!
@@Sleeperdude Always liked that engine. I'd love to put one in a Ranger and do my own spin on Ranger GT.
Be carful where the gas line is run lots of them caugh on fire under the hood iirc the gas line was right over the distributor? I just know they were not made right
Thunderbirds!!!
Those 2.3 engines are super durable! Not the most powerful things ever made, but they’ll run forever. I’m a Zamboni mechanic, and for many years, Zamboni ice machines came equipped with the 2.3 Ford engines. I’ve had timing belts break, but it’s not a big deal, because they are not “interference” engines. They’re the same engines used in everything from the Pinto to Ranger pickup trucks. Some came with the 8 spark plug head, others only have 4 plugs, but they’re good, durable “run forever” engines!
Yeah. Previous owner of my XR4Ti broke a belt and no issues.
My uncle bought a 1984 4x4 ranger new with the 2.3l good little engines
I know a guy that has a 1986 Mercury Capri and has had it since it was new. I honestly didnt realize all the small little differences between these and a normal Foxbody Mustang. The little 2.3 especially with a turbo is awesome. Honestly id give that engine a refresh and look into that cam and rocker. I know they had issues with oiling up top and wiping the cam if they weren't maintained properly
That back hatch with window wiper is a pretty rare option.
Soo fricken rare! Super excited you found one.
Not gonna lie, kinda jealous over this one...great find Dylan.
I appreciate that Dylan keeps finding some of these cars that many people would overlook. Not everyone can afford the Chargers, Mustangs, or Camaros. These are great learning and stepping stones on how to get these cars going!
Those 2.3 8 valve engines were so underrated for their day and could easily be upgraded. However, they're outdated by today's standards. I am in NO WAY saying that they can't be built to compete with today's engines, but I have driven so many T-bird Turbocoupes and they all felt really slow. Ive even driven some of the Merkur XR4Ti's. That doesnt meant that these cars aren't still cool as I'd live to have one, but I'd really like to see one of these old Capris with a 2.0L EcoBoost/manual swap. There are a few cool 400 whp Fox Body 2.0 EcoBoosts, but no Capris.
I would think modern fuel injection would really wake these things up. For the cost, it might be cheaper and simpler to ecoboost swap, but for coolness, an updated 2.3 turbo is unmatched
@@bgee461I absolutely agree. I am a firm believer in using the stock drivetrain and I know firsthand that these 2.3 8 valves can be woken up fairly easily. The worst part is converting this car to fuel injection, a turbocharger upgrade, boost control, and/or making that carb work with increased boost levels...I have seen the 2.3 put down some really good numbers, but they at least require supporting mods. Most of the NA 2.3 8 valves only ever put down 105 HP at their best and that was with fuel injection, but we all know that turbochargers change that very quickly...The 1979 Mercury Capri RS Turbo was only rated at 116 HP...and that's sad. I took a 140 HP 1.8L DOHC non-VTEC Honda engine (B18B1) that had 250,000 miles on it, rebuilt it to stock specs with ACL Race bearings and NPR rings, put an eBay turbo on it, installed supporting mods like ARP head studs, a Cometic MLS head gasket, a Gates Racing timing belt, ARP main studs (not needed, but helps), bigger fuel injectors, a larger throttle body (also not needed), a larger fuel pump, a blockguard, BC Stage 2 Turbo cams, dual valve springs with titanium retainers, I socketed and chipped an OEM Honda ECU to run on Crome Gold, and it made 412 whp at 18 psi. I later fully built that engine with CP 9.0:1 pistons, Eagle H-beam rods, I installed a Golden Eagle LSVTEC conversion with a Civic Type-R VTEC head, Skunk2 Stage 4 cams, Skunk2 LMAs, Skunk2 Ultra 3.5L Race intake manifold with a 90mm throttle body, and a Garrett GTS3582 dual ball bearing turbo and it made 709 whp at 34-36 psi. Best time in my 1997 Civic coupe was a 9.56 @ 155 MPH.
@@bgee461And sorry for the novel bud, I have ADHD real bad.
To be blunt they were outdated in their day. There is a reason they were hated. Garbage.
