Print Page - Blue by You

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 05, 2011, 10:28:24 PM

Wanted to get started on my Build Thread...

I have a 1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. It is Twilight blue metallic (or was before the clear-coat peel) with blue cloth interior. It has every option except for leather seats. I bought it as a parts car, but I have decided to make it something special...

The plan:
A smooth, comfortable, great handling street machine with 400+ rwhp -- something that can hang with 90% of the street cars, but something my wife wouldn't be afraid to drive.

A 5.0L HO with a single turbo kit and an automatic transmission. Hoping to keep all of the creature comforts, but have power to spare.

This will be a longer term project that won't happen overnight. So check in every so often and enjoy the progress!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 05, 2011, 10:38:54 PM

Here are some pictures of the victim as I purchased it...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/IM001617.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/IM001618.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/IM001610.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on March 05, 2011, 10:44:20 PM

For some reason I just never could get into blue interiors... maybe cause mine's red... Anyway looks nice man. No doubt you'll be taking some pointers from flylear?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on March 05, 2011, 11:04:05 PM

It looks way to nice to be a parts car. I'm glad you decided to do something with it instead.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 05, 2011, 11:06:22 PM

The car had been sitting for years because of ABS brake issues. And the lady that owned it didn't want to put money into it to fix it - so it just sat and sat.

I bought it thinking I might use the drivetrain for a project. But after cleaning up the car and interior, it was actually in very good shape. So I decided to get it running...

- So I swapped the ABS unit to Vacuum Assist - SN95 booster/master cylinder.
- Plus the fuel tank was completely rusted from sitting so long. Replaced the fuel tank and fuel filter
- Changed the oil and filter
- Replaced transmission fluid/filter
- Put a new battery in it

It started and ran really pretty well! But the A4LD transmission front seal was leaking like a sieve.

- So I pulled the transmission and replaced the front seal
- Repaired the rusted exhaust mid-pipe

And now the car runs very well and the transmission shifts great.

So why would I go and mess with a perfectly running stock TurboCoupe? Just because.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 05, 2011, 11:11:18 PM

Quote from: sarjxxx;354623

For some reason I just never could get into blue interiors... maybe cause mine's red... Anyway looks nice man. No doubt you'll be taking some pointers from flylear?

Yep! Flylear has been my inspiration to get started. I have been following his thread from the beginning. Our builds will be similar except I hope to buy a turbo kit rather than fabricate one. He has more skills than I do. :)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 05, 2011, 11:29:04 PM

Since I got the car running, I noticed the Electronic Automatic Temp Control (EATC) was acting funny. The control unit would blink saying something was wrong. And with the blower motor on high, it would vibrate the whole car and spit acorns out the floor vents. Plus the heater core started leaking.

Time to start teardown...

Engine compartment view:

Removal of heater and A/C lines and heater box fasteners:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore001.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore003.jpg)

Removal of dash wiring in the engine compartment:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore002.jpg)

Interior view:

Removal of the console, steering column and disconnect dash mount points:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore004.jpg)

Disconnect all the wiring harness connections and remove the dashboard:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore010.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore008.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore009.jpg)

Next, the heater box needs to come out:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore007.jpg)

And what would I find?
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore011.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore012.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_HeaterCore013.jpg)

A critter had made a happy home in the heater box, storing up nuts for the winter - probably for many peaceful years while the car sat. It was NASTY in there with the upper area above the blower fan being the creature's bathroom.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: jridenour31 on March 05, 2011, 11:36:45 PM

Haha I found the same thing in mine. You should just be thankful that's the only thing our teardowns had in common. I had a nest under the upper intake on a 5.0 and as I was pulling it out I got a handful of a live five foot long blacksnake.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on March 06, 2011, 12:13:04 AM

Quote from: jridenour31;354640

Haha I found the same thing in mine. You should just be thankful that's the only thing our teardowns had in common. I had a nest under the upper intake on a 5.0 and as I was pulling it out I got a handful of a live five foot long blacksnake.

I would totally freak!!! I hate snakes!!!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: jridenour31 on March 06, 2011, 12:22:45 AM

Quote from: 1Bad88tbird;354641

I would totally freak!!! I hate snakes!!!

I definitely did. It was funny later but I wasn't too happy at the.time.

OP, I really like the project, although I may be a little biased lol. Are you going to run a stock HO with an AOD? That's definitely a peppy little street setup. What are you controlling it with?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 06, 2011, 01:07:10 AM

Well here is a little more detail about the drivetrain build...

Engine plan:
stock 306 roller block with forged dished pistons
explorer rods (a little beefier than HO) with arp wave-loc bolts
stock HO cam and roller lifters
stock iron gt40 (not P) heads with upgraded TrickFlow springs/retainers
cobra intake with phenolic spacer and 65mm TB
42lb injectors with explorer rails and kirban fuel pressure regulator
Lightning 90mm blow-through MAF

Transmission:
4R70W from a 5.0L explorer 2WD
Baumann OptiShift controller

Rear-end:
Lincoln Mark VII 8.8 Traction-Loc with 3.27 gears

Suspension:
stock ride control struts/shocks
SN95 front and rear springs
SN95 spindles
Cobra 13" disc front brakes
89 Lincoln 11.x" disk rear brakes
CHE Rear control arms

A lot of these are the ultimate goal, but I plan to build it in stages so that I can enjoy driving it for a while before the next phase.

Phase 1 - GT40 HO Engine running 19lb injectors and stock HO MAF and TB with stock AOD. stock A3M1 HO computer.
Phase 2 - Rear-end and suspension/brake modifications
Phase 3 - Ponydown or B&G turbo kit running 7-10psi with 42lb injectors and Lightning MAF and 65 or 70mm TB. Upgraded 255 lph high pressure walbro fuel pump. 4R70W with Baumann Optishift controller. Quarterhorse or Tweecer controlling A3M1 EEC-IV - possibly moates.net chip once the tune is dialed in. Hi/Low electronic boost controller and tunes controlled by the Prem/Regular Fuel switch on the dash. LOTS of other mods planned too.

Man, I can't wait to get there. But slow and steady wins the race!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: jridenour31 on March 06, 2011, 07:42:16 AM

Nice setup, I really like the decision to go with the 4R.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 06, 2011, 09:24:23 AM

Yeah. I like the durability and tune-ability of the 4R70W electronic transmission. And I think the stock ford ecu is flexible enough (with J3 port add-ons) for my needs in engine management department.

The plan is to have the premium/regular dash switch control the level of boost, the engine tune and the transmission shift patterns/firmness. In 'Regular' setting, I can tame it down when others drive it... but turn it up (with the flip of the switch) to impress the friends and neighbors. :)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: HAVI on March 06, 2011, 10:05:04 AM

I agree that car is too nice to part out. They just aren't found around every corner anymore.

I have a blue interior as well. It's almost overwhelming sitting inside looking at all of that blue. I have a grey interior I hope to install down the line. Someday..... someday.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Beau on March 06, 2011, 02:36:09 PM

After having two 'Birds with the red interior, I couldn't stand it anymore...felt like I was driving a whouse on wheels (sans...ws. well, except for that one, but I never got any action lol)

So yeah, I could relate to the blue. Then again, I'm partial to black. And gray.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 06, 2011, 03:57:54 PM

Fear not. The blue interior will be gray in time. Here is the donor interior that will make it's way into this car...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/Cougar%20LS/CougarParts024.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/Cougar%20LS/CougarParts025.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/Cougar%20LS/CougarParts021.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/Cougar%20LS/CougarParts018-1.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 86caprirs on March 06, 2011, 05:36:52 PM

I wish you were closer. I would take the blues door panels.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 88turbo on March 06, 2011, 05:58:34 PM

why would you want to swap out a 3:73 rear for a 3:27 rear?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: jridenour31 on March 06, 2011, 06:39:17 PM

Quote from: 88turbo;354680

why would you want to swap out a 3:73 rear for a 3:27 rear?

