Really nice T-Bird! Nice to see you tearing right into her and getting her running right and cleaning out that brake system. She needed a new owner to give her the TLC she deserved. Looks like you have a great car there.
What a gem! This video was very satisfying to see this old school 5.0 in T-Bird. Options and more options, could do an intake swap with exhaust or an engine swap? Too bad no one has a Coyote motor to put in that! Talk about a sleeper. Keep posting those videos about this one!
The weak alternators were a common problem on these cars. I believe they came stock with a 65A one, although some later ones might have had a 75A one. (My '87 GT had a 75A one). I would strongly recommend the 130A upgrade which is a very common mod to these 5.0 motors. Plenty of vids on it. Just get an alternator from a 1994 Mustang and it bolts right on.
Agree, don't use those 2G alternators. The newer 3G are great even used junkyard alternators keep going strong, plus already has the original patina look. 😂
@@capri8225 Yes, the TFI module is a weak link and it is a very good idea to just install a whole new ignition system on these older cars for reliability moving forward.
Nice car brother. I had an 85 in silver with the 5.0. I ripped the stock manifold and egr bullshit off and put an edelbrock 4 barrel and manifold combo. Ran perfect for 200000 miles.
V8 in a coup haha those were the days. Bringing back the memories, those circle air filters over the carb (but guess this is early fuel injection?? Lucky...) And that brake reservoir with the metal clip. Good stuff.
I just bought an 84 5.0. 16,222 kms on it. Car looks brand new top and bottom. Has LED headlights. Not even a bug in the radiator. I will post a video one day and show you mine.
Dude thats so awesome it all still works! Even the AC, my 3rd Gen 4Runner just decided it was time to lock up the AC compressor on the hottest day of the year yesterday. * SCEECH SCHEEH SMOKE SMOKE QUIET *, so I guess I know what Im doing saturday. Glad to see one of these old birds in this kinda shape. Great cars. They really are.
Looks like a real nice car. Good luck with it. Also a real smart idea to reseal the top end of the engine. I think I would change out all the Belts at the same time. You asked. here is what I would do. I'd buy the 2000 parts and drive the car as is till things start to go south. Then I'd change it over and have a real sleeper.
On that master cylinder seal, you can press the two "balloon" features that stick out back into the cover before putting it on. As the fluid gets used up with brake pad wear they will get sucked back down. Then you can fill the reservoir up further.
Cool little car. I used to have a customer 25 years ago that had the same exact car. I thought it was cool that it had throttle body injection yet it still sported an old school choke thermostat.
I had a friend years ago that had a 1989 Mercury Cougar 5.0 TPI fuel injection fully loaded, his father bought for him. Kinda gold colored like your car. That car would run real hard right up with the fox body mustang's. However it was heavier and the mustang's would walk away from us slowly. Good buy on the Thunderbird. I really like those older Ford cars.
Most comfortable car I have ever driven. Long hood, cold AC, beautiful electronic dash and sound system.... I miss it! I bought it used and oil leak on manifold was an interesting site while idling at intersections.
my neighbors have two Fords they love. An F150 and a Mercury version of the Crown Vic. Same engine in both vehicles. Both high mileage and they love them. They do complain about vacuum leaks on both a lot it seems. I think the truck still needs to go through emissions because of a vacuum leak.
3g alternator swap, uses a Taurus alternator used the fusible links from a 1995 mustang on my 1983 Cougar. Slick ride bud. There's a couple groups on Facebook if you want to join. Can't remember what belt I used but I have a 86-88 drive setup and just cut off the smog pump. If you're wondering my driveline it's a 5.0 from an explorer, custom cam similar to the f303 cam, and fitech efi setup...was carb for awhile but don't regret the efi swap. Btw jealous of the ac and smoker's windows.
