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87 Thunderbird Questions

I added an 87 Thunderbird V-8 (Non HO) to my collection, and I need to replace the throttle body as it is sticking. I am planning on getting the BBK 65mm and matching EGR Spacer but I was wondering what size the intake manifold inlet grind is? I believe stock throttle body is 50mm, but I was wondering if that is what size the intake inlet size is. Will a 65mm be too big?

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #1
A 65 is probably too big.You need to go with a 60mm Stang throttlebody (in my opinion).You also need to open up the intake to 60 or 65mm for the throttlebody to match.Any good machine shop can do it,or,better yet,get on Ebay and buy a Mustang GT intake.They are VERY cheap,a simple bolt on,and the flow better than what you have now.I've seen the intake,throttlebody,and spacer sell for as low as $15.00 plus shipping.Cheaper than a machine shop opening yours up for you.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #2
The opening in the std intake is approx 58/60mm, a Stang 60mm TB & spacer works fine... Save your money on the intake, will make no real difference on a SO... If A HO upper falls in you lap well OK, but I wouldn't go spending more than a VERY FEW $ for one...

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #3
where can i get a 60mm at? The smallest I have found was a 65mm.

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #4
I also meant to ask. I have noticed that the starters in the mid to late 80's fords tend to be quite noisy. Is there anyway to remedy this? I had a friend who had an 85 mustang that had the same noisy starter. Do the newer aftermarket ones still have the noise?

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #5
Quote from: Axlehead;163350
where can i get a 60mm at? The smallest I have found was a 65mm.


from a HO 87-93 mustang
1979 Ford Fairmont
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5.0L/4R70W/8.8"/5-lug/3" Exhuast


87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #6
I got one off an 88 Lincoln Mark VII that had a 5.0 HO. I assume it is the same since it looks just like the on my bird just a 60 instead of 50.

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #7
Quote from: Axlehead;163617
I got one off an 88 Lincoln Mark VII that had a 5.0 HO. I assume it is the same since it looks just like the on my bird just a 60 instead of 50.


Same one as on Stang...

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #8
cool thanks. Also anyone know what the deal is with the noisy starters ford used on these cars? Anyway to remedy it?

87 Thunderbird Questions

Reply #9
I installed a high torque starter from a '96 Explorer.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..