Turbo cars like numerically lower gears. I made the exact same swap.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 06, 2011, 07:03:02 PM

jridenour31, it looks like I'm building something similar to what you were originally planning with your 88 t-bird - before you completely lost your mind. :)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: jridenour31 on March 06, 2011, 08:10:41 PM

Quote from: The Shredder;354683

jridenour31, it looks like I'm building something similar to what you were originally planning with your 88 t-bird - before you completely lost your mind. :)

Lol yeah, pretty much. You'll definitely enjoy it, I know I did.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on March 07, 2011, 12:10:54 AM

oooh that gray is in great shape!

Man I understand a squirrel building a nest in your heater, but hth did it get in there? I mean sure the car sat but what were the doors open or something??? was there a giant hole in the floor? I just don't understand!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 07, 2011, 12:50:34 PM

Steve, it was either a chipmunk or a squirrel. It appears the critter got into the cowl area and then down into the heater box through the upper fresh air inlet. He couldn't get into the cabin of the car - because the recirculation door was closed in one direction and he couldn't get past the A/C evaporator core in the other direction.

I can only assume he got in over the plastic inner wheel liner since he stole some of the wheel liner insulation for his bedding! There are holes in the upper frame rail under each fender.

Jon

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on March 07, 2011, 04:29:05 PM

That crazy how they can find thier way into places like that. They're defenately not closterphobic! lol!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on March 07, 2011, 09:54:03 PM

haha that's funny. I bet he was so dissapointed when that car dissapeared! I mean, can you imagine? ...You spend months building your house, then leave to go to work, come back and its gone? Geez!:giggle:

Anyway, at least now you don't have to worry about replacing the heater core anytime soon.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 10, 2011, 11:18:39 PM

Alright. I made just a little progress tonight. I got the heads on the the new engine and torqued the thrust plate bolts, the cam bolt, the lifter valley spider bolts.

I just need to take a few days off to get this engine wrapped up. Then I'd like to yank the existing engine/transmission and cleanup the engine bay.

Here are a few pics of the shortblock and longblock so far...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine001.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine003.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine004.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine006.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine005.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine007.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine009.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine010.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on March 10, 2011, 11:28:04 PM

YES!!!! LUBE!!!!!

Man that thing is shiny. Makes me miss the week I spent putting my engine in. Oh, no, wait, I don't miss it. Nevermind.

Looks good though. Better polish up/paint the intakes and things to match it;)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 13, 2011, 08:46:49 PM

Just a little progress today. Cleaning up some parts.

I know they aren't polished, but they should perform well. Or I'll have to send them to Vinnie for polishing...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/LowerIntake.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/UpperIntake.jpg)

Cleaned 19lb injectors for the Naturally Aspirated version of my engine...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/Injectors.jpg)

I realized I need to get another timing chain cover. Anyone have one in good shape?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 20, 2011, 08:14:27 PM

Made some more progress on the engine...

Got the engine primed:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine012.jpg)

Got the valve train on and the engine painted. It is shiny Old Ford Blue! :)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine014.jpg)

My boys helped me get the lower intake torqued down...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine019.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine024.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on March 20, 2011, 09:53:59 PM

Nice! I like how your kids are getting involved.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on March 20, 2011, 10:27:22 PM

Great looking engine so far. Reminds me of the Sport's when I had it on the stand last year.

What valve covers are you going to use?

What size throttle body and spacer?

What cam is in it?

I've sen some Cobra plaques on Ebay from time to time for a reasonable price. I like the Cobra intakes. I am working on a polished Explorer right now. Keep up the great work. I'll be looking forward to more pics and info.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on March 21, 2011, 06:35:55 AM

Quote from: vinnietbird;355968

Great looking engine so far. Reminds me of the Sport's when I had it on the stand last year.

What valve covers are you going to use?

What size throttle body and spacer?

What cam is in it?

I've sen some Cobra plaques on Ebay from time to time for a reasonable price. I like the Cobra intakes. I am working on a polished Explorer right now. Keep up the great work. I'll be looking forward to more pics and info.

Hey Vinnie. Our engines will be similar. I'm running the stock HO cam for a smooth idle and low-end torque. Plus the overlap is very boost friendly.

I do have a replacement Cobra plaque. I may do a little more cleanup on the upper intake before putting in on though - there are a couple of dirt spots to be cleaned up.

The throttle body will probably be a 65-70mm unit. I still need to buy one. No spacer needed on the Cobra intake.

I plan to use the stock HO aluminum valve covers in black wrinkle paint.

I hope to get the oil pan and valve covers painted this week. Then on to the front accessories...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 01, 2011, 08:11:13 PM

A little more progress... Got the valve covers and oil pan painted and installed along with the water pump, coolant pipes and injectors/Explorer fuel rails.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine034.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine035.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 01, 2011, 08:13:15 PM

Can you guys tell me what your engine has in the oil galley hole here...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine036.jpg)

I suppose it is pipe threaded and I can just install a plug?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on April 01, 2011, 09:00:24 PM

It's not a real "hole".Leave it alone. Great looking engine. I am surprised you didn't match the oil pan to the block,though. Either way, nice and clean..

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: thewestie on April 01, 2011, 09:34:00 PM

What are the plugs on the side of the oil pan for ? is a turbo in the future?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 01, 2011, 10:24:05 PM

Quote from: thewestie;356971

What are the plugs on the side of the oil pan for ? is a turbo in the future?

Yep. Turbo is in the future. That is an AN-10 drain fitting. :evilgrin:

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: thewestie on April 01, 2011, 10:55:52 PM

Nice I wish Id thought of that during my build

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on April 01, 2011, 11:09:33 PM

Wow that is pretty

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: V8Demon on April 02, 2011, 08:31:21 AM

Diggin' the crinkle finish on the valve covers. What was used for that?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 02, 2011, 08:59:12 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. It is coming together nicely. My family is out of town in a couple weeks, so I hope to have a lot of dedicated time to pull the existing drivetrain, clean up the engine bay and get this engine into place.

Quote from: V8Demon;356996

Diggin' the crinkle finish on the valve covers. What was used for that?

Regular old VHT Wrinkle Finish paint...
http://www.amazon.com/VHT-Wrinkle-Black-Spray-Coating/dp/B0028ZPRA8

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: jridenour31 on April 02, 2011, 11:28:42 PM

Those valve covers do look really good. I'll be stealing that idea lol.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 19, 2011, 12:42:52 AM

Well, I've been really thrashing it the last couple days. Here is some progress...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap004.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap003.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap005.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on April 19, 2011, 06:48:53 AM

Getting closer by the day. It'll feel great to hear it run for the first time when you turn the key.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 88CougarGT on April 19, 2011, 09:17:15 AM

Careful with those ratchet straps. I've had one break on me (the buckle, not the strap). I'd hate to see you loose a finger. Awesome build man.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on April 19, 2011, 10:23:22 PM

I am still in love with that enigine. it just looks so nice. I think using what looks to me, in the pictures, like a darker shade than "Ford Blue" turned out much nicer.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 20, 2011, 12:50:42 AM

Thanks guys for the comments... It really is motivating to know that others are watching and following this build.

I made a lot of progress again tonight, but I don't have after pictures - just before pics...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap006.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap007.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap008.jpg)

I'm happy with the engine bay/chassis as there is very minimal to no rust. These pictures were taken before I taped everything off, sprayed engine degreaser on the whole engine bay and k-member, then hosed everything down.

Then I sanded some of the rough spots, cleaned up any surface rust, primed the bare metal areas, then painted the engine bay body color (Twilight blue metallic 7F), I just primed the k-member gray. Then I coated the entire engine bay with clearcoat including the k-member. It turned out pretty well. I'll take pictures tomorrow when it is light out.