Honda b engine is over 30years old it can make 300hp on pump gas. It has age like wine.
I'll tell ya what Dylan, I am the biggest 79-86 Fox Body Mustang and Capri aficionado. I've had countless over the years and have a substantial amount of parts. I've driven everything but the V6. I have my 1980 coupe that I'm going to restore and have had it for 30 years. I have a T-Top roof I cut off another Mustang that I'm going to put on my Stang. Odds are you won't find anyone more dedicated to the pre-fuel injected Foxes than me. You're gonna have real fun with this. I also have 2 sets of the TRX wheels. Your best option is to restore the engine and run it that way.
Were you ever called Scorched earth customs and did ALOT of "scorching" burnouts up the main highway before burn outs got organized?......the longest one was .25 of a mile....
@@Mohawk21-oi1nit Nope, sorry. Dark Earth Customs has always been my shop name.
I have the same on but it’s a mustang but they are very similar. Just pulled it out of the woods after 28years and got it going again.
yep you can swap quite a few body panels
I used to have a 1982 Mercury Capri. Loved that car. When I got it, (she was a hand me down and no one ever fixed her correctly) she would bog out on flats and choke herself out. Had to do an overhaul on the automatic choke assembly and the carburetor. Once I figured it all out and had it idling properly took her out for a test drive. That's when I found out she was a turbo. Little light came on in the dash (that hadn't been working), I saw that and was like no way. Down shifted gave her a little more gas and Kapow. I was flying down the road. Drove that car for many years before she finally gave up on me. But it took a lot to kill her. Those engines once tuned correctly were the bomb. You ever find another one let me know. This vid brought back some great ole memories. Thanks. Peace.
I am a disabled vet n going to power tour was on my bucket list. Now it's just a dream but thanks to you I get to live my dream through you. Thank you for letting this old dog live his dream through you.
I had the same model car. Same color. LOL That turbo whistles just like mine did. That's the way it sounds from the factory. Loved that car. Growing family . I had to give it up .
A lot of people laughed at me when I had my turbo coupe thunderbird until that little 2.3liter turbo walked away from his big bad ass anemic 82 Z-28 with that 305 that had less horsepower than my Thunderbird lol
Oddly enough, the '87 Regal GNX was actually faster than the '87 Mustang GT
I had a 72 Maverick 302,4spd warmed up a bit with cam and headers and some port work.
One of those turbo coupe t-birds wanted to race at the light.
The light turned green and that t-bird took off like a slingshot!
He got ahead of me pretty quickly.
I did catch him and pass him but it took awhile! Once I got around him and started pulling away he just didn't have enough to get back around me.
I had no idea there was such a thing as turbo thunderbird.
No..I didn't tell my friends that I was nearly beaten by a 4cyl car..I wanted that coupe to sneak up on them and do to them what he did to me! Those thunderbird coupes were nice cars
@@thunderray1987 my Maverick spanked the fox body Mustangs frequently..but there was no way I was going to mess with one of those GNX Regals,Not at the strip anyway.
Those were lightening quick!
I had a 1980 Mustang with the straight 6 200 and a 4 speed. A 305 Camaro couldn't keep up with me.
My brother once put a 318 in an 85 Mustang. It was a tight fit, and the passenger mount had to be located behind the block ears instead of in front, but it was a fun ride. You have no idea how much low-end torque makes a difference until you find it hard to keep the tires from spinning...lol. Great video Dylan, thanks for sharing.
Still got the TRX wheels on it with the unobtainable tire size.
I think Coker tire makes the 220-55-390 size that should fit . Not cheap, though.
@@sabledriver That sounds like Coker. But if I owned a TRX-equipped car, I would put those rims in the garage and buy standard rims to accommodate cheaper tires for actually driving the car.
LMR makes repops that are 16" and very nice looking I have a set
@@shaynechild2517 I got rid of my TRX wheels in the early 90's, after I had bought some police car steelies. I'm now running 10 holes with the cat head caps on my 84 Capri RS 5.0. I have been eyeballing those LMR wheels, they look sweet.
@@shaynechild2517 I’ve been eyeballing those for a while, it all comes down to money! I’ve got 10 holes on my 84 RS, looks good, but….
