1989 Plymouth Voyager
2.5L 8-valve Turbo / A523
Wanted one of these vans for a long time since George Kish had his T2 cargo van in the 90’s. Fast forward to Feb 2022 long time friend and fellow SDAC member Tommy Beranek (tommy) text me pics of a van near him that we could get for cheap. After seeing it was full of Chicago rust we looked around. Austin Poling had a much cleaner van and offered to deliver it (thanks again!) for a fair price. The two of us decided to split it 50-50 and see what we could do with spare parts we had laying around. A few of the SDAC Chicago Chapter crew threw some old parts in as well. Most of the hard parts or speed parts for the build are 15-25 years old.
Nothing to prove, just a fun project for a good time. Due to weather we really didn’t get started with anything until April. Tommy and I both have busy schedules so typically only worked on it a couple hours week. We figured we would use old school methods to modding these motors that we’ve used for over 20 years. Thanks to those who have helped along the way joe_van_duno , shmedley, Nicole Sonnie and several others in SDAC Chicago chapter plus DodgeShadowChik and Nicole for letting us play - we appreciate everything.
We just got it running and had hoped to bring it to SDAC OVChapter Turbopalooza but snow there lead us to hit the local GLD. It mostly ran high 12’s that day with either of us driving.
After that day we figured we were done this year and it snowed that week. Early Thanksgiving week GLD announced that they were going to open that weekend so we decided to try again.
Swapped a smaller turbo on to try something different and went today… Several issues computer crash data log not working at first boost leaks laggy boost again but finally figured it out…
11.14@125mph backed up with 11.15@123mph. These runs were done on 22-24psi, ~11.0 afr, 12° timing on 110 VP
We never expected we would hold the van record, but it all came together after several runs chasing gremlins early in the day. Thanks again Brad shmedley and Jaren 22Shelby for giving a hand!
Although already posted this on @badassperformance facebook and instagram pages, we will archive pics and build info here on T-M because those platforms suck for archiving
...more to come!
Video of 11.15 run:
https://youtu.be/T2gHUbXQzNA
Specs…
Engine
Bottom end - Used 2.5L FM Enforcer 3 (JE/GRP) (2005 build, Previously Went 10.90’s in Tommy’s Shelby Charger)
Head - Used 8v 782 swirl port, 44mm/36.8mm race ported (2002 Build, been on shelf since 2005)
Used ARP head studs (JT Z)
Stock mopar head gasket
Aluminum under drive pulley (NYer)
Drivetrain
92 A523 3.77:1, used OBX (JTs Z), bronze shift fork pads, welded intermediate shaft bearing, gusseted case
Used ACT twin disk clutch (JTs Z)
ReevesRacing DIY Scatter Shield kit
Stock shifter and cables
Stock reman axles
Used MP long wheel studs (Tommy’s GLHT)
Induction
Custom 2-piece sheet metal intake manifold
BBK 75mm throttle body
Used Comp cams .499 lift (s60) slider (last used in the Z ~1999) used stock lifters (Karl) and used sliders (Tommy)
Used Fidanza cam sprocket (JT)
Used BOV - unknown eBay came with van
Used Intercooler (Brad)
Turbo & Exhaust
Used T3/T4 Hybrid 60-1 Hi-Fi in B Cover / Stage 3 turbine in Chrysler .63 A/R. Used large can wastegate. (Same turbo from the Z when it was 2.2L 8v and first one on 2.4L 16v).
Race ported/modified 2-1/4” swing valve housing and 3” down pipe
Custom shorty SS header (unequal length runner)
Fuel
Aeromotive A-1000 (JT Z)
Summit fuel filter
52 lb/hr Super 60 injectors
Engine Management & Ignition
Used FAST Classic (old speed pro) EFI with FM distributor
Used MSD 6-AL
Used Jacobs coil
Used Magnecor wires
NGK GR5 plugs
Suspension
Used KYB GR2 struts MP road race springs
Rear lowering blocks
Rollers
24.5” x 8.5” M&H and Moroso skinnies on Bogarts borrowed from the Z
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