Thankfully, God gave me beautiful weather this week to work outside.

I'm having fun!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 20, 2011, 11:59:20 AM

Quote from: The Shredder;358402

Thanks guys for the comments... It really is motivating to know that others are watching and following this build.

I made a lot of progress again tonight, but I don't have after pictures - just before pics...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap006.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap007.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap008.jpg)

I'm happy with the engine bay/chassis as there is very minimal to no rust. These pictures were taken before I taped everything off, sprayed engine degreaser on the whole engine bay and k-member, then hosed everything down.

Then I sanded some of the rough spots, cleaned up any surface rust, primed the bare metal areas, then painted the engine bay body color (Twilight blue metallic 7F), I just primed the k-member gray. Then I coated the entire engine bay with clearcoat including the k-member. It turned out pretty well. I'll take pictures tomorrow when it is light out.

Thankfully, God gave me beautiful weather this week to work outside.

I'm having fun!

The guy at Lorain who painted the engine bay on your car did a good job. I've seen many dark colored T-birds where the area under the cowl and the shock tower sides are just primer gray. It seems to be more prevalent in dark colored cars.

Quote from: The Shredder;356960

A little more progress... Got the valve covers and oil pan painted and installed along with the water pump, coolant pipes and injectors/Explorer fuel rails.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine034.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Engine035.jpg)

Purdy :D.

What cam are you running? I'm just wondering if 19lb injectors are enough. I'm running 24lbers on my combo. The car is quicker (better 1/4 mile et) with the 24s than the 19s. The 19s were leaning out on the top end. I'm running a stock Motorcraft non adjustable fpr as well.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 20, 2011, 08:27:29 PM

Updated with after pictures of the engine bay...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap010.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap011.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap012.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/EngineSwap013.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 20, 2011, 08:41:27 PM

Quote from: thunderjet302;358424

The guy at Lorain who painted the engine bay on your car did a good job. I've seen many dark colored T-birds where the area under the cowl and the shock tower sides are just primer gray. It seems to be more prevalent in dark colored cars.

Purdy :D.

What cam are you running? I'm just wondering if 19lb injectors are enough. I'm running 24lbers on my combo. The car is quicker (better 1/4 mile et) with the 24s than the 19s. The 19s were leaning out on the top end. I'm running a stock Motorcraft non adjustable fpr as well.

Hey Thunderjet. I have a LONG way to go to make my engine bay look as purdy as yours. :)

I am running the stock HO cam. I really want a mild street car when idling and cruising - but a MONSTER when in boost.

I will run just the stock 19lb injectors and fpr while the car is Naturally Aspirated. If you read the first couple pages of this thread, you will see that I have great plans for this TC...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: hypostang on April 20, 2011, 09:06:41 PM

Looks very nice , personally I would have painted the K member too, But that's just me

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 21, 2011, 03:21:14 PM

Quote from: The Shredder;358444

Hey Thunderjet. I have a LONG way to go to make my engine bay look as purdy as yours. :)

I am running the stock HO cam. I really want a mild street car when idling and cruising - but a MONSTER when in boost.

I will run just the stock 19lb injectors and fpr while the car is Naturally Aspirated. If you read the first couple pages of this thread, you will see that I have great plans for this TC...

I re-read the begining of the thread. I see what you're doing now. Just be careful and don't try to go nuts with the 19lbers and you should be fine.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on May 16, 2011, 12:59:49 PM

Alright, I have been quiet in posting, but still making some progress. I have the engine and transmission in the car. Pictures here...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC004.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC003.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC005.jpg)

The setup dropped right in, since I used the motor mounts and transmission mounts from the 88 cougar I parted out.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on May 16, 2011, 01:56:41 PM

Recently, I have been pulling my hair out with the wiring.

So here is what I have and what I still have to figure out...

- 1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe Complete harnesses
- 1993 Mustang 5.0L HO EEC Engine Harness
- 1988 Cougar 5.0L O2 Sensor Harness
- 1988 Cougar 5.0L Front Light Harness

Unfortunately, I sold the Cougar 5.0L Engine Harness before I realized how much easier it would have been to use that instead of the Mustang harness.

So, here is what I am finding...
1. Mustang Engine harness (C213 - Green 8 pin) to TC Dash harness needs to be setup -- this has HEGO power, VSS + and -, MIL (Check Engine), A/C Pressure switch and Fuel Pump ground to ECU. It appears that the TC used the 2.3L engine harness to carry these items back to the ECU from the dash harness connectors by the windshield wiper motor. I'm trying to keep the number of wires to a minimum in the engine bay, so I have fabricated a wiring harness to run behind the dash. This will tie the dash harness to the Mustang harness near the HO computer.
2. The Alternator wiring (Charge/Power) circuit will have to be built for the 5.0L since the 2.3L alternator is on the driver's side. The 5.0L engine wiring has the alternator wiring as part of the front chassis harness along with the front lights. I harvested the alternator wiring from the 5.0L Cougar front harness. However, I have to figure out how to tie in the BK/O, LG/R and Y/W wires into the TC harness wiring (or can I just use the existing Cougar fusible links and eyelet on the starter solenoid?)
3. I have to figure out the Fuel Pump Relay and wiring for the 5.0L since the 2.3L had the Integrated Controller that contained the Fuel Pump Relay. I plan to use the Cougar 5.0L Fuel Pump relay and wiring. I believe that relay was in the trunk on the passenger side.
4. I am running SN95 brake booster and master cylinder, so I plan to eliminate ALL the old ABS wiring, except wheel sensor ABS sensor wiring. In the future, I will plan an SN95 ABS pump to be mounted where the battery is today.
5. I plan to keep the PRC Ride Control, so I will have to run the power back to the starter solenoid for that.

A LOT left to do!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on May 16, 2011, 04:18:13 PM

I just caught up to your build, Shredder. It's coming along quickly! Engine and bay look great. Very clean and pretty.

Where will your battery be mounted? I ask because if it is in the trunk you might just wire the relay back there yourself. There is already a p/bk wire running down the pax side that you can put a relay on. Otherwise using the Cougar wiring should work fine. You'll just splice in to the fuel pump at the wire I mentioned at the top of the r pax shock.

When you are making your power connections, just keep the old links on the TC side of things and bring your alternator wires to them at the solenoid. Your wiring will be determined by which alternator you will be using. Open up the charge circuits for the two side by side and you should see what to do. Alternator wiring isn't too bad.

On the PRC, the EEC sends a signal from the TPS in a TC for acceleration firming. What EEC are you going to use?

Holler if you get stuck, I'll help any way I can.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 50tbrd88 on May 16, 2011, 04:52:14 PM

Don't know how I missed this thread...your car is going to be very nice when finished. Great work so far!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on May 18, 2011, 08:30:49 PM

Thinking about it, and you could just use the Coug front alternator harness. Having two sets of links won't HURT anything, it'll just be more to check if you burn one down the road.

I know some (most) people aren't as ready to cut wires as I am. LOL

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on May 19, 2011, 12:04:21 PM

flylear,

Oh. I have cut my share of wires here! :) I need to get some pictures of my wiring progress. For now, I plan to keep the battery in the Front Driver's side engine bay.

I plan to run the 130A 3G alternator that was on the cougar. I will run a 4 ga wire from the alternator output post to the batt relay post (with 200A fuse) to handle the increased alternator output.

If I remember correctly, there are three wires coming out of the alternator wiring harness... BK/O - 10 ga (or 8 ga) Main charging circuit wire (to be supplimented by 4 ga), a Y/W wire (maybe 14 or 16 ga), and a G/R (maybe 12 or 14 ga). I used part of the Cougar front harness to run those wires over to the relay.

Now, I can either tie those wires into the existing TC charging wires, or just use the existing fusible link eyelet on the Cougar wires. But the battery relay post is getting crowded!!!