I had a 1984 Capri rs t top 306 stroker t5 five speed with 355 gears.
@excopcar, what color??? That sounded a lot like my car!!!!
@@Mohawk21-oi1nit mine was red with a grey front ground effect, it went to Kentucky years ago. I took the bubble hatch off and put a 83 hatchback on it with no wing.
@@excopcar7907 well SHASTA! MINE WAS BABY BLUE( PUDDINS FAB SHOP BLUE) WITH A RED PIN STRIPE.... 5.0 5 SPEED ....
I took a 22 inch dump once
This would be a fun car to have. I love the late 70's style and the way the interiors look.
I like this version of the Capri and the early 70's German Version that a lot of them were made into rally car's.
Brits have another take on the Capri - the beefier model came with a 2.8 V6 - and there was an aftermarket turbo conversions that would 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and top out at 143mph !
Hate to say it - a lot better looking too . . . .
the biggest euro capri is a 3.2 your thinking of the 2.8i that sold in the millions for a while think they finally stopped selling it in the 90s . the south africans had a capri pirana that had a smallblock ford v8 from factory in the euro capri body.
@@andrewmcewan8081uk capri was last sold in 87/88.... the 3.2 was an aftermarket conversion
I had a buddy that had a red one just like that. Non turbo car though. We spent all weekend putting a new engine in it, got it running and his wife took it for a test drive, and a guy rear ended her, and shoved the back bumper almost to the back seat. Not even 15 minutes after we got it done. I bought the engine from him for $200 and put it in my 1980 Mercury Zephyr... Lol
woman driver, no survivor
@@M.TTT.yeah sucked cause it was a super clean car. It had 60,000 miles on it, and we put an engine in it cause she ran it out of oil. Apparently she thought that red oil light was just pretty to look at. But, they had full coverage insurance, wasn't her fault. The engine was brand new, and cause the insurance paid out so well, that's why I got the engine so cheap. Didn't even have 2 miles on it.... Lol
@@Iseerightthruyou ah classic lol, just like the gas light
I had a 79 Capri RS Turbo. It had been a demo at the local Lincoln Mercury dealer. Mine had the same TRX wheels, power steering, and a sun roof. It was well optioned. At 110,000 miles, I did pull the 4 and put in a 5.0. Interesting about the 79. You had 4 engine choices. The 2.3 turbo and non turbo. A 2.8 V6 And the 5.0 V8. So swaps were a breeze. I finally sold it in 2002, and the guy made it into a dedicated strip car. Wish I still had it. It took all the abuse I could throw at it. The Capri looked much better than the Mustang.
A couple of things you did made me cringe, though. Stop using brake clean to start them. Washes the rings and smokes. Waited way too long to change the diluted old oil. You had very little oil pressure.
Mine did not have the open rear though. The cat was the first thing to go on mine. I removed before the warranty was even up. Between that and making the hood scoop functional with a taller air filter, I could hear the turbo.
I really enjoy your video's, hi from Republic of Moldova "keep up the good work"
I have had my 1979 Mercury Capri RS Turbo since 1985 and drive it daily I just love this car!
I took my driving lessons in high school(1982) in a Capri RS turbo. It felt gutless until the boost built up, then it was okay(LOL).
I drove a '73 Capri(the German made one) with a 2600 V6 and a manual trans after getting my driver's license. My '73 felt much quicker than the Capri RS turbo.
That just really makes me smile!
Really love that crew cab Dodge! Brings back great camping memories
core memory unlocked! ford ranger horn !
After I joined the Air Force in 1982 I bought a 1979 Indy pace car. It looked cool but it was a gutless wonder and I can’t tell you how many times I hit the front spoiler on stuff. It had Recaro seats and it handled well. That car is worth a fortune today
Hey Dylan!!!! I have a 1980 Triumph TR7 and had exhaust work done. Sadly, no matter what you do to it, it is still just a four banger. They can sound ok, but you'll never get that throaty rumble from it. Now as for the CapriSun, I love it. Can't wait to watch the follow up video.
I once had 84 capri with the 302 ho in it.
