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Did the Ford Probe have a turbo?

No—the Ford Probe did not have a factory turbo engine. All production Probes were naturally aspirated.


The Probe, developed with Mazda and produced from 1993 to 1997, offered two main engine options and never shipped with a factory forced-induction system. While aftermarket turbo setups exist for various platforms, there was no official turbo variant from Ford for the Probe, and enthusiasts generally treat turbo conversions as aftermarket modifications rather than factory specs.


Engine options and turbo status


Below are the primary production powertrains that Ford offered for the Probe during its run. Each was naturally aspirated, with no factory turbo option.



  • 2.2-liter inline-4 engine (DOHC) — standard NA powerplant.

  • 2.5-liter V6 engine — GT variant, also naturally aspirated.


Both engines were paired with transmissions available during the model years, including manual and automatic options depending on year and trim. There was no official turbocharged version released by Ford for the Probe lineup.


Turbo rumors and aftermarket options


Media reports, fan forums, and some vintage car catalogs occasionally referenced “turbo” variants or concepts, but none reached production. If a Probe has turbo hardware, it would be the result of an aftermarket modification rather than a factory option.



  • Factory turbo: none — production Probes were NA.

  • Aftermarket options: possible via third-party kits or engine swaps, but these are not factory-supported and vary in reliability and legality.


Enthusiasts pursuing turbo installations should consider compatibility, engine management, cooling, and long-term maintenance, as these modifications depart from the original Ford design and support.


What to know if you’re looking at a Probe today


When evaluating a used Ford Probe, focus on originality and condition. A stock, unmodified example will reflect the two NA engines listed above. If a car has aftermarket turbo hardware, verify documentation, installation quality, and potential impacts on reliability and parts availability. Parts compatibility with Mazda MX-6 platforms can help for certain components, but turbo-specific parts and servicing may be more challenging to source.


Summary


What is the turbo specs on a 1989 Ford Probe?


Turbocharged GT engines have 7.8:1 compression and produce 145 hp at 4300 rpm and 190 Ibs. -ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. The standard EFI version runs with a higher 8.6:1 compression ratio and produces 110 horsepower at 4700 rpm and 130 Ibs.



Was the Ford Probe fast?


The Probe hit 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, 0.2 quicker than the MX-6. Its quarter-mile clocking of 15.5 seconds at 89 mph also edges out the MX-6's 15.6-second/88-mph performance. And the Probe's 133-mph top speed is 4 mph faster than the MX-6's.



How much horsepower does a Probe GT Turbo have?


145 hp
The results are 145 hp at a positively tractor-like 4300-rpm power peak and a healthy 190 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm.



Did the Ford Probe come with a turbo?


Ford Probe GT rear The GT included all the equipment of the LX, but featured the F2T 2.2 L turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine that produced 145 hp (108 kW) and 190 lb⋅ft (258 N⋅m) of torque.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.