The battery relay post will have...
1. POS battery cable from battery
2. Charge cable from alternator
3. POS starter cable to starter (hi-torque mini starter)
4. Eyelet from alternator harness
5. Eyelet for Mustang EEC power
6. Fuel pump power eyelet (I'm thinking of reusing a fusable link from the TC PRC eyelet)
7. TC eyelet for PRC
8. TC eyelet for Dash harness power

What to do?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on May 19, 2011, 12:51:50 PM

If you don't mind me putting up some pics, I'll show you a possibility.

I had the same issue, so I used the posts on the alternator fuse for some of it.

Thusly:

The top cable on the fuse leads to the alternator.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on May 19, 2011, 11:08:41 PM

and for some of the low amperage stuff there's also the option of adding a fuse box in your E/C:

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-30154616.jpg)

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-30154633.jpg)

It wouldn't looks so crowded but I have two relays in there too.... I plan to also add a large terminal fuse like that to mine soon. I have a lot of heavy gauge wires crowding my solenoid post too. I need to get them off and on a big fuse like that. Those must be TC specific cause I do not have one of those. I didn't even know they had them. Maybe I can pull one of a TC....hmmmm....

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on May 20, 2011, 07:12:45 AM

Quote from: sarjxxx;360325

I need to get them off and on a big fuse like that. Those must be TC specific cause I do not have one of those. I didn't even know they had them. Maybe I can pull one of a TC....hmmmm....

No, that came from NAPA. It's just a Megafuse holder. The fuse plops right onto the studs and a little rubber cover snaps over it.

I have two of those fuse panels, one in the battery area and one in the pax kick area.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on May 20, 2011, 06:32:22 PM

Sweet I'm gonna have to pick one of those up. It looks stock.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 88CougarGT on May 20, 2011, 09:20:45 PM

I grab 175A fuses from taurus's at the JY. They are on the underside of the fuseblock under the hood. I also take the battery cable and bolt the fuse inline. Then I take an enormous (cast off from work) piece of heat shrink and shrink over the whole thing. Extra easy 3g upgrade.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on May 21, 2011, 06:48:05 AM

Quote from: 88CougarGT;360381

I grab 175A fuses from taurus's at the JY. They are on the underside of the fuseblock under the hood. I also take the battery cable and bolt the fuse inline. Then I take an enormous (cast off from work) piece of heat shrink and shrink over the whole thing. Extra easy 3g upgrade.

Contour has one, too. I have one of those here. It just doesn't have the tabs to bolt it down like the NAPA piece does.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on May 24, 2011, 02:25:42 PM

Alright, slowly making progress in the wiring department. It has taken hours and hours to figure out the mating of these wiring harnesses...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC014.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC015.jpg)

I will show some additional pictures of the computer, dash and chassis harnesses as I finalize them. :)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on May 24, 2011, 03:39:15 PM

right on. good to see you're getting it figured out, even if slowly.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on May 24, 2011, 04:16:18 PM

Yeah, it's a time consumer, but it takes less time to design it right than to trouble-shoot it if it's wrong.

Looking very tidy so far!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on May 29, 2011, 07:35:29 PM

Alright, still making progress slowly but surely... Got the fuel lines put together - hopefully they will hold pressure fine.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC016.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC017.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC018.jpg)

My wife loves it when I bring the car stuff to the kitchen... :) But I had to boil the ends of the nylon fuel lines in a pot of boiling water.

I think I ought to find some heat shielding or protection for these fuel lines as they will be running fairly close to the driver's side h-pipe (near the steering shaft).

And here are some updated pictures with the ECU wiring laid out...

Thanks!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on May 30, 2011, 04:37:06 PM

Looks good so far. The fuel lines look great.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 05, 2011, 01:01:30 PM

Alright. I made some progress on the car this extended weekend... Happy 5th of July everyone.

- Routed/Installed the Transmission cooler lines
- test fit the exhaust h-pipe
- clearanced the floor shift cable bracket and driver's side h-pipe
- replaced the column shift TV cable with a HO mustang setup. The column shift TV cable pivot point was interfering with stock h-pipe.
- removed the AOD transmission shift lever to flip around - NO DICE! The stock column shift lever bends toward the transmission, not away from it. What to do...?
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Transmission002.jpg)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_Transmission004.jpg)

The coolcats writeup of column to floor shift conversion doesn't mention anything about the shift lever issue or the TV cable clearance problems. But now I know. :(

I guess I will order one of these and fabricate a pivot bolt/stud...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LOK-ATA-1000/

Does anyone have a floor shifted AOD shift lever?

Thanks!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 17, 2011, 08:01:52 PM

Alright. I'm making progress and bought the Lokar AOD shift lever and fabricated the TV cable lever... I hope this will all work out.

I cut the original column shifted TV lever, flipped one end around, clearanced it with the new shift lever and transmission case and had it welded together. Here you see the Mustang AOD TV lever on the left and my new fabricated lever on the right...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC018-1.jpg)

I'm not sure why Ford made the Mustang TV lever so uniquely shaped. The stock Mustang TV lever wouldn't work with the aftermarket Lokar shift lever because of the bolted on arm. Hopefully the fabricated one will work.

I also was working on the shifter. I bought an AOD floor shifter from Herb, but I didn't like how stiff it was and how rusty it was. So I'm fabricating the original TurboCoupe floor shifter to work. I had to transfer over the AOD shifter detent bracket to the TC shifter. The shifter has two plates riveted together... the bottom plate has the bracket where the cable attaches.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC023.jpg)

The top plate is the main shifter assembly. I had to drill out the rivets holding the detent shifter gate on both shifters, then drill out the two 1/8" rivets holding the top and bottom plates together. Then carefully pulling back the gasket between them, I was able to remove the shifter gate rivet heads and install 1/4-20 machine screws with lock washers to hold the new one...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC024.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC025.jpg)

Now to cut off the end of the TC cable and thread it to accept a rod end or heim joint to attach to the Lokar shift lever...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 19, 2011, 10:51:00 PM

Alright, I fastened the AOD shift lever and TV cable linkage to the transmission. I believe it is going to work great! Check out the pictures of it so far...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC031.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC027.jpg)

I'm waiting on the metric tap and die set to thread the TC auto shifter cable for my M6 x 1 rod end to attach to the lokar shift lever.

I also tightened the exhaust h-pipe to the manifolds, installed the fuel lines from the k-member to the fuel rails, tightened the trans cross-member bolts, wire loomed the front headlight and alternator harness, and installed the battery tray with 200 amp fuse for the alternator. I'll try to take pictures of the other progress tomorrow.

My wife and kids are out of town the rest of the week through Saturday. So it is car time!

I might get this thing running this week - Lord willing.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on July 20, 2011, 09:01:17 AM

Nice work. !!!! I always get a lot of satisfaction on parts I had to modify somehow. It's more "Me" that way. I like your thinking. Again, great work !!!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 20, 2011, 11:29:12 AM

Thanks for the comments, Vinnie. I agree... The more fabrication, the more satisfaction. I like what you have done with your car and know you have a lot of personal satisfaction from your build. I hope to get there someday.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 22, 2011, 08:23:34 AM

Here is what I have figured out for the TurboCoupe floor shifter cable end to attach to the new Lokar AOD shift lever...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC.jpg)

You can see my new setup as compared to the stock AOD shift cable eyelet. I cut off the TC shift cable eyelet, then threaded about an inch of the hardened cable with an M6 x 1 die. Then got the jam nut and rod end threaded on. It is adjustable by how deep I thread the rod end to the shift cable end.

