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General => User Rides => Topic started by: mcford on August 26, 2009, 10:27:43 PM

Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on August 26, 2009, 10:27:43 PM
This is my 85 T/C I picked up a couple weeks ago.  SUPER solid car, which is suprising being in Michigan and all.  Best I can tell the motro/trasn is from an 85 Cougar or T-bird.  Still has the original wires which are dated 1985 and the accessory layout is t-bird/cougar.  Been doing just minor stuff to it, fixing this or that, getting some things figured out.  After rebuilding the Holley, it really runs great now.  Its got the 3.45 gears in it so the aod helps out on the freeway nicely.  It had all the a/c stuff on it but since it didnt work, I carefully removed all of it and will re-install / make work next summer maybe.  All I will need is a new a/c ps pump bracket as i cut these ones down so it didnt look odd without the a/c compressor on there.  Since these pics, I have spun the radial t/a's around to white letter out and it looks much better.  New pics probably tomorrow night.  I'm a hardcore torino guy but I have had a couple other 83/86 Birds (86 5.0 Elan and 86 T/C) and really like them alot.  The big project for this one will be a 5 speed swap in the springtime.  Auto is nice but i REALLY like rowing thru the gears!  I really like this site!

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc100.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc103.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc105.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc106.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc107.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc111.jpg)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: bhazard on August 26, 2009, 10:31:15 PM
Looks good everywhere except under the hood :P


Sorry, 2.3 fanboy here.

At least HO swap it :)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: vinnietbird on August 27, 2009, 12:54:08 AM
Nice looking car.Do you have any plans for it?If you don't mind,send me the seats asap.I'll be watching the mailbox.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: Ether947 on August 27, 2009, 01:05:08 AM
Sweet, another 4-eyes. What part of MI?
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on August 27, 2009, 04:18:29 PM
Welcome to the forum.
Cool T-Bird !
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on August 27, 2009, 07:08:06 PM
thanks for the compliments guys. i am located just a little west of lansing in Portland.
Plans are for a 5 speed swap come springtime.
vinnie, better set up camp near that mailbox as its gonne be a loooong wait!  lol!
there are some REALLY sweet rides here!
had a guy come up to it at work and said it was a sweet ride, he had an elan for liek 7 years and never had any trouble with it.  then on the way home a guy on a pocket rocket gave me the thumbs up at a light, after we had blasted past some slow traffic at the end of some road construction.  oh, and my boss is pressuring me to sell it to him!
and my 3 1/2 year old son REALLY likes the car.  its always taken him a few rides in my torino's to like them but this one he liked right off the bat.
Mike
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on August 30, 2009, 08:35:42 PM
heres some uopdated pictures with the white letters out.  major improvement.  took these today at our all ford show.  got alot of compliments on the car.  its nice having something thats not the norm.
Mike

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc114.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc115.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc118.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/85%20Turbo%20Coupe/86tc119.jpg)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: Live Fast on August 30, 2009, 08:42:00 PM
Looks good!
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: RunninWild on August 30, 2009, 10:42:39 PM
Nice looking bird man, wish I had a 4 eyes.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: Rages6971 on August 30, 2009, 11:09:56 PM
Very nice bird, a little under hood detailing need, otherwise very clean!
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: ProTouring442 on August 31, 2009, 07:43:58 AM
Very nice! Why do so many people remove the A/C though?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: vinnietbird on August 31, 2009, 11:11:27 AM
I removed mine because the Sport already had a non-functional a/c.I am now gathering the final pieces to put it all back on.Removing it from the car is stupid....unless it's an all race vehicle,it doesn't make that big of a difference to leave it on.It doesn't draw that much power,better than suffering in the heat to save a few pounds and a couple of horsepower.I'm speaking from an area that got to 117 degrees last month.As I said,I'm reinstalling mine,then selling off my a/c delete kit and belt.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on August 31, 2009, 07:30:52 PM
i pulled the items off because it was non-functional at this time.  sicne winter is coming, i see no interest right now in making it funtion.  all thep arts were carefully and properly removed and stored away. next summer i will start gathering parts to put it back on again.
Mike
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: Beau on September 03, 2009, 04:11:13 AM
Nice TC!
please please please please please please tell us you're going to HO the engine though! :D
Looks even better with the treads flipped around ;)

Quote from: ProTouring442;289082
Very nice! Why do so many people remove the A/C though?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Well, I took mine out
A: because it's all tied in with the EATC, which went bye-bye as well, and
B: no more than I'll drive it, I won't even have time to use the AC ;)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: Mikelonis on September 10, 2009, 06:14:01 PM
I want my bird to look like yours. I'm gonna model it. I already got the 5.0 / 5-speed though! Nice score there for sure.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: 86XR7project on September 10, 2009, 06:34:59 PM
I love it man, I do however agree with the many others who are saying you need to at least go to an HO setup. A 5 speed will take this car a LOOOOOONG way.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 10, 2009, 06:37:45 PM
yes, it will eventually get the H.O. version.  5 speed first.  nothing like rowing thru the gears!
mr mikelonis, good to meet up with you on another ford site!
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: Mikelonis on September 11, 2009, 12:31:32 PM
I guess we have similar tastes in cars McFord. I think you're a full frame Torino guy too. I downloaded some of those "After" shots of your bird as my template. I just got a line on the 15" phone dial wheels too so I'm gonna shoot for the same factory look. Cheers.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 11, 2009, 06:27:27 PM
why yes we do.  even in trucks.  78/79 body style is my favorite.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: cougarcragar on September 11, 2009, 07:44:01 PM
Quote from: mcford;289008
its nice having something thats not the norm.


Ain't that the truth. That sentence perfectly describes this group.

