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Topic: Need opinion on Thunderbird motor. (Read 1082 times) previous topic - next topic

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

I'm getting ready to do a S.O. to H.O. converstion on my 88' Cougar. I've found a guy on Craigslist that has a 1992 Thunderbird 5.0 H.O. engine for sale for $300.00.

#1 Are the 5.0 engines from the 1992 Thuderbird actually high output engines?

#2 If so is this a good engine to use to swap out with? I've noticed that the 1992 Thunderbird 5.0's were only rated at 200HP versus the 92' Mustang 5.0's were rated at 225HP. What's the difference in the two engines?

#3 Should I get it or look for a better year engine?

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #1 –
the intake is shorter and the exhaust manafolds suck. but other then taht its a great motor. It is a true HO motor with the 5.8 firing order.
FORD The Pacemaker of a CHEVY

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #2 –
Exactly the same H.O engine as the Mustang,different intake and accessories.
'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..

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #3 –
You'll also need to swap the timing cover and water pump over from the Cougar 5.0 you have. Just re-use your accessories.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #4 –
I talked to the same guy and he has a 1987 Mustang 5.0 H.O. engine that he has agreed to sell me for $250.00.

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #5 –
You should try to find a motor out of a 302 explorer or mountaineer (late 90's?), they have gt40 heads and intakes stock and are way more power, just gotta change the cam cuz they are tiny. Most junk yards don't realize what they're worth either. Try http://www.car-part.com, that's just my 2 cents

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #6 –
Sadly, avoid the Stang engine.  It was probably beat on.  Lets face it, most MN-12 T-birds/Cougars dont get beat on near as bad as a Stang.  However, like stated above, the Exploder/Mountaineer engines are always a plus if the price is right.
41 Dodge Luxury Liner Sedan
78 F-100 2wd flareside
84Turbo Coupe
84 Thunderbird Élan
85 Thunderbird 3.8
88 Turbo Coupe
88 Mustang GT
90 Stang LX 5.0 5spd
93 F-150 4x4 ext cab
96 Mustang GT
98 Mustang GT
99 SVT Cobra
06 Fusion SEL
14 Fusion Sport

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #7 –
What are the mileage numbers for each engine?I'd probably go with the Bird engine as well.It's 5 years newer,and like stated above,probably (but not positively) not beat up on so badly.Pull the valve covers off of each engine and look if you can.That can say a lot sometimes.
'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..
 

Need opinion on Thunderbird motor.

Reply #8 –
I've already purchased the Mustang engine, but I'm going to rebuild it before I install.