Part 2 please, Such a wonderful car.
man i love that dash, its super 80s
Excited about this series, as I remember being a kid and my uncle had a Capri although I think it was a little later but still a Fox body. I’m here for it! Thanks for the great content!
This is a cool new project ,Dylan. I've always loved the bulging fenders on these. Back in the early 90's , I bought a '79 mustang indy pacecar with the 2.3 Turbo motor for a daily driver. Only paid 500.00 for it back then. Running and driving with some quarter panel damage. It wasn't very fast but it was fun to watch the tach needle swing when the boost came on. LOL. I drove it for awhile and then sold it to someone else for 700.00. Looking forward to seeing what you do with yours.
Back while still in the Navy in San Diego, I bought a New 1974 Capri that had a 2.8 liter V6 with a 4 speed. Didn’t have a turbo but she was pretty quick and fun to drive! Looking forward to seeing how your turbo car comes along!
Looking forward to seeing the build of this one! Awesome car! Love the Foxs!
Gotta say, it is refreshing to see something like this
What an awesome car you have there mate it’s so cool that you’re getting these old cars going again
With those wider fender wells, you can put bigger wheels and tires.
Maybe do a McCool full tune-up on it? The exhaust sounds good.
That is a good car to save and put $ and time in on.
I have a capri and multiple mustangs, the capri fenders and quarters are deceiving, the opening is the same size and the car is actually the same overall width as standard fox mustang. That being said, this car is very much worth putting some money, and some mccool treatment into.
Also, 16x8 wheels look fantastic on these cars
@@carterowen6805 Thanks, I really like the Fox body cars.
she looks so cool with that vintage black and yellow. love it.
Looks pretty good can't wait to see what you do with it
I love those 2.3L engines if tuned right and paired with right car you can have a boat load of power and still get 30 mpg
I love this car! Looking forward to the next video!
My wife had a turbo EXP (escort) same vintage as yours when we first met , was a fun car to drive and the turbo would come in it seemed all at once like you kicked it in the back bumper . It even had the the TRX wheels and tires also thanks for taking us along ! B
This is cool...I had a bright yellow one with the optional sun roof and the black rear window louvres. This brought back memories
the old rocker arm falling off, was common on these......I knew that the first time you tried to start it,,,,
I love the name! It’s perfect and I can’t wait for the next video.
Thats awssome, I had a bunch of Capris, my first car was an 86 GS 2.3 / 4 speed, and I had an 84 5.0, and an 83 RS Turbo, also had a 79 Pace Car Replica with the same engine as yours, best of luck with it Dylan.
In 2002 I was16 in Joplin,MO. On Main Street My Bub had a Black 81 Camaro Z28 355sb & my Silver Mustang GT T-Top 5.0 306 4spd 3:55 posi!!.. We both never lost a race back then!.. we could never outrun each other!.. was one.of the greatest times of my life😊❤😊😃🥹🥲😊☺️🙂🫠
That car was originally from wahalla south Carolina 👍 i know because i used to see it all the time before they moved to Alabama in 2000
No kidding? That’s awesome!
I still have an 84.5 svo that I've had since the 90s. It would always smoke a 5.0. I rebuilt it and put a motorsport roller cam in it. Now it's slightly faster and chops like a v8 at idle. 7000 rpm is no problem! The speedometer only goes to 85 but it'll do that half way thru 2nd. Keep working on them old rigs brother!
My Older Brother has a 1980 RS Turbo, It was his first car and he's had it ever since. He abosolutly LOVES that car.
I had a '79 notchback Mustang in the early 90s. It was a turbo 2.3, four speed car. I bought it from a buddy of mine for $250. It needed a head gasket. I fixed the head gasket and drove it for two years, then the clutch started slipping. My buddy wanted the car back, so I sold it back to him for $500, slipping clutch and all.
I found the exhaust work the best part of this episode.