My Dart uses that same size filter and I've even used the Ford branded one as they were supposed to be built better than other filters. I also used a later 100amp police package alternator, it was biggest one Mopar used on their cars from the mid 70s till they stopped building old school v8 rear drive cars in the late 80s I think. I had to get the special alternator mount they used on small block Mopars but I got everything from a 360 Cordoba with a heated rear window. That is a sweet time machine. I'd do old school mods that keep the car using the original engine with all the tweaks gear heads did back in the day. I put early 340 exhaust manifolds, a performer intake, and a 9800 Thermoquad on my 318 in my Dart at that point it was as fast or slightly faster than a Crown Vic interceptor. I did a lot of ignition tricks and added front and rear sway bars so it also handles better than any old Dart and I was going to add front disk brakes just before I retired it. You could do similar stuff with later parts from the Mustang platform and it would still look like it does now but be so much better depending on what it has now that doesn't need upgrading. If the engine ever packs it in replace it with something modern...
That trans linkage you were tinkering with around 4:15 had a recall on the AODs as the plastic clip would snap off and cause the transmission to slip and burn up very quickly. Possibly what killed the original trans! You probably already know or can look it up, but thought I'd mention it in case you hadn't worked on older ones like this being a dealer tech where mostly newer models come in.
Man I Can't wait to see you have fun with that car! Yeah have fun make a track car those things have a ton of potential! And it's not something you see everyday!
Nice to see a "current" tech work on old tech. These year cars are much easier to work on than current. I say leave it a nice cruiser. It's definitely a well taken care of car.
Love your videos and length with your expertise! I have a 84' Sedan but Toyota. Cool to see what the Domestic market offered around the same time as my top end luxury boat
just looks like a bigger Foxbody, I thought they killed the name off during the oil crisis and then revived it in the 90s, I didn't even know this car existed until now, and I love earlier muscle cars so it's been awhile since I discovered another one, I like it, if I can find one myself in good shape I'd take it
Did the same on my 98 honda , had to replace one of the bleeders . Same sludge crap. Must say it was very satisfying having flushed it out, same with the clutch fluid.
Same engine in my 84 Victoria wagon. My valve guide seals must leak and local shops have no interest in that job. Smokes if u don't start it for weeks. Original owner. 150K.
You should do a full tear down on the engine and rebuild it for a turbo or super charger keep that iron block that thing will handle the boost better 🤔🤣🤘👌
The vacuum line was going to what is known as a dashpot,, Its purpose is to catch the throttle when you let off quickly and slowly return back to idle position,, This is so it doesnt stall
So glad you bought this!! Great content!! I would grab that engine from the Explorer and put it in AFTER you have fixed all the little stuff....then dyno it. Then put the new one in and compare the before and after.
The 302 out of that Explorer has about 100 horsepower more than the motor out of the T-bird. The 302 in the T-bird is NOT an H.O. motor so its still has a flat tappet cam and TBI fuel injection with a neck snapping 140 horsepower so there iis really no comparison between the two. I had a '85 T-bird like this when I was 18 and it was gutless as hell but reliable once I replaced the stock 60 amp alternator with a 100 amp one.
Well, I have an 86 5.0 elan. Only 22,200 original miles on it . Very cherry. It had been in storage for over 30 years. I will post a video soon. Also watch for it on My car story maybe in the fall. I believe mine is the nicest one in the country as far as I know. I’m having a hard time finding another correct fuel gauge sending unit. I modified one from a mustang but it does not read accurately on the dash . The seller did replace the gas tank before I bought it but the part inside the tank was of course shot. I like that champagne color on yours. Mine is called midnight wine. I know it’s a 5.SLOW but it’s only original once.😎
You need to find a chassis that can use that Explorer drive-train, leave the T-bird as is. I had an 86 V6 T-bird, carbureted. It got horrible fuel consumption when I was pulling a small trailer. It had a vacuum operated valve on the carburetor. When there was a larger load on the engine and the vacuum was low , the diaphragm opened up a big jet that constantly dumped all kinds of extra fuel into the engine while driving down the highway with the trailer. It was also not very good in the snow. I liked how it looked though. Maybe you do need that Exploder drive-train in there. That stock 5.0 L is rated at 140 Hp. The 2000 Explorer is about 210 Hp stock. 50% more power for $700?
