The water pump on my 87 T-Bird Sport 5.0L blew like a geyser yesterday after doing a hard test drive. Opened the hood and water was gushing out of the hole that's on the top of the water pump like Old Faithful. WOW! Went online looking to see what prices were before I went to the parts store. I see there are several different types of water pumps now available, Reman, New Standard, Heavy Duty, High Performance, Reverse Rotation. I know what Reman is and Standard is probably like OEM. But how does the Heavy Duty and High Performance compare and what is Reverse Rotation? The engine which drives the water pump only turns one way so how can the rotation be reversed? Also do you know which brand name would be better and last longer. Thanks.
Has anybody ever used that Extrude Hone process? I was checking out their prices on the web at http://www.gethoned.com and they seamed expensive compared to hand porting. I was looking to get better performance from new manifolds and heads. Thanks.
Has anyone ever replaced their Ford computer system with an aftermarket engine management system? I was wondering what all these systems could do and if they epa legal? Like can they be adjusted so your car can get better mpg and when required more hp?
I'm concerend something is wrong with the stopping power of the brakes on my 87 Tbird Sport. The car has the stock size wheels/tires. The brake pads/rotors and shoes/drums look good and the rear self-adjusters are working correctly. Also the brake pedal is firm when pressed. Yet no matter how hard I slam on the brakes at any speed the brakes never lock-up and the stopping distance seams unusually long. I'm the original owner of the car and have never known the brakes to lock-up. Is this normal on Tbirds or could there be something wrong?
I've been driving another car lately so when I got back to driving my 87 tbird I noticed that the drivers seating position was not centered with the steering wheel. On my 87 the steering wheel is right of center a couple of inches compared to the drivers seat. Checked the seat and it was mounted securely, so was the steering wheel. So I wonder why Ford made my car like that? All these years and I just now noticed it. Are your tbirds like this or is mine the only one?
I'm planning on rebuilding the SO 5.0 engine in my 87 tbird to the HO varity. Depending on which combination of parts the compression ratio can vary from 8.7 to 12.0. I want to continue using the 87 octane pump gas but while I'm asking I might as well ask for the other octanes.
If you please would answer, What is the max compression ratio the 5.0 HO engine can take that won't cause pinging/detionation using the 87, 89, and 92 octane gasoline? Also does engine cubic inchs make a difference? Was considering stroking the engine.
I saw the Trans 101 article on TCCOA and thought that maybe some of those upgrades could be done on my 87 AOD trans I'm rebuilding, specifically the clutches. See what you think and if you've got part numbers it sure would help. Finding parts is the second hardest part of this rebuild. Taking the trans out was the first.
Direct Clutch: Mine can fit 8 frictions and 8 steels but the pressure plate is too thick. Have, 0.059" frictions and 0.060", 0.070" steels, oem pressure plate is 0.220". Alto says same frictions and steels but has a 0.128" pressure plate.
Was thinking I only needed the pressure plate here.
Reverse Clutch: The article said another friction/steel could be added to the reverse clutch making it 5 frictions and 4 steels. However either the pressure plate, apply plate or a combination of both must be thinner. Have, 0.061" frictions, 0.068" steels, oem pressure plate is 0.200" apply plate is 0.370". Alto says 0.058" frictions, 0.055" steels and a 0.138" pressure plate no apply plate listed.
Did not want to buy this many f/s. I measured mine and without a thinner apply plate this won't work. Has anyone done this and can you tell me the thickness to use and the part numbers?
Forward Clutch: Here the article said to remove the wave plate to add another friction/steel making it 6 frictions and 6 steels. Here again the pressure plate must be thinner. My question is how will the removal of the wave plate effect shifting and reliability? Also would I use the same thinner pressure plate as used in the reverse clutch? Have, 0.061" frictions, 0.068" steels, oem pressure plate is 0.200". Alto does not show any thing.
Intermediate Clutch: With a thinner pressure plate I can have 4 frictions and 4 steels. Yet the only plate is see that will make this possible is a thinner pressure plate 0.258" listed at bulkpart.com for the 4R70W #D76144E. Will this pressure plate fit in the 87 AOD? Have, 0.080" frictions, 0.070" steels, oem pressure plate is 0.402". Alto says 0.066" frictions and 0.069" steels and a 0.338" pressure plate. But I measured mine and can do this with just another f/s of the same thickness I've got only a 0.258" or thinner pressure plate is needed.
Didn't know if the 4R pressure plate would fit the AOD. Need help.
Snap Rings: I figured I'll need different thickness snap rings. I've checked with Ford and they said there obsolete. Any ideals where to get new ones?
According to various transmission rebuild books and the Ford Service Manual there are several special tools that are needed when rebuilding a 1987 Ford AOD trans. Does anyone know what essential tools I must have and where I can buy them? My local parts stores doesn't sell anything and neither does the Ford dealer. I'm planning on rebuilding my Tbirds trans in a few weeks. Thanks, lockedout9 :locked:
