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Topic: Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe (Read 6686 times) previous topic - next topic

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #30 –
It's alive!!  Fired it this evening for the first time.  First couple tries we had nothing.....a quick tracking job had me jumping two wires to bypass a neutral safety switch on the AOD wiring harness.  I have questions about this that I'll post in another thread and link back over like before so anyone following this later on can get to each topic easier.  After installing the jumper it fired right up and rumbled proudly!!

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?32599-AOD-to-T5-trans-wiring-harness-questions&p=373599#post373599

Also got the steering rack finished, sway bar, end links, swapped in a DA1 computer and some other things.  Installed the BBK 2.5" offroad H-pipe.

More later.....tired and have a headache.
1988 T-Bird Sport Coupe--5.0 HO, MAF swap, 1-5/8" shorties, BBK/Flowmaster exhaust, Explorer intake, 70mm Edelbrock TB, T5, B&M short throw, Centerforce clutch and PP, disc brake TC rear w/ 3.55's, TC front brakes, '98 Cobra springs, DIY SFC's, other misc .  14.05 @ 98mph with launching too low and shifting too high.

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #31 –
Great work Dan. Were you able to use that rack? Man I wish you lived closer!!

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #32 –
Naa....ended up buying a new one.  Kept it around for parts though.

Maybe you should move up here.........I'm the one with the 2,500 sqft garage!!  j/k ;)
1988 T-Bird Sport Coupe--5.0 HO, MAF swap, 1-5/8" shorties, BBK/Flowmaster exhaust, Explorer intake, 70mm Edelbrock TB, T5, B&M short throw, Centerforce clutch and PP, disc brake TC rear w/ 3.55's, TC front brakes, '98 Cobra springs, DIY SFC's, other misc .  14.05 @ 98mph with launching too low and shifting too high.

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #33 –
That sucks, I really thought you'd be able to use it. If it weren't for the new job I might be tempted. lol!!

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #34 –
Way behind on an update.....hunting season and holidays got in the way.  But back on the bird now.  Doing brakes tomorrow, finished welding the DIY SFC's this AM, finished some wiring, etc, etc.  Only missing parts are some lines to get the fuel system back together.

Will post more updates later.....just wanted to post something before I forgot.
1988 T-Bird Sport Coupe--5.0 HO, MAF swap, 1-5/8" shorties, BBK/Flowmaster exhaust, Explorer intake, 70mm Edelbrock TB, T5, B&M short throw, Centerforce clutch and PP, disc brake TC rear w/ 3.55's, TC front brakes, '98 Cobra springs, DIY SFC's, other misc .  14.05 @ 98mph with launching too low and shifting too high.

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #35 –
I remember looking at this back when you started. Never kept up on it though. Good work, glad to see another victim of destroyed front frame has beat it!
1987 20th Anniversary Cougar, 302 "5.0" GT-40 heads (F3ZE '93 Cobra) and TMoss Ported H.O. intake, H.O. camshaft
2.5" Duals, no cats, Flowmaster 40s, Richmond 3.73s w/ Trac-Lok, maxed out Baumann shift kit, 3000 RPM Dirty Dog non-lock TC
Aside from the Mustang crinkle headers, still looks like it's only 150 HP...
1988 Black XR7 Trick Flow top end, Tremec 3550
1988 Black XR7 Procharger P600B intercooled, Edelbrock Performer non-RPM heads, GT40 intake AOD, 13 PSI @5000 RPM. 93 octane

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #36 –
Nice work...your interior is a clone of mine, save for the shifter handle lol.

Looks like your boot is on backwards? Just a guess, maybe that's why it looks bunched up?

 fine work :)
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Dan B's build thread.....'88 Sport Coupe

Reply #37 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;382023
Looks like your boot is on backwards? Just a guess, maybe that's why it looks bunched up?

 fine work :)

Thanks.  Not a fan of the handle...a friend gave it to me when I bought the tranny.  Want to put on a nice black or white ball on there.

The boot only goes in one way.....I probably just didn't unbunch it.  Took it all back apart last week and took a torch to the shifter bar.  First was centered in the console and fifth was a long reach even with a short throw and long arms.  I heated the bar and bent it about 2" toward the driver side.  Now third is centered nicely to make the 1-2-3 hammering very comfortable. 

Did some more buttoning up of small wiring this afternoon and shortened the O2 harness.

Still have not found new hard lines from the tank to the filter.  Going to see a local shop on Monday about making up something that will work.  He can make about anything so I'm hopeful.

Got my hands on a Flowmaster catback off a Mustang LX.  May get that mocked up and flow tubes extended in a week or two...three.  No real hurry since I need to get the fuel system back together.  Cleaned up the tank...it was covered with some pretty rough scale on the corners and around the pump but think it will be fine...didn't leak before.  Coated it with Permatex Rust Inhibitor (love that stuff!!) and will paint that with black Rustoleum tomorrow.  Hopefully I can locate a set of straps too.

Will take some pics of the SFC's on Monday.  Ten feet of 1"x2"x.125" wall tubing cost $30.  I used 5' on each side...this was enough to go from the rear lower CA to ahead of the tranny cross member.  I closed in the ends and spent some time cleaning up the frame rails.  Total install time was about three hours start to finish....but I took my time and was poking around.  Still may plate the sides since my front rails were not exactly flat on the bottom...previous owner must have jacked the car up off of them a LOT.  If anyone within driving distance wanted to do a set, it can be done for less than $50 and you are welcome to come over.
1988 T-Bird Sport Coupe--5.0 HO, MAF swap, 1-5/8" shorties, BBK/Flowmaster exhaust, Explorer intake, 70mm Edelbrock TB, T5, B&M short throw, Centerforce clutch and PP, disc brake TC rear w/ 3.55's, TC front brakes, '98 Cobra springs, DIY SFC's, other misc .  14.05 @ 98mph with launching too low and shifting too high.