Nice car!!! Yo the way you looked at homie when he started running his mouth about you starting the with no pipes was priceless 🤣🤣😅 That's the same look my big brother gave me when I was talking to much & mom was catching on what my brother was doing🤣🤣😩
Lol he was being a clown, hes my boy though I was like bruh stfu already Porter came down also and asked where some car keys were He is also my boy but i was like dude why yall fuck with me right when im doing my thing....go away lol
These were just good cars. The 302 small block is just so bulletproof. Keeping the oil clean in these will keep them running indefinitely. It’s really amazing when you think about it!
My 83 mustang had that rear brake flex line in the same spot on the right axle tube. I did a true dual conversion. The right side tailpipe fit, but not a good anoint of clearance. When you repair that, I’d probably re route it like the 87-93 mustangs with the flex line right in the center
Leave it and run stock but buy the extra 5 liter set up for reserves. You could always sell it of need be at a profit maybe. But hear it run first!! Keep up the good work!!
Crazy that that feedback carb/throttle body injection and all the wiring and vacuum controls are still intact. Good luck if you ever have issues with it, I've only heard about them and luckily never seen one in person. I've also never seen those power by Ford valve covers on a 5.0/302, just the FEs
Wow you’re wasting no time with the car, good progress, she’s getting the love that she deserves. I can’t wait to see what you end up doing with it and I’ll be sure to watch all of the videos. Hope you and all of the subscribers enjoy the car. Best of luck to you
I gotta go back & check out the other video on this old girl, she's really straight & clean looking for the age of her, take the explorer just in case, Rj in Oz
I hope Jasper transmissions are better than their engines. I hear from quite a few people about their woes with Jasper engines. Awesome looking car and it looks like it's going to be an awesome vehicle to tinker on and have fun with. I think for $700 that Explorer is almost a no brainer on buying. Yes, Please! It's like Angels are singing in perfect harmony behind you. You gotta do it.
I'm pretty excited about this acquisition. My parents had an 83 T-bird - nice cars and great styling for their time. The car is in great shape, but I think it might be more interesting to your viewers if you made a build out of it.
I'm not a Ford guy but I'm thinking about doing a 80-82 Thunderbird/Cougar as my next project. They really are grossly underrated as a "muscle car" but done right they are really nice looking cars. My neighbor has one sitting in his garage that was his moms that he won't ever do anything with although he swears he's "going to do something with it someday". I think I'm going to start working on him to sell to me.
Buy the 2000 Explorer engine + trans; go to Coparts and get a good frame and body and use that for the Explorer deal. Then sell it for a profit. But keep your T-Bird factory. In the long run you'll have something that appreciates in value.
This was my first car. Would lay 1 tire fire for days. After too many neutral bombs the trans started acting up. Broke down a lot but my dad helped fix the issues. Fuel gauge didn't work so I ran out of gas a lot. Was fun but looking back it was a bit of a death trap in the winter.
Had a 85 Mercury Cougar V6 for a short time I got off my brother. Surprisingly enjoyable car. Kinda wish I still had it. Only issue with it I had was the electronic dash quit but it was a simple issue in a connector that wasn't making good contact.
one more thing. 87 turbo coupe sway bars and their brackets are a direct fit.. and really help with the handling. the 87 turbo coupe versions could pull a .98G on a skid pad.. can't get close with a cast iron V8. but my 83 i swapped all the turbo coupe stuff on including the 16 inch turbo coupe rims. what a great car.. i had a 98 explorer long block in it.. till it gave up and the rods failed during daily drive..
My sister had one of these cars and it was like a tank, you just could not kill it. The car looks in great shape. That being said, I would keep it stock for now unless problems arise down the road. You asked what we would do and that is just my 2 cents. Don't change a very original car if you don't have to.