Excellent video Dylan :) .Bryer :). I remember those cars my cousin Dawn had 1983 Mercury Capri LX hatchback Dark Brown ,.Beige pin stripe package also Interior , 200 small 6 cylinders , 1 barrel carb , Air conditioning, Power Steering + Brakes , 4 bolt aluminum rim plus Black steel rims with plastic hubs caps , 3 speaker in dash plus 2 in hatch too , 4 speed Automatic transmission shift kit , rear ends gears unknown of hand , but had aftermarket Stereo one Sparkomatic cassette original Am/Fm not work at all she had Amp to was cool Ford did ! Dawn had got in 1988 then someone took from her driveway in 1995 ! But tell like dash also Steering wheel and gauge near gear shifter Dodge Daytona had features too in 1980s to 1994 ! But one make Lol the person put exhaust Dawn car had Single till back transmission then Horseshoe to axle after muffler single one too!
I have never even seen one of these up close before. Nice save. I am a sucker for the oddballs.
Having worked on those when they were new, you really need to find the proper emission hose routing to get that running correctly, including the wastegate. There should be 2 or 3 zone vacuum switches by the washer bottle that control/limit the boost. The brake booster can also leak vacuum, but will give the car a hard brake pedal.
Never wanted a carb 2.3 turbo but I'm on my second SVO. The Lima engines make fun tractor sounds. Especially with a turbo stuck on them. The later bottom ends and much much stronger and can actually hold 400whp relatively easily. Not too sure on the earlier cast bottom ends though. Had 2 5.0 Capris, they're a riot. Its like driving an exotic car with fox body parts availability.
I recognize the cutout on the hood from a four eye foxbody carberated 5.0 H.O. I saw at the junkyard, thats neat to see the correct hood scoop to go with it. Eventually I would like to get that old fox and make a neat hotrod out of it, but it could potentially be a lot of work so, maybe not.
I had 2.3 in my 79 mustang when I was 17 I remember many times putting the number 1 or 4 intake rocker back in place alongside the road I loved that car
Nothing like a good old 2.3. Very reliable engine. Never had a issue with it😊
Briar is awesome definitely adds something to already quality content
My buddy has a Turbo RS Capri but it has an old school 347 stroker on nitrous, narrowed ford 9 and mini tubs. It's pushing rite at 563hp at the tires with a 100 shot.
Love to see you make this a better driver.
Awesome seeing one untouched like a time capsule with a little "patina".
those are super cool, and that is worth saving as long as it's not rusted out badly
The 2.3L is a non interference engines, no issue if the belt brakes. It happened to me on an NA 2.3 I was trying to revive, the belt didn't last long on the first tests. Now it's running perfectly.
The stud coming out of the fuel pump bolt is for the shield that's around it from the factory, a chunky piece of steel that makes it a bear to work on. I do not know what purpose it serves, it's really thick metal for what it is.
Currently doing an engine swap in a 79 Capri Ghia (a very early october 78 built model), so i'm quite familiar with them. But never touched a Turbo model (I do have a Cobra Turbo but that is a basket case project and no engine).
This makes me miss my 84 rs turbo that I sold 3 months ago. Good video!
I've owned so many of the '79-'93 mustangs, everything from the 2.3, 3.8 and 5.0 but owning a real SVO Ford Mustang is truly a bucket list item for me, espically an '85 or '86 when they became intercooled and at their peak performance
My second car
1979 Red, 4 speed, sunroof. I loved it.
7:43 That car is so coool!!
OH WOW! The good old Merc Capri again!
There is great parts support for those motors due to long years of manufacture and many racing applications. Current midget racing Esslinger version puts out 400 horsepower NA on alcohol out of 161 cubic inches. Change the timing belt before putting it back on the road.
Very Nice love the glass pack and its à Nice project car 🤟🤟 love to see more of it
That’s a sweet car , I’ve always liked the Capris . Great video Dylan . Cheers 🇨🇦
I had the same exact car in the 80's Love it, btw if you over rev it there is an audible alarm/buzzard
Back in 98 i purchased a capri.
Paid $425 for it.
Had a 6 cylinder and a lot of rust.
Being 21 at the time i didn't have money for new tires.
Worn tires and ultra light steering not a good combination for driving in snow.
In 1986 bought a 1980 mustang with 2.3 turbo for 2500 bucks. Turbo was stuck so tore it out along with all the California emissions trash and replaced with a 302. It was the simplest engine to work on from that point forward.
