Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Topic: Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project (Read 3499 times) previous topic - next topic

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

May 14, 2008, 09:25:46 PM

Hey my name is Daniel im 13 my dad owns his own dealership cherokeeautogroupdotcom anyway if i was spoiled i guess i could have the choice of any car on the lot but thats not how this is going to work. We recently purchased a rust free Georgia turbo coupe with just a hair over 100k. We are going to over the next 2+ years make this into one sweet ride. Here is the plan my dad has to mustang donor cars a 1992 lx 5.0 convertible thats where we will get the 5.0 fuel injected v8 for the engine swap second a 1989 mustang GT for the t5 5 speed swap! The car now has a good running engine and tranny but we rather do the 5.0 5 speed swap. I am sure i will have lots of questions for yall hope this is a good source for info.
Thanks Daniel

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #1 – May 14, 2008, 09:33:04 PM

keep the 2.3

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #2 – May 14, 2008, 09:37:27 PM

well we were considering that but id rather have something a little different. Whats is the best place to post pictures? Thanks

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #3 – May 14, 2008, 09:39:15 PM

Keep the 2.3 liter turbo it is different and spend your money modding it.

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #4 – May 14, 2008, 09:40:48 PM

Welcome, Daniel. I'm going to go ahead and warn you of a possible and probable 2.3T vs 5.0 war in this thread. Just do what you want. I have a 5.0HO in my Tbird and it's so much fun to drive. Well over a year after the engine work, I'm still not tired of turning the radio down just to hear the deep V8 rumble, then feel the torque kick in when I get on the gas. With the 5 speed, it'll be even more fun. Just do what you want and enjoy it. I'm glad to see you're able to start nice and early on your car so by the time you get your license, it'll be waitin for ya :) .

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #5 – May 14, 2008, 09:58:05 PM

Thanks for the input i'm gonna try to post some photos.

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #6 – May 14, 2008, 10:18:47 PM

Welcome, you'll find all the answers to your questions if it's fox body related. from body to motor, it's in here somewhere

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #7 – May 14, 2008, 11:14:41 PM

Keep the 2.3 man. Theres absolutely nothing original or different about dropping a 5.0 in a turbo coupe. These cars are becoming more and more rare every time someone drops a v8 in one, especially a 4-eye car.

Besides, with gas getting only more expensive, wouldnt you rather have the economy of a 4 banger with that turbo power readily available for passing v8 cars?

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #8 – May 14, 2008, 11:38:23 PM

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]Welcome!!!![/COLOR]

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #9 – May 15, 2008, 12:05:44 AM

Quote from: bhazard;218928

Keep the 2.3 man. Theres absolutely nothing original or different about dropping a 5.0 in a turbo coupe. These cars are becoming more and more rare every time someone drops a v8 in one, especially a 4-eye car.

Besides, with gas getting only more expensive, wouldnt you rather have the economy of a 4 banger with that turbo power readily available for passing v8 cars?

Well uh...the mpg isnt THAT much better...and a stock 2.3T def wont be passing a 5.0HO. However, since the engine and tranny are doin fine, I would actually keep the 2.3T. But if the OP wants a V8, then have at it. Can't really go wrong either way. I know I love my 5.0.

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #10 – May 15, 2008, 12:22:09 AM

I love my t/c. If it were me I'd keep it 2.3T. I get 28-35mpg on the highway. That is a lot better than most v8 cars. Plus I'm passing many 5.0's, 4.6's, these are mostly stock or close to it. I haven't finished my tuning on my LARGE front mount Blow thru setup. But do as you want! Just keep in mind that when later down the road it is all sweat and cherry! It would be that much better if it still had a 2.3T. You'll love the look on the others face when you tell them Yes it is only a 4 banger. They look that the car and beg you to open the hood thinking you are lying! You run and pop the hood, open it up and you see there heart drop when they find you really have a 4 BANGER! And to think I just lost to this big ole car with a 4 banger! they walk away scratching they head like did that really just happen! I love it.

Also don't just take my word for it look around and see what you can find about the 2.3t before you decide to drop in the 5.0. I suggest you look over at turboford. here is a link http://www.turboford.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php and over here. http://www.turbotbird.com/

PS WELCOME and Gotta have pics man! LOL

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #11 – May 15, 2008, 12:27:38 AM

Here are few pics!

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #12 – May 15, 2008, 01:00:06 AM

Quote from: ipsd;218944

I love my t/c. If it were me I'd keep it 2.3T. I get 28-35mpg on the highway.

I got 33mpg on my 200 mile highway run at 75-80mph.

@d-bird: Thats an awesome hot rod platform no matter which power plant you choose. Everyone on this forum is gonna have their bias towards one or the other, but in the end, choose what's gonna make YOU happy, not anyone else.

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #13 – May 15, 2008, 01:13:37 AM

Welcome dude!

13 huh? Awesome. Dad's sure gettin' ya into the right hobby! Nothin better than dumpin' all of the modest cash you have as a kid into an effin chunk o' steel on wheels! :hick:

That thing is gorgeous, good luck waitin' to drive it!!! :flame:

Cool-lookin' garage! What's behind the bird? I'm thinkin' mid 70s GM barge, like a pontiac grand prix or something?

Cheers!
Paul

Newbee with 1985 t-bird turbo coupe project

Reply #14 – May 15, 2008, 01:26:50 AM

The only swap I would do on that is a 5 speed swap. Even then the C3 oughtta be better than an a4ld.

As far as 2.3 vs 5.0 goes, think of it this way. The 2.3t auto was rated at 145hp I believe, maybe 155. The 5.0/auto in 85 was at 175hp I think.

Get a big vam, browntops, la3, etc to update the engine to 88tc specs. Intercooler, 3 inch exhaust, k&n, etc. $10 boost controller set at 20 psi and bam youre at over 200hp and probably 300lb ft of torque, maybe even 250hp. All that can be had for well under $500 if you look in the right places. I paid $150 for my exhaust alone, from turbo to tailpipe. Other than a 3" downpipe elbow its pretty much maxed out as far as exhaust systems go.

Think of how much you would have to spend to get a similar increase in power out of a 5.0. Obviously you would have to spend twice as much alone in exhaust parts.