BTW, Midwest Control Products has EVERYTHING you would need for heim joints, rod ends, special studs/bolts, etc.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: cougarman on July 22, 2011, 09:07:11 AM

Looks great, nice work.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Soul on July 22, 2011, 09:11:20 AM

X2 on that shift cable, wish I thought of that for my car.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on July 22, 2011, 05:09:44 PM

I love it when you have to use your imagination to make things work. Most of us have had to do that many times. Great idea on the cable.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 23, 2011, 09:19:27 AM

Alright, made some more progress last night. I'm really just trying to get this thing running and just have a few more to dos...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC002.jpg)

- Find the cougar vacuum tree and install it
- Figure out the intake tube situation with MAF
- buy a belt and install
- Temporarily re-install the dash and wiring
- Convert the 4-cylinder tach to 8-cylinder by adding a resistor (see coolcats.net article)
- Install steering column
- Connect all the dash harness wiring
- Check fluids
- Prime engine
- Hook up battery

ATTEMPT to START!!!!!

Man I'm getting close to a start, but it won't be drivable quite yet. I have some other things to get done before the first drive.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Bruce M on July 23, 2011, 02:50:50 PM

I dont know how I missed this thread but nice work and good luck.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Bruce M on July 23, 2011, 02:52:55 PM

My valve covers look just like yours. Nice.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 30, 2011, 05:54:25 PM

I was tinkering around with some stuff and decided to get the dash and steering wheel back in. I found the vacuum tree and installed it. I stole the inlet elbow from my 92 mustang. I hooked up all the necessary wiring.

So, I hooked up the battery and turned the key to run. The fuel pump primed - that was a good sign! I turned the key to attempt to start it... nothing. hmmm.

So, I just turned the key to run and jumpered the starter solenoid. She sputtered...

more later.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Beau on July 30, 2011, 08:34:38 PM

Neutral safety?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 31, 2011, 03:27:59 PM

I bet you are right! I haven't begun to diagnose, but I wonder if that is the case.

BTW. She's ALIVE!!!!

Again, I just jumpered the starter solenoid to get it to crank. And with a little throttle, she fired up! She ran very rough at first with a lot of smoke out the exhaust - I'm sure that was just the oil from the cylinder walls and rebuild.

I adjusted the timing to be 10 deg BTDC (spout out) and the idle picked up some. It still blew quite a bit of smoke. So I shut it down.

I pulled all the plugs to see what they looked like. They seemed OK. No large oil burning cylinders. While I had the spark plugs out, I decided to do a compression test. Every cylinder was between 135-140 psi. I would have thought they would be higher (maybe rings still need to seat), but at least they were consistent.

I just started it a second time and it seems to run pretty well. I noticed some knocking noise, but it appears to be exhaust (h-pipe). And the idle is very low. I wonder if the IAC is not working, Or my TPS is not set correctly.

So definitely bugs to work out, but at least I have a running vehicle again!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Mischief on August 02, 2011, 01:23:20 PM

That's going to be a beast of a vehicle. What are you planning to do with that 2.3? You should make a rail buggy with it!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on August 03, 2011, 05:49:16 AM

Cool! It must feel pretty good getting it fired up. I may be firing mine again today or tomorrow.

Post up some video of it running and let us hear it!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on August 25, 2011, 11:51:21 AM

Alright. Last night I had about an hour just to diagnose and tinker.

I found that I had forgotten to plug in the transmission harness to the dash harness... doh! So I plugged that in and now I have backup lights and the car will start with the key (only in neutral or park)! Yea. I'm glad I have the transmission wiring correct.

I took out the Engine harness to tape it an loom it. It looks much cleaner now.

Then I ordered the new Heater core and A/C Evaporator core from Rockauto.

Next Steps:
- Pull dash out to tape and loom engine bay wires
- Wire in the Tripminder
- Tape and loom the PRC wiring
- Remove all the ABS wiring from the chassis harness (late-model ABS will eventually go back on)
- Install heater/a/c cores and re-install box into the firewall
- Then, lots of re-assembly!

To make it driveable:
- Adjust toe-in/out
- Re-install front swaybar
- Adjust shifter cable
- Fabricate/Install cat-back exhaust
- Install driveshaft
- Check fluids
- Test Drive!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on August 26, 2011, 09:00:30 AM

Good progress on the starting. I had a similar deal on mine with a forgotten harness plug.

Sounds like a good plan for moving forward. Keep plugging!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Haystack on August 26, 2011, 11:24:35 PM

Are you running SD or MAF right now? With the vacuum to the map sensor off it will shoot out black smoke on SD.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on August 27, 2011, 09:25:24 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I really appreciate it.

But... I just got tired of working on the TC. So... I threw in the towel and just went out and bought a new car...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/AutoFair_Fall2011010.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on August 27, 2011, 04:30:03 PM

I'm finding that very hard to believe. IF you did buy a new car, I think you posted a picture of the wrong one.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on August 27, 2011, 04:52:06 PM

LOL! You caught me Vinnie. I'm just kidding.

I walked around the Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair yesterday. And this was a very nice Aston Martin. $220k for that hunk of junk!

I'm actively knocking things off the list today...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on August 27, 2011, 05:08:33 PM

Most people that can afford THAT car aren't here on THIS forum. LOL. I do love those cars though. Glad to hear you're making some more progress. I hope to be soon. Gotta gather a few more parts first. One at a time. Funds are totally gone. had to get new tires for the rear yesterday. That kicked my a$$ bad. SO, gotta get some parts sold and start all over.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: rodsterh on August 28, 2011, 11:00:23 AM

Nice car but I still enjoy your project more! How interesting is it to plunk down 220 large and drive around with your nose in the air? Let those folks stay over on the IMSTEALINGYOURMONEYONWALLSTREET forum and we'll stay here watching your project progress. :D

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: sarjxxx on August 28, 2011, 04:35:22 PM

:iagree:

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on August 31, 2011, 06:16:04 AM

The Aston Martin is choice. I highly recommend one if you have the means.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on August 31, 2011, 11:06:48 AM

If I had the cash, I would have an Aston like that...in a dark silver. or black.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Chuck W on August 31, 2011, 12:07:41 PM

Quote from: flylear45;366450

The Aston Martin is choice. I highly recommend one if you have the means.

This.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 01, 2011, 08:16:06 PM

Alright. I got my A/C Evaporator in from RockAuto.com. It looks correct! I'm excited. Now I need to find some replacement foam gasket material to seal it in the box...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC039.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: vinnietbird on September 01, 2011, 09:19:07 PM

For the foam,I got mine from an A/C and heating supply place down town. Congrats on the new part !!!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Haystack on September 02, 2011, 01:26:57 AM

I don't belive in a.c. crazy how much you have done. Keep it up.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 06, 2011, 08:18:43 AM

Quote from: The Shredder;366594

Alright. I got my A/C Evaporator in from RockAuto.com. It looks correct! I'm excited. Now I need to find some replacement foam gasket material to seal it in the box..

OK, get that sucker in there! After the dash is in it gets exciting! LOL

Keep it up, man.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 06, 2011, 05:02:06 PM

Alright. I had to fabricate some foam gaskets for the Evaporator core and the top of the box...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC042.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC043.jpg)

Old top box foam gasket was partially chewed from the critter that made a home in it:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC044.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC047.jpg)

Fabricated a new one with some double-sided tape and Home Depot foam (cut down):
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC045.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC046.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 07, 2011, 04:58:32 AM

That ought to do it. Looks like new.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Nytedragon on September 08, 2011, 11:45:16 PM

I'm loving your car man. I was thinking of getting an HO engine and building it twin turbo using to tc turbos and getting tc badging on the trunk with x2 at the end...but at the same time I like the sleeper look better. Where did you get the tv arm? I'm building up supplies and info to do a floor shifter conversion and that arm was never mentioned. I thought the gear shift lever was the only one that needed to be modified....ugh thats how it goes...think I got something figured out then bam!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 09, 2011, 12:35:09 PM

Thanks Nytedragon...

I cut the original column shifted TV lever, flipped one end around, clearanced it with the new shift lever and transmission case and had it welded together.

