Engines at Altitude

[JohnnyBronco]

The biggest tech that allows "normal" driving in the mountains is not turbos or superchargers but the variable timing and knock sensors, along with fuel injection and ECM.

When I almost moved to Colorado in 1974 I was told we would need smaller carburetor jets and retime the straight 6 in our '71 Camaro so it would run leaner to compensate for lower atmosphere

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[Macjr]

I have driven other turbo and non turbo rides over 10K feet several times. Turbo is the way to go. Barely can notice a power loss. As to living in CO: the biggest issue now is it is a victim of its own success. Traffic is getting insane, even way outside of Denver. If you have to drive to work, plan very carefully and maybe try the ride a few times during rush hours. Besides that, a truly beautiful place to live.

My girlfriend lives in Manitou, originally ordered her a Maverick, thinking about a Basesquatch instead…She drives a little suv now and it dogs going through some of the passes but I’m thinking the turbo 2.3 will do fine.

 

[bronco100]

I live in Colorado Springs and just got a 2.3L Bronco with a manual. So far so good. I haven't taken it up any mountains or anything yet though. Let me know what questions you have.

 

[Min_Ahn]

I have a 2.3L ecoboost Mustang and had absolutely no problem conquering mountains in CO.
Also I always refuel my car with the cheaper fuel at Costco because 87 octane is recommended for this car per owner's manual.

 

[CMillBronco]

I live in Colorado Springs and just got a 2.3L Bronco with a manual. So far so good. I haven't taken it up any mountains or anything yet though. Let me know what questions you have.

I'm just up the road from you and trying to decide if I can just do a 2.3, hows the turbo lag driving around town, I've notice in some turbo's the lag is much worse at altitude, we live at 6600 ft?

 

[bronco100]

I'm just up the road from you and trying to decide if I can just do a 2.3, hows the turbo lag driving around town, I've notice in some turbo's the lag is much worse at altitude, we live at 6600 ft?

I don't have much point of reference as my previous cars have all been naturally aspirated. However I don't find the turbo lag to be problematic or noticeable. In fact it's remarkably smooth.

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