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport was bought brand new and was my Dads car. Car is in excellent condition. Love it. Has the Cyclone in it! Reminds me of a gen 1 SHO
@@FordBossMe Heck yeah only issue I have is the a.c. stopped working and it makes a clunking noise? Someone said a pulley for AC compressor was that ever an issue on the Sport? And if so is that expensive to fix? I love the car and plan on keeping it cause it's rare. Not my main car and never sees winter
@@FordBossMe mines a very early 2010 build date of June 2009 know some of the things were a bit different on mine as other 2010s example my info center buttons are on my dash not on steering wheel and my front passenger seat folds front ways like the 2008 and 09s did.
My wife worked at a Hertz rent a car back in the 80s and the Thunderbirds and the Mercury Cougars would come in and they were both very well made and a pleasure to drive. I would keep that one as stock as you can and would be a shame if you modified it.
The vacuum diaphragm is to set the idle speed, and eliminates anti-dieseling. The vacuum holds the plunger rearward for the idle speed ( the stem is adjustable for idle speed), when the engine is shut off the diaphragm collapses allowing the throttle plates shut tight to stop the air flow and not let the engine diesel.
Alternators were a weak link on these cars. Aftermarket they used to come with the plug to the alt with six inches of wire so you could replace all the melted shit. Even the tempo altenators came with the replacement plug. I’m a mopar guy that worked in general repair for years not sure what the upgrade is for fords but I’m sure there is one. Good luck my friend. I’m sure there is something.
![MORTAL KOMBAT 1 - KOMBAT PACK 2 REVEAL TRAILER!! [REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Mi2M58zEQVc/mqdefault.jpg)
My Late Grandfather had this Ride same color, brought back some tears and memories ! That's why , most of our family drive Fords , including myself
Beautiful bird keep it original man. The way ford made it.
You found a gold mine in your gold colored tbird! Engine sounds fierce! That vacuum leak find made a big difference.
Really nice T-Bird! Nice to see you tearing right into her and getting her running right and cleaning out that brake system. She needed a new owner to give her the TLC she deserved. Looks like you have a great car there.
Like that the car has a digital dashboard, but an analog radio. Very cool car, good luck with it. Keep us updated with videos about the T-bird.
What a gem! This video was very satisfying to see this old school 5.0 in T-Bird. Options and more options, could do an intake swap with exhaust or an engine swap? Too bad no one has a Coyote motor to put in that! Talk about a sleeper. Keep posting those videos about this one!
The weak alternators were a common problem on these cars. I believe they came stock with a 65A one, although some later ones might have had a 75A one. (My '87 GT had a 75A one). I would strongly recommend the 130A upgrade which is a very common mod to these 5.0 motors. Plenty of vids on it. Just get an alternator from a 1994 Mustang and it bolts right on.
Agree, don't use those 2G alternators. The newer 3G are great even used junkyard alternators keep going strong, plus already has the original patina look. 😂
Or used a lincoln lsc one of the same year there i believe was a 110 due to all the power accessories
I know this isn't relevant but I heard the duraspark ignition is a weak link.
@@capri8225 Yes, the TFI module is a weak link and it is a very good idea to just install a whole new ignition system on these older cars for reliability moving forward.
Found your video this morning. Making my day. Favorite car I ever owned, and my first car was a '88 T-Bird with the 5.0. Wish I still had it.
Nice car brother. I had an 85 in silver with the 5.0. I ripped the stock manifold and egr bullshit off and put an edelbrock 4 barrel and manifold combo. Ran perfect for 200000 miles.
These videos are going to make me want to find me another 85. Mine had an oil leak out of the pressure sending unit.
Nice score! I've always been a fan of T-Birds. You really got lucky. Unfortunately, many of these baby's were lost to Cash For Clunkers.😎✌️
V8 in a coup haha those were the days. Bringing back the memories, those circle air filters over the carb (but guess this is early fuel injection?? Lucky...) And that brake reservoir with the metal clip. Good stuff.
Really shows how invested you are in your trade when you enjoy learning older technology / engineered cars / trucks ect. Keep up the great content.
I just bought an 84 5.0. 16,222 kms on it. Car looks brand new top and bottom. Has LED headlights. Not even a bug in the radiator. I will post a video one day and show you mine.