Nice car, by the way.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 11, 2009, 09:07:08 PM
t6hanks cougarcragar.  thats why i am into the 72/up torino's too (way, waaaaayyyy before the Gran Torino movie).  like older stangs but ya see them EVERYWHERE.  Got tired of the small size and went after my dream car.  72 Gran Torino Sport 351cj 4 speed.  did the pure stock muscle car drags and a bunch opf other stuff with that car.  Pure blast.  I like driving soemthing different, i'm the black sheep of my local mustang/ford club.    lol!
Mike
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: MY83T on September 19, 2009, 09:12:16 AM
Hey Mike, its David (MY70GT) from the Torino Cobra Forum...i'm glad you came over here, as it is a really cool forum. I knew you would like it here......best of luck with the Bird!  David
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 20, 2009, 11:08:00 AM
yea, i like this forum alot.  so far i like this one better than the other ones but they all have good info!
Mike
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 20, 2009, 11:45:58 AM
Yeah, several members have "other Fords"... Here's mine... '73 Torinos were still in the Showrooms when I bought it...
(http://members.pen 15s.net/turbocoupe50/cobra1.jpg)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: MY83T on September 20, 2009, 11:48:59 AM
hey, thats a beautiful Fastback!  You should come check out the Torino Cobra forum.....nice people like here, and tons of good tech and knowledge.  Lots of 68-69 cars there also!  David  http://www.torinocobra.com/forum/index.php
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 20, 2009, 11:53:41 AM
Thanks ,I need to get back into the earlier stuff a bit more...

Before I gave the info to Jon Huntley, I kept the 428 Cobra Jet Registry for 7-8 years, so I know just a little about the '68-'69...
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 20, 2009, 12:00:27 PM
ok....noooow ya did it.  now i HAVE to drag out some picutres!  this was my baby...  until we had a REAL baby that is...
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/McFords%20Torinos/hootergirltorino.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/McFords%20Torinos/woodward04.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/McFords%20Torinos/rancherinoH.jpg)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: MY83T on September 20, 2009, 12:01:37 PM
lol @ Mike!
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 20, 2009, 12:02:32 PM
BEFORE
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/McFords%20Torinos/ENGA.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/McFords%20Torinos/ENGB.jpg)

AFTER
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/McFords%20Torinos/071104D.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/McFords%20Torinos/071104E.jpg)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 20, 2009, 12:05:36 PM
Oh yea, NIIIICE Cobra!  is that candy apple red or indian fire?  almost traded my 72 sport for a 69 indian fire red cobra formal roof.  it was VERY tempting!
and yes, that paint on the bottom side of the hood is the ORIGINAL paint!  a little bit of cleaner wax and it was like new!
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 20, 2009, 12:12:57 PM
Nice!!!!

My engine looked that good about a dozen & a half years ago... I pulled it and did a complete detail of engine and compartment... Now needs to be redone...
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 21, 2009, 05:54:40 PM
Quote from: mcford;291907
BEFORE

AFTER

What no 429CJ ;)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 21, 2009, 06:11:46 PM
NOPE!  Clevelands ROCK!  :bowdown::burnout:
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 21, 2009, 06:15:02 PM
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/webpics/bobboc.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/webpics/McFordwashere.jpg)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 21, 2009, 07:24:41 PM
Quote from: mcford;292079
NOPE!  Clevelands ROCK!  :bowdown::burnout:


Quote from: mcford;292080
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/webpics/bobboc.jpg)

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/mcford/webpics/McFordwashere.jpg)


I know they do but I've just always wanted a 70 or 71 Torino Cobra with a 429SCJ and a 4 speed  in calypso coral ;)
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: FLSTCI71 on September 21, 2009, 09:28:18 PM
Hey Mike, you didn't tell me you were a Torino guy. Next time mention that up front and you'll get a Double T (Torino/Turbo Coupe) discount. lol. I picked up my wife for our first date in this one back in 1978. Still have the Cobra Jet and still have the wife. lol. Mike.


(http://"http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg4/flstci71/Car%20Pics/000_1242.jpg")
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 22, 2009, 06:49:18 PM
i like the original wheels but dig those slots too!
funny, jon is who i almost traded cars with!  that was at the 2004 FCA nats in dearborn.  I made the mistake of sitting in that car and starting it up.  made a quick exit because i KNEW i would have done the trade!!  His wife hated that cobra.
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on September 27, 2009, 10:43:07 PM
You guys all have some nice Torinos!!
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on September 27, 2009, 10:50:45 PM
Thanks!  the 72's are my true love!  especially my maroon one.  i miss that car.....
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on September 27, 2009, 10:56:42 PM
That's why I'll never sell my Bird. I already know I'd kick myself if I ever did. Plus I promised my daughter It'll be her inherritence. I have to at least leave her something!! LOL!!
Title: My '85 Turbo Coupe 5.0
Post by: mcford on November 05, 2009, 08:41:05 PM
Little bit of an update on the 85.  Got some info from the previous owner.  His dad is the oen who did the 5.0 swap.  Apparently it was a summer only car, stored winters.  This is the big one for the zero rust thing.  It also leads me to believe the mileage on this car actually is very low.  Judging by the 25,000 mile motorcraft oil change sticker in the drivers door, zero wear on the pedals, very minimal wear of the piping on the seats, pull strap trim pieces are like new, etc.  Anyways, the car had an engine fire. This is the reason for the complete harness swap (along with full digital dash) along with the v8, replacement front bumper cover, drivers side fender and the 87/88 T/C hood.  I still want to get a carfax report on it but this bit of info helps to answer a bunch of questions.  O still would like to go back and try and figure out why the DSO is transportation services.
Mike