June 07 2004

Rain put a bit of a damper on the first annual TurboFord Dyno Challenge at the All Ford Nationals this year in Carlisle PA. but two devoted 2.3T owners stepped up to the rig and ran their cars on Friday June 04 2004.

First, a bit of background info that should prove interesting and surprising to the 2.3T masses about this 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura. I did a quick search on line and could find no information on this car that was significant (Because I was looking for Fairlane DUH). According to owner, Eric Martin, approximately 1150 Fairmonts of all different models rolled off the Ford line with a carbbed 2.3 Turbo option! This is NOT a swap car. This car may be the least recognized 2.3 Turbo Ford ever produced. It may also be the rarest of the production 2.3 Turbo Fords in all its model variations with the only exception being the Convertible GT 350 of 1984. Number for number of what is actually still on the road, this car may take First Prize for Super Rare.

Click on the thumb to see the sheet

On that note, the winner of 1st prize of the First Annual Carlisle Dyno Challenge is none other than Eric Martin and his 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura. Updated to EFI as you can see in the picture, the car laid down 200 horse power and 221 lbs-ft torque. Congratulations Eric. Great way to make an Entrance into the 2.3T world and educate us all on yet another Awesome Turbo Ford. If anyone out there has information on this type of Turbo Ford or any others that may be lurking in the shadows of North America, please email me.

Second Place winner and one of Turbo Ford's own, Jean (Mrs. Vlad)

I've found in my experience with mustangs that some have genuine personality and character. This near stock SVO, however seems to have brain waves and heart palpitations to boot. Being relatively conservative on the Dyno, at a max RPM around 5300 the car still puts out a decent number.