I had friends who had these . Drank a lot of beer, turned a lot of wrench’s , had a great time.
Very nice find. My dad had those same style wheels on his foxbody mustang gt back in the 90s. Don’t see them much anymore
Dude thats so awesome it all still works! Even the AC, my 3rd Gen 4Runner just decided it was time to lock up the AC compressor on the hottest day of the year yesterday. * SCEECH SCHEEH SMOKE SMOKE QUIET *, so I guess I know what Im doing saturday. Glad to see one of these old birds in this kinda shape. Great cars. They really are.
Smog pump pulley is a proform 68110, my uncle was a tbird head when I was growing up. Beautiful car btw
Looks like a real nice car. Good luck with it. Also a real smart idea to reseal the top end of the engine. I think I would change out all the Belts at the same time. You asked. here is what I would do. I'd buy the 2000 parts and drive the car as is till things start to go south. Then I'd change it over and have a real sleeper.
On that master cylinder seal, you can press the two "balloon" features that stick out back into the cover before putting it on. As the fluid gets used up with brake pad wear they will get sucked back down. Then you can fill the reservoir up further.
Good call i looked right at that..it didnt register, im senile at 59! They looked a bit bloated too, like the rubber had expanded
These cars had the so called Aircraft doors. The Corvette had similar from '63 to '67. It was all the rage. No more gutters.
Cool little car. I used to have a customer 25 years ago that had the same exact car. I thought it was cool that it had throttle body injection yet it still sported an old school choke thermostat.
Cool older Ford! I had three Fords at one time 84, 76, 78. All very trouble free and put a bunch of miles on them.
Have 08 Lincoln and would totally enjoy seeing whatever you do with this marvelous machine. Thank you!
The very first car I rode in as a child in 1987 was a 1987 ford thunderbird 5.0. Nice freaking car man!
Have some fun man swap it!
I had a friend years ago that had a 1989 Mercury Cougar 5.0 TPI fuel injection fully loaded, his father bought for him. Kinda gold colored like your car. That car would run real hard right up with the fox body mustang's. However it was heavier and the mustang's would walk away from us slowly. Good buy on the Thunderbird. I really like those older Ford cars.
The mustangs would indeed pull away but these tracked better from what i hear
Getting flooded with memories from my old 87. Mine was that medium red (maroon) with scarlett red interior.
Most comfortable car I have ever driven. Long hood, cold AC, beautiful electronic dash and sound system.... I miss it!
I bought it used and oil leak on manifold was an interesting site while idling at intersections.
my neighbors have two Fords they love.
An F150 and a Mercury version of the Crown Vic. Same engine in both vehicles.
Both high mileage and they love them.
They do complain about vacuum leaks on both a lot it seems.
I think the truck still needs to go through emissions because of a vacuum leak.
3g alternator swap, uses a Taurus alternator used the fusible links from a 1995 mustang on my 1983 Cougar. Slick ride bud. There's a couple groups on Facebook if you want to join. Can't remember what belt I used but I have a 86-88 drive setup and just cut off the smog pump. If you're wondering my driveline it's a 5.0 from an explorer, custom cam similar to the f303 cam, and fitech efi setup...was carb for awhile but don't regret the efi swap. Btw jealous of the ac and smoker's windows.
OOOhh...I totally BILIIEVE it!!! She LOOKs GREAT!!! What a find!!! SOOO looking forward to this!!!
My Dart uses that same size filter and I've even used the Ford branded one as they were supposed to be built better than other filters. I also used a later 100amp police package alternator, it was biggest one Mopar used on their cars from the mid 70s till they stopped building old school v8 rear drive cars in the late 80s I think. I had to get the special alternator mount they used on small block Mopars but I got everything from a 360 Cordoba with a heated rear window. That is a sweet time machine. I'd do old school mods that keep the car using the original engine with all the tweaks gear heads did back in the day. I put early 340 exhaust manifolds, a performer intake, and a 9800 Thermoquad on my 318 in my Dart at that point it was as fast or slightly faster than a Crown Vic interceptor. I did a lot of ignition tricks and added front and rear sway bars so it also handles better than any old Dart and I was going to add front disk brakes just before I retired it.