WOW Dylan that’s the exact car I drove in high school thanks for bringing that memory back to life keep up the excellent work and guess what I’m from South Carolina as well
Very neat find and I hope you do it up right. I've got an '83 with the V-8 and 4-spd. I put many miles on it an it is needing to be restored. Fun car. For the exhaust routing, you might be able to flip that single-hump transmission mount to allow the exhaust a straight shot out to the rear of the car. I forget if it is asymmetrical or not. The V8 has a double-hump mount.
had 7 cars with those pinto engines here in the uk, they bullet proof , i ran a 2.4 block with diesel con rods , cosworth head , t4 turbo, was good for 400 bhp , great engines ,was fitted in a mk1 ford capri , now i run a mk1 with a Windsor engine, lol
Great video Dylan. Thanks for posting it.
In the 1980's in high school I always loved the Mercury cars.
As the current owner of several Capris, this warms the heart. The RS Turbo is the one model that I have not yet owned. Someday . . . .
Those are some of the best condition trx wheels and tires ive seen in a VERY long time!
That's one of the nicest & cleanest old school Fox bodies / Capri Rs that I've ever seen ina long time!... Even a 79 Wow!.. Had a 82T-Top GT 4 sp 5:0 306 3:55 posi with factory Slapper Bars was slammed with old-school 15inch Modern Racing wheels.. it sat parked for 4 years & she fired up first try!!.. was a blast,loved thar car.😊.. & I almost died in it a few time!!!..😮😊. RIP Silver Bullet!!.. 😢❤❤.
This was in 2002 when I was 16!!😮😮😮😊😊😊👍👍👍What A blast!! 👍😁😁😁😁😊❤😊😊!..
Too weird I was looking a these yesterday!!!!!!! Memories from late 80's(I know car is early eighties late 70's).
SE oil is a classification of oil that is obsolete and not suitable for engines after 79.
I love these cars! I want to see more of this one!! Also, I noticed a difference in exhaust note with the change up...might just be me but it sounds a bit better. It might need a new glass pack. They do wear out after time.
Overall I think this is a great car!! Looking forward to more videos on it 👍👍👍
Hi Dylan and Brier nice vehicle and video 📹 and workmanship
My mom had the 1981 Capri Black Magic edition. I remember when she drove it off the show room floor. She kept it for about 7 years. The last year we had it. The T-Top were stolen twice, since back then they didn't have locks on them. I think brand new the car only cost about $8,000. I still wish we had kept it. We sold it to a dad buying a car for his daughter in high school, unfortunately she wreck it a few years later in 1990.
I remember being 8 years old and my mom was a sleep, I took the car around the block a few times.
I love the trx rims from the factory.
Kevin for junkyard digs would love that car and i see why its a great car
Never had a turbo 2.3 but from personal experience you can build the heck out of them
Hey Dylan, my friend had one these back in the 80s. But it had green striping . Steering is easier because of the rack and pinion steering. Don't expect to have your neck snapped back when the turbo kicks in. It's more of a passing gear...
The rating on oil you were talking about is probably for turbo rated cars., I remember they had a hard time with the oi9 sticking to turbo bearing, causing turbo failures.
Little cars were rare with turbo. Nice to see it up and running...fresh oil..plugs.. Maybe some LUCAS oil stabilizer to cushion the rockers..
Awesome love that era Turboage no matter what it's in
I had the 79 just like that, but it was the 5.0 4 speed manual. Not fast by today's standards, but it was a handsome looking car.
I had a 79 fox body stang with one of those scoops. I did the same thing. I cut that piece out. It actually made it look way better. There was a black louver piece attached to that backing that I took off then cut that piece out.
I had a powder blue 79 turbo. I thought it was fast
@@justinborysenko3885 Mine eventually got to the point where I'd pull up to a full service gas station and tell them to fill it up with oil and check the gas and pull out of there looking like a crop duster. It was so bad how much oil it leaked and burned that I got used oil from my friends and even gear oil and ran it through the crankcase but I'll tell ya, I couldn't kill that thing.