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Topic: GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence? (Read 9849 times) previous topic - next topic

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Hello everyone. I'm a Newbie to this board but not to the world of forums.
I recently purchased a 1988 Mercury Cougar XR-7 with 35,000 miles from an 80+ year old man. The car was serviced and fully dospoogeented at
the original dealer. The Car Fax report is stellar. Religious oil changes every 6 months despite the vehicle only having 200 miles on the oil.
I even have the original order form, from the dealer to Ford on what the owner wanted. The Gentleman purchased the vehicle new in 1987 for his
wife. He also purchased a 1988 Lincoln Town car for himself. The Red Hot Cougar was his wife's "show off" car. She eventually passed away and the car sat
in his garage for about 11 years. The car spent all 26 years garaged. I now own the car and keep it in my garage.

My question is what do you guys feel the value of the car could be? I realize it's not the 50th Anniversary model. But it is an XR-7 with the 5.0L.
Car is bone stock. Would I decrease it's value if I went with a full Mustang LX style dual exhaust with shorty headers? I'd like to do some mods but
in very good taste. Don't want the engine compartment to look butchered. The car is super uber clean.

I was also considering Selling it at Mespooge Auto Auction in Kissimmee Fl near where I live. What do you think a real Cougar Fan would be willing to pay?

Thanks for your input. If it's not worth much I'll just keep it. Mod it a little and take it to local meets. Will be fun.






















GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #1 –
My god, that thing is spectacular!!!
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #2 –
NADA Classic Car Retail Value falls between $3500 - $6500.   

It doesn't let you get very specific withe the mileage / condition though.

A private appraisal would likely be the best way to handle your scenario.


That is one  fine Cat!   

I'd get the appraisal for insurance purposes, then keep it and enjoy it!



WOW!!!!!
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

]Ralph Waldo Emerson

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #3 –
Thanks. Back in 1991 I purchased my very first car at age 22. It was a 1988 Mercury Cougar LS V6.
For decades I've always wanted the XR-7. Recently I started looking and was fortune to find this gem.
I'm 47 now. I think I will keep this cat and enjoy showing her off.
Funny thing is my wife hates the car because she said the Red on Red interior velour looks like a Pimps car. LMAO.

I'll do a full GT dual exhaust with Flowmasters and shorty headers. Injectors. Larger throttle body. 3.7* rear ratio. Stronger Valve body in tranny.
Smog pump delete.
Maybe in the future if I get board with the power I'll do the GT40 and Mass Air conversion. But for now a little extra power would be good.
This forum has taught me a lot. I didn't know I could not put aggressive Cam in this motor. Lucky I haven't purchased anything yet.

Quick question. Does the Mustang dual exhaust fit without extending it? The Cougar is a longer wheelbase.

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #4 –
If you haven't yet, check out coolcats.net in the modifying section.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Haystack;450482
If you haven't yet, check out coolcats.net in the modifying section.

Yes that's how I found this Forum. Very good info on Coolcats.net. I immediately purchased the upgraded grommet for the TV cable linkage.
Mine was still plastic. Thanks.

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #6 –
My cars got about 320k on it right now. Still has the plastic bushing. I'm hoping it goes and burns out the trans so I can use my t-5 in it.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: CleanXR7;450480
Funny thing is my wife hates the car because she said the Red on Red interior velour looks like a Pimps car. LMAO.

You probably shouldn't tell her that even we on the forum refer to that interior as "Porno Red" :ies:

Beautiful car. Glad you're gonna hang onto it. These cars are our little secret in the automotive world - we know they're awesome, but high dollar collectors ignore them. That makes them affordable to us, and also makes it so we can modify them and drive them without feeling guilty the way you would with, say, a Gen 1 Z/28 or '69 Boss 429
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;450485
You probably shouldn't tell her that even we on the forum refer to that interior as "Porno Red" :ies:

LMAO I love it!! My wife is really going to like that one. (Not)

I swear I didn't do this on purpose. Red polo shirt. Red sweater. Coincidence.

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: CleanXR7;450480

Quick question. Does the Mustang dual exhaust fit without extending it? The Cougar is a longer wheelbase.


Headers, H-Pipe, and intermediates from a similar year Mustang will fit.    Everything else from there on back will have to be custom.
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

]Ralph Waldo Emerson

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #10 –
Dang fine looking car.  I would mod it to your liking, drive and enjoy it.  They really arent worth Big money.
Mike

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Haystack;450484
My cars got about 320k on it right now.


HOLY SMOKES!!! Awesome.

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: zane;450492
Headers, H-Pipe, and intermediates from a similar year Mustang will fit.    Everything else from there on back will have to be custom.


Thanks. I have a welder so I won't have a problem extending it.

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #13 –
Welcome and NICE CAT. As stated, that is one hell of a preserved vehicle. Always nice to see another one of these like that. .

As far as modifications and subtlety....here's the engine bay of my optioned-out 20th Anniversary. Can you spot the parts that make 280 horsepower? ;)

X
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

GARAGE FIND (Kinda) 1988 Cougar XR-7. Cleanest in existence?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: ZondaC12;450500
Can you spot the parts that make 280 horsepower? ;)

Yes! The serpentine belt has racing stripes! GOT YOU!!

WOW. Very clean. I like it. The H.O. Cam will fit our engine OK? I thought we couldn't because we have flat top pistons.
Your set up is what I'd like to shoot for. Wake up the Cat within.