If you can find a mustang transmission that would be good, but then the shift lever is too short for a Thunderbird floor shifter throw. So that is why I went with the adjustable Lokar AOD shift lever.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 09, 2011, 12:43:36 PM

Quote from: flylear45;366948

That ought to do it. Looks like new.

I did get the Heat / A/C box back together last night ready for install. But before I can install it, I need to re-solder the EVP, CANP, TAB, TAD resistors into the EEC harness. Hopefully I can get to that this afternoon.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 12, 2011, 10:22:55 AM

Alright. I made some progress this weekend. It was beautiful weather and I got the yardwork done in time to spend some time on the car Saturday.

- Got the EEC resistors soldered in and retaped and installed to the computer.
- Revamped the PRC ride control wiring and installed it. I don't have the brake pressure switch hooked up on my new vacuum assisted brakes, so hopefully that won't impact the PRC function.
- Installed the heat/ac box. But I forgot to put in the sound deadening insulation to cover the computer and wiring. Hopefully I can slide it in there after the heater box is installed.

Next up... Install the dash!!! Once that is in, I will reconnect everything and make sure the car will still start. :)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 18, 2011, 07:49:31 PM

Alright. I got the dash back in and all the wires hooked back up. The car still starts!

There are a few things to diagnose though...
1. I temporarily hooked up the EATC head unit to see if any error codes showed up. No error codes which is good, but the blower wouldn't turn on no matter what button I pushed (low, med, high). Hmmm. Hoping it is a fuse, connector or ground issue.
2. I hooked up the system sentry system and the check oil light is on. I didn't wire in the low oil warning sensor in the oil pan. So I have to either wire that in or trick it somehow.

Everything else seems to be OK.

Now the race to get this thing drivable!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 18, 2011, 07:56:17 PM

To make it driveable:
- Adjust toe-in/out
- Re-install front swaybar
- Adjust shifter cable
- Install driveshaft

- Fabricate/Install cat-back exhaust. This may take a while. So I might have to test drive it with open h-pipe. :)

- Check fluids
- Test Drive!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on September 18, 2011, 08:28:29 PM

Quote from: The Shredder;367911

- Fabricate/Install cat-back exhaust. This may take a while. So I might have to test drive it with open h-pipe. :)

- Check fluids
- Test Drive!

An open H-pipe is going to be insanely loud lol, but I've had to do it as well. Looks like your project is coming along nicely!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 18, 2011, 10:38:12 PM

Sounds like you are getting close to enjoying it. Keep on plugging!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 19, 2011, 08:12:19 PM

Whoo wee lookin' good, lotsa work, way more than I did LOL(but all systems work on mine including the ABS)...

Sorry I missed this thread earlier(been AWOL), probably could have given you a few pointers... My AOD shifter/cable is from a Sport parts car I had, so everything I needed for the swap was robbed from it...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 19, 2011, 11:56:43 PM

Quote from: The Shredder;367910

Alright. I got the dash back in and all the wires hooked back up. The car still starts!

There are a few things to diagnose though...
1. I temporarily hooked up the EATC head unit to see if any error codes showed up. No error codes which is good, but the blower wouldn't turn on no matter what button I pushed (low, med, high). Hmmm. Hoping it is a fuse, connector or ground issue.
2. I hooked up the system sentry system and the check oil light is on. I didn't wire in the low oil warning sensor in the oil pan. So I have to either wire that in or trick it somehow.

Everything else seems to be OK.

Now the race to get this thing drivable!

1. Check the wiring. If the blower worked before it should work now.
2. The light could be on because the engine may not be full of oil. I had a low oil level sensor in my car that leaked. Instead of paying over $30 for a new one I bought a $2 bolt and washer and replaced it. I just unplugged the sensor wiring from the harness and the light has never come on since I removed the sensor.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 20, 2011, 08:27:59 AM

Low oil sensor is grounded when 'ON'. It is a WH/PK wire that comes through a gray 4-pin connector behind the LH top rear of the engine to a relay that lights the light. Make sure it isn't connected to anything and it should be out.

If that fails you can snip the gray wire feeding the indicator.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 20, 2011, 08:57:06 AM

The engine has oil... I shouldn't have the W/PK wire hooked up to anything at the moment, because I definitely don't have the sensor in the oil pan hooked up. I'll double check it though. Thanks for the tip.

I don't really want to have to pull the dash again if the blower motor isn't going to work!!!!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 20, 2011, 09:14:06 AM

Quote from: The Shredder;368005

The engine has oil... I shouldn't have the W/PK wire hooked up to anything at the moment, because I definitely don't have the sensor in the oil pan hooked up. I'll double check it though. Thanks for the tip.

I don't really want to have to pull the dash again if the blower motor isn't going to work!!!!

There's a big fat 2-connector plug near the bottom of the blower housing with heavy gauge wires. Check that first. To test the motor you can run ground and power straight to the motor through that plug. It'll spin no matter which way you connect it.

If it spins then there's a wiring/fuse/power/ground issue. I can look at the schematic for you if it keeps giving you issues.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 20, 2011, 11:23:59 AM

Alright. I had time, in between conference calls, to go out and test the blower motor by hardwiring it to another battery I had. Good news! The blower motor works. So it must be a fuse, ground or connector somewhere. Whew.

I need some additional time today to debug these two issues. Darn work getting in the way. :)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 20, 2011, 10:43:04 PM

Quote from: The Shredder;368009

Alright. I had time, in between conference calls, to go out and test the blower motor by hardwiring it to another battery I had. Good news! The blower motor works. So it must be a fuse, ground or connector somewhere. Whew.

I need some additional time today to debug these two issues. Darn work getting in the way. :)

Good news!

I'll look at the EVTM tomorrow AM and see what I think is next up for checking.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 21, 2011, 01:10:12 PM

Hey flylear. Thanks for the tips and help!

I figured out what the problem was with the Check Oil light... I accidently had it connected to the signal return wire in the black 8 pin plug just behind the driver's strut tower that connects the EEC harness with the dash harness. Oops!!!! It might have affected the way the EEC interpreted the sensor signals. Maybe the engine will run even better now. :)

So check oil light is knocked off the to do list. Now onto the blower motor...

Also, I was just double checking the wiring for the transmission. I'm not exactly sure how to wire the EEC Pin 30 (Automatic transmission in P or N). I assume this is just to help the EEC to know to bump up the idle in gear?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Haystack on September 21, 2011, 08:14:08 PM

I do not belive that it bumps up the idle in gear. Prbably just part of the nss or maybe vss.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 21, 2011, 09:21:10 PM

Quote from: The Shredder;368052

Hey flylear. Thanks for the tips and help!

I figured out what the problem was with the Check Oil light... I accidently had it connected to the signal return wire in the black 8 pin plug just behind the driver's strut tower that connects the EEC harness with the dash harness. Oops!!!! It might have affected the way the EEC interpreted the sensor signals. Maybe the engine will run even better now. :)

So check oil light is knocked off the to do list. Now onto the blower motor...

Also, I was just double checking the wiring for the transmission. I'm not exactly sure how to wire the EEC Pin 30 (Automatic transmission in P or N). I assume this is just to help the EEC to know to bump up the idle in gear?

I am not sure what the purpose is on the pin 30 wire at the EEC, but it is wired the exact same for 2.3, 3.8, and 5.0 engines.

A BR/W wire comes off the ignition switch where it was met from the transmission starter lockout (R/LB wire) circuit.

So, you should have to do nothing with it if I'm thinking right. There should already be a wire there.

I'll look over your blower motor schematic next.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 21, 2011, 09:58:24 PM

One other helpful hint... I didn't connect the defroster connector to the back of the EATC had unit. Let me do that and see if any change...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 21, 2011, 10:31:02 PM

Blower motor problem solved! I guess I forgot to attach the Blower Motor Speed Controller. That will do it every time!

