These engines look identical on paper, but the driving experience says otherwise.

Comparing an '84 GL (B23F) to an '89 DL (B230F), both with manual transmission and a 3.31 final drive, my impression is that the '84 is more of a 'road car.' It is somewhat anemic around town but responds with gusto over 70 in top gear. On the other hand, the '89 feels as though it posseses more low-end torque than the '84 depsite the fact that both motors are rated for 137 ft-lbs. @ 2,750 rpm.

I've read that the B230F is a lighter engine because it uses an alloy block (B23F block is cast iron) as well as smaller/lighter internal components - rods, bearings, pistons, etc. I'm wondering if this accounts for the difference, or if it has more to do with differences in the way the ECU's are programmed and, if so, can you swap ECU's to alter the performance of the car. I think I remember reading something about a recall or update for the early LH 2.0 ECU's that was supposed to improve low speed performance?

Thanks,
-Chuck

Hello Chuck,
I too had made the same observation, and I just recently found part of the answer.

It's the header pipe, the pipe on my 84 broke not long ago. And I believe it was the original at 224,000.

The new BOSAL header pipe that I got from FCP Groton was different. It blends from two pipes to one pipe a full 12 inches sooner than the old pipe Remembering back to my old hot rodding days longer collectors = more low end torque.

And when I looked under my 87 & 92 they both had that very same pipe. It made a big difference in throttle response off the line. So if you still have the original pipe on your B23, time for an upgrade.

I am also interested to hear if there are any ECU updates as you mentioned.

--
Bruce S. near D.C.

Same iron in the block. The B23 has more robust crank, bearings and rods. From '85 to very early '88 the bearings/rods were much lighter/smaller starting with the K (motor not cam) in '88 they were enlarged but not to the specs of the B23.

A lot of things can affect drivability, age, condition, exhaust if it's been replaced, engine timing (adjustable through '88). Cams were the same for US spec cars from '83-93. My old '84 wagon had great low end with it's stock cam. Plus the "butt-o-meter" is notoriously inaccurate, heavily influenced by noise and other factors.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'67 1800s
'73 1800ES
'88-240
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