You could do similar stuff with later parts from the Mustang platform and it would still look like it does now but be so much better depending on what it has now that doesn't need upgrading.
If the engine ever packs it in replace it with something modern...
That trans linkage you were tinkering with around 4:15 had a recall on the AODs as the plastic clip would snap off and cause the transmission to slip and burn up very quickly. Possibly what killed the original trans! You probably already know or can look it up, but thought I'd mention it in case you hadn't worked on older ones like this being a dealer tech where mostly newer models come in.
Man I Can't wait to see you have fun with that car! Yeah have fun make a track car those things have a ton of potential! And it's not something you see everyday!
I love those old thunderbirds. You have a nice car there man, those things are like tanks.
I had a 1986 Thunderbird identical to that one same color and everything except I had the 3.8 V6.
Damn. That rubber boot over the distributor brings me back! Good find. Make sure you install the air cleaner lid upside down for an extra 55hp!
Before they figured out the TFI was overheating and killing the ignition.
Bad ass car bro!!! Reminds me of my 88 Cougar Xr7 I told you about.
Had the same one sea foam blue inside and out. My first car in 1990..
Nice to see a "current" tech work on old tech. These year cars are much easier to work on than current. I say leave it a nice cruiser. It's definitely a well taken care of car.
The best small block ford ever made
Love your videos and length with your expertise! I have a 84' Sedan but Toyota. Cool to see what the Domestic market offered around the same time as my top end luxury boat
Made me remember my 84 tbird 302 tbi. I had fun times with that car. Wish i had it again
just looks like a bigger Foxbody, I thought they killed the name off during the oil crisis and then revived it in the 90s, I didn't even know this car existed until now, and I love earlier muscle cars so it's been awhile since I discovered another one, I like it, if I can find one myself in good shape I'd take it
Awesome job man. Beautiful car! The bird is lucky to have you.
Tyvm
Did the same on my 98 honda , had to replace one of the bleeders . Same sludge crap. Must say it was very satisfying having flushed it out, same with the clutch fluid.
Serviced a couple of these yrs ago, strong running 302 TBI , Same in same year Lincoln LSC. Looks clean overall. Vacuum leaks aside, good find.
Same engine in my 84 Victoria wagon. My valve guide seals must leak and local shops have no interest in that job. Smokes if u don't start it for weeks. Original owner. 150K.
I have that exact explorer you mentioned. Great drivetrain. It’s great in the snow with awd and blizzaks! An awd T-bird would be something!
I believe Summit racing has the smog pump delete pully you're looking for. A true dual exhaust would be great for this motor.
Those smog pumps will seize up..no brainer pulling it out.
You should do a full tear down on the engine and rebuild it for a turbo or super charger keep that iron block
that thing will handle the boost better 🤔🤣🤘👌
I remember those cars. They were amazing. Have some fun
The vacuum line was going to what is known as a dashpot,,
Its purpose is to catch the throttle when you let off quickly and slowly return back to idle position,,
This is so it doesnt stall
That thing is seriously clean as hell for what it is
Sounds great! I love this content!
Get some crown fluid film and spray on the rusted areas you fix underneath the car to help keep it from rusting more.
Your professionalism always impress me
Beautiful car! I love the color, too.
I had one but it was a turbo bird... Loved that car
So glad you bought this!! Great content!! I would grab that engine from the Explorer and put it in AFTER you have fixed all the little stuff....then dyno it. Then put the new one in and compare the before and after.
The 302 out of that Explorer has about 100 horsepower more than the motor out of the T-bird. The 302 in the T-bird is NOT an H.O. motor so its still has a flat tappet cam and TBI fuel injection with a neck snapping 140 horsepower so there iis really no comparison between the two. I had a '85 T-bird like this when I was 18 and it was gutless as hell but reliable once I replaced the stock 60 amp alternator with a 100 amp one.