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC048.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC049.jpg)

I am SOOOO sorry I had you on a wild goose chase flylear. It was my own stupid mistake.

That connector is pretty hidden once the dash is installed. But I found a spare six pin plug that didn't fit the EATC, Sentry System or the Radio. So I went looking. Tada!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 21, 2011, 11:00:56 PM

Alright. Remember, I have the 88 TC 2.3 Dash harness, with a 93 Mustang 5.0 EEC harness, and a 88 Cougar 5.0 O2 harness. So....

According to the 93 Mustang EVTM, I need to connect the BR/W wire from the TC Dash harness to the W/P wire in the Mustang EEC harness at Connector C110. Then I need to create a loop wire in the Cougar O2 harness (C101 - see circles in diagram) from W/P to LB/Y which should go to Pin 30 at the EEC.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/93Mustang_21-4.jpg)

What a nightmare! I already have the BR/W going to W/P at C110, but need to create a loop wire in the O2 harness. I remember reading something about Mustang automatic vs. manual O2 harnesses. It looks like this loop is the difference.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 22, 2011, 10:13:19 AM

BR/W goes straight to the EEC. All set there. The R/LB at plug C501 on the 2.3 harness needs to go to the W/P at C110 on the Cougar harness.

Done.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on September 26, 2011, 01:37:29 AM

Alright. I did a little more research on the o2 harnesses and the EEC-IV computers. According the thread on corral.net, here are the details on the o2 harness configurations for 5 spd vs auto:

The wires for the 02's and low oil did not change throughout the years, they are all in the same place.

The main ones you need to worry about are (on the harness end (ECU) that plugs into the 02 plug) is:

- 1. Lightblue / yellow
- 2. White / Purple
- 3. Purple / Yellow

The White/Purple & Purple/Yellow gets looped for a automatic ECU

The Purple/Yellow & Lightblue/Yellow for a manual ECU

Thread:
http://forums.corral.net/forums/general-mustang-tech/1094179-oxygen-sensor-harnesses-manual-auto-differences-year-differences.html

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on September 26, 2011, 08:32:38 AM

Shredder, I read through the 7 pages. Most of it doesn't apply to you.

When I look at the circuit, I see 12v sent to two places through the ignition switch when in START. ONLY in START.

1. 12v to the starter after going through the starter cutout circuit

2. 12v to the EEC via pin 30

So, let's look at those circuits;

First, the starter circuit is passed through the NSS (neutral safety switch) carried by the R/LB to W/PK in the 2.3 harness and Coug harnesses to the starter solenoid.

The EEC circuit is carried by the BR/W to the LB/Y in the EEC harness.

It's pretty straight forward.

You just want to check pin 46 on your EEC with the computer disconnected while cranking. If you see 12v, then you need to do something. Otherwise, you are all set.

I think you may be making this too hard. (Or I am not getting it, which is possible.)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 26, 2011, 09:49:06 AM

Quote from: flylear45;368455

I think you may be making this too hard. (Or I am not getting it, which is possible.)

I agree, if I remember correctly except for the speed sensor input, I made all my connections in the engine compartment... The speed sensor was actually a goof on my part, there are connections in one of the plugs near the wiper motor... I did pull the plenum to repl the heater core(just swung dash out onto console with passenger seat removed) but touched nothing else inside the dash...

My engine harness is from a '87 Sport that I modified for mass air prior to instillation, also added the speed sensor connections... My 02 harness is from a LSC Lincoln that had a HO... All plumbing(fuel lines) and wiring was completed prior to engine/tranny install, dropped them in connected everything and fired it up...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 08, 2011, 10:33:10 PM

Alright! I hooked up the driveshaft... Temporarily installed some mustang mid-pipes with rotted lers for the time being. The car is still LOUD, but better than the open h-pipe.

I put on the 15" turbine wheels from the 88 cougar, since the tires on my snowflakes are bubbling. I topped off the transmission with fluid and took it for a spin!!!!! Man this stock AOD is a SLUSHBOX!

I had time to give the car a needed bath and took some pics...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC051.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC052.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC050.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 08, 2011, 10:41:27 PM

Alright. Some smoke is still coming from the tail pipes. I'm hoping it was just some left over oil or something from the engine overhaul. I will continue to drive a while and monitor the smokiness.

I got the Check Engine light today... I ran the KOEO test and got 67 and 85.

67: Neutral Drive Switch (NDS) circuit failure, circuit open; or A/C input high
85: Canister Purge Solenoid circuit failure

I obviously have some wiring bugs to still work out! But the car seems to drive fairly well.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 08, 2011, 10:53:20 PM

Quote from: TurboCoupe50;368458

I agree, if I remember correctly except for the speed sensor input, I made all my connections in the engine compartment... The speed sensor was actually a goof on my part, there are connections in one of the plugs near the wiper motor... I did pull the plenum to repl the heater core(just swung dash out onto console with passenger seat removed) but touched nothing else inside the dash...

My engine harness is from a '87 Sport that I modified for mass air prior to instillation, also added the speed sensor connections... My 02 harness is from a LSC Lincoln that had a HO... All plumbing(fuel lines) and wiring was completed prior to engine/tranny install, dropped them in connected everything and fired it up...

I appreciate both of your input on the wiring. But I am NOT using a Thunderbird Sport EEC/Engine harness. If I had it would have been SO much easier! Unfortunately, I sold my cougar engine harness not realizing that it is so much different than the Mustang EEC/Engine harness. SOOOOO. I have adapted the mustang harness and that is why the wiring is difficult.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on October 09, 2011, 05:27:55 AM

Did you check the signal at pin 46?

Pretty cool that you got it motivating under it's own power!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on October 16, 2011, 06:11:22 PM

Soooooo, what's up, doc?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 16, 2011, 08:40:19 PM

OK. I had a chance to create a little loop wire in the O2 harness to connect the start circuit to the EEC pin 30. And now the car starts and idles much better. The car seems to run less rich than before at startup and initial idle. So knock the KOEO error 67 off the list. I still need to wire in a 75 Ohm resistor to eliminate the Purge Canister error code.

The engine exhaust thankfully stopped smoking, and the engine does seem to run much better. But it still seems to run a little rough and feels like a very slight miss.

Here is what I'm thinking...
1. I need to further "break-in" the engine with some continued short full-throttle bursts to seat the rings.
2. Change the oil from 30w to Synthetic 5w-30 and FL-1A filter
3. Replace the front harmonic balancer with a stock style to rule out that for the engine roughness.
4. Buy moates.net chip kit and tune the A3M1 computer

I hope to have some time this week to make progress...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 19, 2011, 11:52:55 AM

I have some time alone this Friday night, so I plan to change the oil and try to diagnose the rough running and slight miss...

It almost feels like a cylinder is not right. Here is what I have diagnosed so far:
1. Fuel Pressure is at 40-41psi at idle with the vacuum line disconnected. It took a few seconds after startup to get to that psi, but it was holding steady at idle.
2. Compression test on all cylinders was 145 psi +/- 2 psi
3. Manifold Vacuum reading 15-16 Hg at idle (1,000 rpms). Rock steady needle.
4. I pulled the plugs and they all look great
5. I listened to each injector through a stethoscope and could hear the consistent clicking

Steps for diagnosis...
1. Run codes again. KOEO and KOER tests
2. Pull spark plug wires individually to see if I can identify a cylinder that makes less difference
3. Pull the valve covers and make sure all rockers are in place. Rotate the engine to ensure lift is consistent.
4. Leakdown test?

I don't want to just start throwing parts at this thing. I want to truly diagnose the root cause...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on October 19, 2011, 06:08:08 PM

Hmm. Firing order correct for this cam? Plug wires ohm check the same? Advance set properly?

That's just from the top of my head. I wish we were closer I'd come help you out (if I could).

