While on the cleaning binge, I also got my first taste of one of the Ford's turbo 2.3 weaknesses, cracked exhaust manifolds. Please, if your buying manifolds from the junkyard, bring a good wire brush and check to make sure it has no cracks (plus ask for a money back guarantee). Two more manifolds later, I finally found an un-cracked "E6" manifold.

While studying turbo-charging, I learned that with a blow-through system, I can use an intercooler to reduce the air temperature, reduce detonation and gain a bunch of horsepower in the deal. After searching wreckers unsuccessfully for months, I took the plunge and made my first Ebay purchase, an '88 Turbo Coupe intercooler. I also learned about boost controllers. The stainless flex hose going from the turbo and into the fender well. Is hooked up to a locking low-pressure regulator (black knob with red ring on left side of photo). With this set-up, pressure is diverted from the wastegate actuator and I should be able to dial in whatever boost pressure I want (or dare!). This is my version of the "Go Baby Go" button of "Gone in 60 Seconds" fame. The turbo inlet elbow in this photo will be replaced with a high-flow straight inlet I received as a gift (thanks again Craig!).