Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => General Fox T-Bird/Cougar Discussion => Topic started by: booksix on July 29, 2008, 03:42:33 PM

Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: booksix on July 29, 2008, 03:42:33 PM
Ok, I know I could search and I should also know this already, but I may have to go look at this 88 TC after work, short notice.  I'm SO not prepared..  can you guys help me out with a few things to make sure I don't miss anything...  it's in a couple hours.  thanks!!
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: dominator on July 29, 2008, 04:00:43 PM
Mileage,rust,running or not,arc light flashing,arc shocks replaced with non arc,abs lights,smoke,boosting to pressure,noises,accesories working or not.
Think that about covers it.
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: daboss351 on July 29, 2008, 04:10:07 PM
shock towers(i know he said rust but checking shock towers is second nature for fox owners)
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: booksix on July 29, 2008, 05:03:12 PM
Ok, so it just got moved to saturday...  LOL

But anyway, anyone have advise on what to look for with the motor?  It's a 65k motor, he says it boosts to 5 psi and it doesn't break the wheels loose off the line (I don't think he did a break stand - its an auto btw).  I need the motor to be killer cause I will need to be able to sell it (yes, i know, bring it on...  I'd keep it if it was an original 5 speed car but an all original TC with a t5 against a auto VIN doesn't appeal to me...  nor does the auto).

Also, will it pulls codes the same way my 5.0 does (jumper in the test connector, count the check engine light flashes)?  And will the codes be the same or does someone have a list of the 2.3t eec codes?
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: Cougar5.0 on July 29, 2008, 05:45:41 PM
No gravy on the dashboard :makefun:
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 29, 2008, 07:01:03 PM
If you're gonna swap engines, why worry about EEC codes??? The computer won't telly you it has a worn cam, or leaky fuel inj(OK maybe you'd have a rich code), etc...

Most codes are same but there are some additional codes... Also a KOER will blink twice for number of cyl instead of four on a 8 cyl... Also after the engine code is given, you need to briefly gag the throttle and stab the break pedal, or you get codes for no knock sensor and no BOO(brake on off)...
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: booksix on July 29, 2008, 09:10:52 PM
Because I'd be selling it as a complete engine with the computers/wiring and everything and I want to know whats there...  besides, why ignore something if it could be another excuse to keep the price down?

Also, would there be any codes from the self test connector regarding abs issues?
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 29, 2008, 09:49:10 PM
Wiring harness in a '87-'88 TC is a nightmare, nobody in their right mind would use it for a swap... The EEC test plug is actually in the ABS/ride harness(they are interconnected at the EEC)... Far easier to mod a 2.3 NA harness...

Check the tech section over on NATO for EEC and ABS codes...
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: bhazard on July 29, 2008, 11:29:51 PM
So wait, 65k engine, how much on the car?
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: 88TurboCoupeman01 on July 30, 2008, 09:41:27 PM
Oil all around the Valve cover, if there is oil around the valve cover ask if the valve cover gasket has been replaced and when, Drive it a see if the boost feels good, check to see if the supension is leaking gas out of the shocks/struts, check oil to see its condision, check seats, and headliner and dash for cracks.
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: booksix on July 31, 2008, 03:23:03 PM
not true...  LOL, I already have someone that wants to buy the complete EEC setup plus the motor and my old TC t5.  :D besides, pulling codes has npthng to do with whether or not someone would use the harness but all about me being able to tell them if and which sensors are shot.

Bhazard, he using 1500, I offered 600 and he wants me to come see it Saturday...
Title: What to look for when looking to buy a TC
Post by: booksix on July 31, 2008, 03:26:32 PM
oh, just reread the part about the EEC test connector...  Maybe I'll have him do something different.