[Texan-CST/10]

Just because sadly, you can't get help for a ford at a ford forum...

Just looking up on some info about the 88 Turbo T-Bird. Some of you may know of the 24 hours of LeMons. While hitting up the Craigs list, I found an 88 T-Bird Turbo for sale. 5-speed stick. The price is very attractive to the Lemon's $500 limit, but the timing belt is broken. Curious to know how much effort it takes to replace it, and also, what sort of possible damage should I look for?

Also, I need the cold hard truth on the pro's and con's of these cars. Gotta know about any weaknesses, so I can address them (if I get this car) for the race.

Thanks guys.

 

[MN12Fan]

A good bet on '83-'88 Fox Body and especially '89-'97 MN12 generation Thunderbirds and Cougars is the Thunderbird Cougar Club of America (TCCoA). Their website:

http://www.tccoa.com/

There is a Turbo Coupe specific forum within.

 

[bouda]

Is it an interferance(sp?) fit engine?

 

[1931Chevy]

any problem with the Fox Tbird or cougars here they can help you since im the proud owner of and 88 cougar myself

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/

 

[Texan-CST/10]

Ah man, as awesome as a candidate as it was, it was sold last week!!! For less then 40 bucks for a boost valve we could have all the power needed for the race, and a stick shift!

 

[scriatetry]

That's pretty good,I appriciate it, Thanks a lots.

 

[napolron]

Shame you missed it, turboford.net is a great group of guys and know everything there is to know about the 2.3. A few guys on there are running these engines deep in the 9's. 300hp is easily achievable with a trip to the junk yard, premium gas and lots of boost, those engines are damn near bullet proof. timing belts are easy to fix and the engine is non interference. Just keep in mind these vehicles are finicky, the last time a turbo 2.3 was in a car was almost 20 years ago, proper maintenance and they will run forever.

Ive owned a few and love the cars they came in, still sitting on my merkur till I get more money to replace the diff and trans, I was right up against the 11's in the quarter before the drive train gave it up though, lost of boost and nitrous and it still runs great, just doesn't move anywhere

 

[Ed753]

Is it an interferance(sp?) fit engine?

I'm 99% certain that it is not. Couple of us at the dealer (Ford) made a small fortune, buying 1982 & 1983 Escorts with bent valves and cracked heads. We'd have had a lot more profit and fun if we had the opportunity to buy Turbo T-Birds on the cheap. Those were pretty fun to drive "back-in-the-day" :drive:

 

[napolron]

I'm 99% certain that it is not.

Its not, unless the belt lets go at a super high RPM your safe.