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Topic: New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird (Read 5096 times) previous topic - next topic

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #15 –
Well, I was trying to save the best for last, but here it is:

Scat Rotating assembly
Forged pistons
Custom grind cam
Victor Jr. heads and intake
Holley 800 dp
Spectre air cleaner
MSD Ignition, Coil, Distributor
BBK chrome shorties
A/C and components removed
"Cold air" Intake

XX

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #16 –
so here is the big question have you had her to the track and how does she run? looks awesome by the way.

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #18 –
Wow...sweet car!  I like the TC nose combined with the cowl and your engine compartment is simply :roxor:.  Any HP estimate on that small block?  My next major project is an engine build in a couple years and I'm torn between sticking w/EFI or going carb.  I think looks-wise you can't beat a carb'd engine...so much cleaner looking under the hood.
'88 'bird, 10.9:1 306 w/TFS top end, forged rods/pistons, T-5 swap & bunch of other stuff, 1-family owned, had it since ‘98, 5.0tbrd88 on Instagram and YouTube

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Last Thunderfox;423220
Well, I was trying to save the best for last, but here it is:

Scat Rotating assembly
Forged pistons
Custom grind cam
Victor Jr. heads and intake
Holley 800 dp
Spectre air cleaner
MSD Ignition, Coil, Distributor
BBK chrome shorties
A/C and components removed
"Cold air" Intake

XX


Nice :).

That's a 351W isn't it?
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #20 –
Quote from: 50tbrd88;423246
Wow...sweet car!  I like the TC nose combined with the cowl and your engine compartment is simply :roxor:.  Any HP estimate on that small block?  My next major project is an engine build in a couple years and I'm torn between sticking w/EFI or going carb.  I think looks-wise you can't beat a carb'd engine...so much cleaner looking under the hood.


If I were you I'd stick with EFI. It'll have more torque that a carb setup (assuming you stay in the 302-347ci range). Plus you already have all the wiring and plumbing set up for a V8.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #21 –
Wow! Such a great looking car! And that is one purdy engine bay! Love your car! More pictures please ;)

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #22 –
Quote from: Driverguy;423158
I have to ask, what are the specs on the tires and rims?  I've lost sleep over the last few years, because the rear wheel wells are bigger than the fronts, and I don't like having taller tires to compensate, but yours look very well balanced!  Id have to guess 295/50 15 in the rear, 225/60 15 in the front?


My tire sizes wont help you much. I bought my wheels when i was 16 and I didnt do as good a job as I could have. Also, I currently have a Fox mustang rear in the back, which brings the tires inboard ~3/4" on each side. My wheels still have an inch or so free to go inboard in the rear, and the fronts are narrow and have the look of skinnies. I wouldnt recommend corner carving on my setup. The rear tires did just barely scuff on the lip edge before the rear end swap, but i also haven't rolled them over either. I dont have the measurements for the wheels atm, but tire sizes:
19565R15 in front
25560R15 out back

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #23 –
Quote from: 50tbrd88;423246
Wow...sweet car!  I like the TC nose combined with the cowl and your engine compartment is simply :roxor:.  Any HP estimate on that small block?  My next major project is an engine build in a couple years and I'm torn between sticking w/EFI or going carb.  I think looks-wise you can't beat a carb'd engine...so much cleaner looking under the hood.


Quote from: thunderjet302;423265
If I were you I'd stick with EFI. It'll have more torque that a carb setup (assuming you stay in the 302-347ci range). Plus you already have all the wiring and plumbing set up for a V8.


I fully agree with thunderjet if you are keeping your car mostly street driven. EFI is great for fuel economy, reliability, and a more even torque curve. If your car is already setup up for that, and it may be the easiest way to go. And there are plenty of guys that make ridiculous power with EFI. And frankly, thats how most, if not all racing will be in the future.

On the other hand, the reason i went with a carb setup because of ease of tuning, clean looks, and overall uniqueness. I love working on my car and adjusting everything myself. I have nothing against EFI, but I am using this car to help me better understand how to tune a car. I dont mind computer tuning, but there is something special about getting lots of power with nothing more than some basic hand tools and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

So weigh your options carefully, decide how you would like your car to be. Look at how much tuning you will be doing to the car, and which way works best for your situation. Would you mind taking the carb apart everytime you want to make a change? or would you rather plug a computer into your car? It comes down to preference and application.
Just my two cents. :)

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #24 –
I agree...the reasons I have thought about going carb are ones you've touched on: 1.) I want to learn more about tuning 2.) looks 3.) cost

That being said I will probably just stay EFI when the time comes.
'88 'bird, 10.9:1 306 w/TFS top end, forged rods/pistons, T-5 swap & bunch of other stuff, 1-family owned, had it since ‘98, 5.0tbrd88 on Instagram and YouTube

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #25 –
I love this car!  I really want to go with a Cowl hood on mine.  Your car looks great.  By the way, my 1988 Ford Thunderbird is my first car too.
'88 Thunderbird LX
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Engine:  FR B303 cam, GT40P heads w/ Trickflow valve springs, Explorer upper/lower intake, SR cold air intake w/ MAF
Exhaust:  shorty headers, BBK O-R X-pipe, glasspacks w/ turn downs
Misc:  8.8 rear, Saleen SC replicas 17x8/17x10, Mach 1 front springs/SN95 rear springs
&
'74 F100 Custom 351W

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Thunderbird88;423303
Wow! Such a great looking car! And that is one purdy engine bay! Love your car! More pictures please ;)


No, I will not give in to peer pressure. :p

The car is Twighlight Blue for those that are curious.  It has recently been repainted with:

The nose switched to turbo coupe
The hood is a functional 3" US Body full frame cowl hood

XXX

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #27 –
Lol nice model

New guy w/ 88 Thunderbird

Reply #29 –
Very nice looking car!  Cool little version too. :)