I had a Thunderbird just like that back in the day.
Well, I have an 86 5.0 elan. Only 22,200 original miles on it . Very cherry. It had been in storage for over 30 years. I will post a video soon. Also watch for it on My car story maybe in the fall.
I believe mine is the nicest one in the country as far as I know. I’m having a hard time finding another correct fuel gauge sending unit. I modified one from a mustang but it does not read accurately on the dash . The seller did replace the gas tank before I bought it but the part inside the tank was of course shot.
I like that champagne color on yours. Mine is called midnight wine. I know it’s a 5.SLOW but it’s only original once.😎
You need to find a chassis that can use that Explorer drive-train, leave the T-bird as is.
I had an 86 V6 T-bird, carbureted. It got horrible fuel consumption when I was pulling a small trailer. It had a vacuum operated valve on the carburetor. When there was a larger load on the engine and the vacuum was low , the diaphragm opened up a big jet that constantly dumped all kinds of extra fuel into the engine while driving down the highway with the trailer. It was also not very good in the snow. I liked how it looked though.
Maybe you do need that Exploder drive-train in there. That stock 5.0 L is rated at 140 Hp. The 2000 Explorer is about 210 Hp stock. 50% more power for $700?
Nice car!!!
Yo the way you looked at homie when he started running his mouth about you starting the with no pipes was priceless 🤣🤣😅
That's the same look my big brother gave me when I was talking to much & mom was catching on what my brother was doing🤣🤣😩
Lol he was being a clown, hes my boy though
I was like bruh stfu already
Porter came down also and asked where some car keys were
He is also my boy but i was like dude why yall fuck with me right when im doing my thing....go away lol
I'd like to hear that engine again. Sounds great!
These were just good cars. The 302 small block is just so bulletproof. Keeping the oil clean in these will keep them running indefinitely. It’s really amazing when you think about it!
Personally I'd like you to keep the original motor, but it would also cool to see you transfer that over.
My 83 mustang had that rear brake flex line in the same spot on the right axle tube. I did a true dual conversion. The right side tailpipe fit, but not a good anoint of clearance. When you repair that, I’d probably re route it like the 87-93 mustangs with the flex line right in the center
That thunderbird is mint!
It's a unique and good looking ride. Keep it and make it all it can be.
Leave it and run stock but buy the extra 5 liter set up for reserves. You could always sell it of need be at a profit maybe. But hear it run first!!
Keep up the good work!!
Crazy that that feedback carb/throttle body injection and all the wiring and vacuum controls are still intact. Good luck if you ever have issues with it, I've only heard about them and luckily never seen one in person. I've also never seen those power by Ford valve covers on a 5.0/302, just the FEs
Wow you’re wasting no time with the car, good progress, she’s getting the love that she deserves. I can’t wait to see what you end up doing with it and I’ll be sure to watch all of the videos. Hope you and all of the subscribers enjoy the car. Best of luck to you
No I want it running perfect
I just ordered the upgraded 140 amp powermaster alternator for it a new fuel filter and I'm going to start working on the undercarriage soon
I gotta go back & check out the other video on this old girl, she's really straight & clean looking for the age of her, take the explorer just in case, Rj in Oz
I hope Jasper transmissions are better than their engines. I hear from quite a few people about their woes with Jasper engines. Awesome looking car and it looks like it's going to be an awesome vehicle to tinker on and have fun with. I think for $700 that Explorer is almost a no brainer on buying. Yes, Please! It's like Angels are singing in perfect harmony behind you. You gotta do it.
I'm pretty excited about this acquisition. My parents had an 83 T-bird - nice cars and great styling for their time.
The car is in great shape, but I think it might be more interesting to your viewers if you made a build out of it.
I'm not a Ford guy but I'm thinking about doing a 80-82 Thunderbird/Cougar as my next project. They really are grossly underrated as a "muscle car" but done right they are really nice looking cars. My neighbor has one sitting in his garage that was his moms that he won't ever do anything with although he swears he's "going to do something with it someday". I think I'm going to start working on him to sell to me.
