I maybe getting a freebie engine coming up that is the same block and maybe more than my factory turbo'd ford 2.3l except that its been on propane for several years. They use the same engine in tug tractors in the auto plant I work at ( ford plant that builds the crown victoria and police cruisers.) I was going to just get it as a spare and something to use as a jig for making an new intake but I have been told its in very good shape and just frame is broken on tug its coming out of. Never heard of propane and turbocharging together though.?
Dale

Sounds like a nice find Dale. I'd imagine the turbocharging might make up for the loss in power using propane. My experience has been that propane engines and in particular FO Mo Co products of the Lima engine era have concerns with valves and guides. Worn. burnt or warped. The majority of concerns I recall with the turbo 2.3's was the turbo seals and abuse. Sounds like some interesting engineering they have in the plant tub trucks in the Crown Vic Plant. Most of the lift and tug tractors I've worked on have had flat heads.
I hear the fire surpresion systems are being fitted to the new intercepters. Might make for a nice option on a locost with the fuel tank in the same location as a Pinto.

[Edited on 15/6/05 by madman280]

Yes we are just gearing up on the auto fire supression for the cruisers- but I think its going to be about a 5 or 6 thousand dollar option. I will definately be checking them out to see how a locost version of it can be made.
BTW it can be frustrating spending time building up an engine and car and go to work and see skid loads and skid loads of new 300hp 32 valve engines that are brand new.
Dale