86 thunder chicken was a bad a... ride too. Loved it.
Buy the 2000 Explorer engine + trans; go to Coparts and get a good frame and body and use that for the Explorer deal. Then sell it for a profit. But keep your T-Bird factory. In the long run you'll have something that appreciates in value.
Injector carburetor. That's so cool it runs... careful moving old vacuum lines. They might be cracked all up with age
By the way, awesome car, I still want a V8 1986 - 1989 Thunderbird or Mark VII
Hooah bro nice ride!!
This was my first car. Would lay 1 tire fire for days. After too many neutral bombs the trans started acting up. Broke down a lot but my dad helped fix the issues. Fuel gauge didn't work so I ran out of gas a lot. Was fun but looking back it was a bit of a death trap in the winter.
Had a 85 Mercury Cougar V6 for a short time I got off my brother. Surprisingly enjoyable car. Kinda wish I still had it. Only issue with it I had was the electronic dash quit but it was a simple issue in a connector that wasn't making good contact.
one more thing. 87 turbo coupe sway bars and their brackets are a direct fit.. and really help with the handling. the 87 turbo coupe versions could pull a .98G on a skid pad.. can't get close with a cast iron V8. but my 83 i swapped all the turbo coupe stuff on including the 16 inch turbo coupe rims. what a great car.. i had a 98 explorer long block in it.. till it gave up and the rods failed during daily drive..
i still have 4 cans of r-12 in the garage that my dad brought back in 1989
My sister had one of these cars and it was like a tank, you just could not kill it. The car looks in great shape. That being said, I would keep it stock for now unless problems arise down the road. You asked what we would do and that is just my 2 cents. Don't change a very original car if you don't have to.
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport was bought brand new and was my Dads car. Car is in excellent condition. Love it. Has the Cyclone in it! Reminds me of a gen 1 SHO
Best Fusion Ford made
@@FordBossMe Heck yeah only issue I have is the a.c. stopped working and it makes a clunking noise? Someone said a pulley for AC compressor was that ever an issue on the Sport? And if so is that expensive to fix? I love the car and plan on keeping it cause it's rare. Not my main car and never sees winter
@@FordBossMe mines a very early 2010 build date of June 2009 know some of the things were a bit different on mine as other 2010s example my info center buttons are on my dash not on steering wheel and my front passenger seat folds front ways like the 2008 and 09s did.
You still have this car? If so do an updated video on it bro.
Nice car , crazy how they had digital speedometer in the 80s !!!
My wife worked at a Hertz rent a car back in the 80s and the Thunderbirds and the Mercury Cougars would come in and they were both very well made and a pleasure to drive. I would keep that one as stock as you can and would be a shame if you modified it.
This is the good stuff ! yep that FL-1A filter is on most older Fords , when they weren't so car/engine specific.
If I remember,most Fords had either that or a smaller filter,don't remember the number of it.
@@Scooter30FTW FL-820S
Fix the leaks, clean it up and enjoy it as is. Its too nice to mess with much.
Love that green digital display
Don't swap that 5.0 out of the T-Bird until you have at least blown it up with nitrous .
The vacuum diaphragm is to set the idle speed, and eliminates anti-dieseling. The vacuum holds the plunger rearward for the idle speed ( the stem is adjustable for idle speed), when the engine is shut off the diaphragm collapses allowing the throttle plates shut tight to stop the air flow and not let the engine diesel.
Nice score!
I’d vote for keeping it stock and make it like “brand new” again.
Looks fire man 🤟
Alternators were a weak link on these cars. Aftermarket they used to come with the plug to the alt with six inches of wire so you could replace all the melted shit. Even the tempo altenators came with the replacement plug. I’m a mopar guy that worked in general repair for years not sure what the upgrade is for fords but I’m sure there is one. Good luck my friend.
I’m sure there is something.
Besides a van , you got all the cool cars👀
Lol maybe van next
@@FordBossMe it’s cool. Not everyone can own perfection . lol
Sweet ride