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 19, 2011, 06:23:53 PM

Man, I would love to have your help on this. I just hope it is something simple

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Dan B. on October 19, 2011, 08:39:33 PM

If you have a laser temp gun, shoot the header tubes individually and see if one is running cooler. Will help diagnose a misfire.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 19, 2011, 10:37:25 PM

Dan B. - good suggestion. I need to invest in an IR temp gun for sure. I guess now is my opportunity. :)

Here is a really poor sound quality video of me accelerating in the car. Tough to pickup on the roughness...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/th_TC057.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/?action=view¤t=TC057.mp4)

Here is a cold startup video. Again, hard to pickup the slight miss/roughness...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/th_TC055.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/?action=view¤t=TC055.mp4)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on October 20, 2011, 07:42:52 AM

Unfortunately I get nothing from watching those. Sorry.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 22, 2011, 09:56:38 PM

Alright. Last night a got a few things done...

- Changed the oil and filter. 5W-30 Valvoline and Motorcraft FL-1A oil filter.
- Replaced the harmonic balancer with the FRPP one. Man what a difference that made in the vibration department. The engine seems to not have the vibration is used to between 1,500 rpms and 2,000 rpms. But the engine still doesn't feel 100%.
- Pulled the valve covers to see if any funny business going on with the rockers and valves. All seemed good except that the front passenger side rocker washiznitting the valve cover baffle. I clearanced the baffle and checked/reinstalled the rocker.
- As I was pulling the upper intake, I noticed an open vacuum port on the intake tree! Plugged that one up and reran the vacuum test on the engine - now vacuum is 17 Hg at idle. Getting better...
- Once the upper intake was off, I noticed some fuel in the upper intake. Could that be? A leaking injector? But how did it make it to the upper intake?
- I checked all the spark plug wires resistance, including the coil wire, and all were within the 10,000 to 15,000 Ohms per foot.
- I did buy a Laser Thermometer and all exhaust ports were similar at 500-525 deg F after full warmup.

I'm beginning to suspect injectors. These were used injectors that I cleaned and installed new filters, pintle caps and o-rings. I wonder if some bad fuel got in them from the car sitting so long.

I will drive the car some more and re-run codes. I'm not sure what else it could be.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 23, 2011, 08:59:11 AM

Some pics of the rocker rub...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC059.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC061.jpg)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on October 24, 2011, 07:05:02 AM

I wish I had an idea for you on the rough running. Having the injectors cleaned and checked sounds like something that can't hurt.

I had mine done because I didn't trust old ones.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 25, 2011, 11:27:25 AM

Alright. This is for others who have done the V8 swap into the TurboCoupe... A wiring diagram and some pictures of how I did it...

The wiring diagram:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_V8Swap_FuelPump_Wiring.jpg)

Fuel Pump Relay to EEC connector (I made this one up on my own):
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_FuelPump_Connector2.jpg)

Fuel Pump Relay and EEC connector to existing TC connector to inertia switch and fuel pump wiring:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC_FuelPump_Connector1.jpg)

Picture of where I put my Fuel Pump Relay:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC063.jpg)

Thanks,
Jon

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on October 29, 2011, 10:29:15 PM

Keeping track of my next ToDo's here:
- Replace VSS speedometer gear with either 21 or 23 tooth to work with TC 3.73 gears.
- Replace shifter and cable assembly with replacement.
Fuel system upgrades to hopefully solve the rough running/miss condition:
- New Motorcraft Fuel Filter
- Replace injectors with known good ones
- Install Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator (Kirban)
- Install Liquid-filled Fuel Pressure Gauge on the Fuel rail and adjust fuel pressure to 39psi with vacuum feed disconnected

I really need to get my 4R70W transmission ready to go in this thing. Because the AOD is not shifting well.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on November 03, 2011, 10:19:24 AM

OK. I pulled the Upper intake off again to get access to the fuel rails to replace the injectors. And as I was pulling it off, I saw raw fuel in the upper intake?!

I have a good hunch that the stock fuel pressure regulator (FPR) diaphram must have a hole in it! I assume the intake has been sucking fuel from the vacuum line in the FPR.

I have a new Kirban on order. So hopefully that is the source of my miss/rough running!!!!!

I can't wait to get the fuel system back together to hopefully feel a difference!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on November 04, 2011, 04:35:51 AM

Quote from: The Shredder;371846

OK. I pulled the Upper intake off again to get access to the fuel rails to replace the injectors. And as I was pulling it off, I saw raw fuel in the upper intake?!

I have a good hunch that the stock fuel pressure regulator (FPR) diaphram must have a hole in it! I assume the intake has been sucking fuel from the vacuum line in the FPR.

I have a new Kirban on order. So hopefully that is the source of my miss/rough running!!!!!

I can't wait to get the fuel system back together to hopefully feel a difference!

That sounds VERY likely, Shredder.

I bet you get a difference right away. Fingers crossed for ya.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: thunderjet302 on November 04, 2011, 02:15:51 PM

There's your problem :).

At this point you could get away with a stock FPR. I'm running a stock Motorcraft FPR with 24lb injectors and a C&L MAF with no problems.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on November 07, 2011, 08:44:12 PM

Alright. Got the replacement fuel injectors, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, fuel pressure gauge (adjusted to 39 psi) and new Motorcraft PCV valve installed. While I was back there, I hooked up the heater hoses so now I have heat for the winter.

I also fixed and adjusted the floor shifter assembly so all the detents are in line with the shifter now. And I installed the 23 tooth speedometer gear - so hopefully my speedometer is more accurate. I'll have to drive by the digital speed sign.

Got everything back together and took the car for a test drive and the engine seems to be a bit smoother and a little more power. Still a little vibration/ roughness right off idle to about 1,500 rpms.

The check engine light came on right when I pulled in the garage. So I ran the codes and got a 41. My right o2 sensor might be bad, or a wiring problem on the right (passenger) side. I plan to get a new o2 sensor and double-check to o2 harness wiring.

Once I get code 41 figured out... gonna drive this thing for a while. I need to get the dash and console back together.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on November 08, 2011, 06:08:43 AM

I'm puzzled. I was convinced the FPR was your issue. Hmm.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on November 30, 2011, 08:01:08 AM

Any new news?

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on December 22, 2011, 01:28:19 AM

Alright. thanks for keeping after me flylear. :)

I think I have FINALLY figured out what the engine roughness is! Ever since the new motor has been running, I have noticed valve train noise. So I checked the push rod length...

Well, the push rods are too short (6.200"). Apparently, the guy I got the heads, rockers and push rods from must have shaved .050" off his block deck. The GT40 heads are stock and never been shaved. And my block is stock deck height. So I should be able to run standard length 5.0L push rods - 6.272". This should give the lifters just the right amount of pre-load to run correctly and quiet the valvetrain noise.

I am hopeful. This will be a good Christmas present and will be motivating if this fixes the problem!

Then I can focus on other things like bodywork/paint, interior, suspension mods, drivetrain upgrades...

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on December 22, 2011, 07:54:20 AM

That's good news. I'm glad you got the gumption to break back into it. Chasing this stuff down can be depressing, I know. If this fixes the problem you'll be back on the path and it'll get fun again in a hurry!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on January 19, 2012, 05:07:03 PM

Slow and steady wins the race...

The longer pushrods did help with the roughness of the engine. So we are good there. The roller rockers just make more noise than I'm use to. But I'll just insulate the firewall some more and turn up the radio!

I was inspired by Vinnie's blue bird's exhaust and have been busy fabricating something similar. I have finished up one side and have been fabricating the driver's side exit. But here is what I have so far:

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC022-1.jpg)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/TurboCoupe/TC023-1.jpg)

I'm pumped! I think it modernizes the look of the car and just looks killer! Also, it quiets down the car, since before my exhaust was dumped before the rear bumper.

Still making progress!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on February 16, 2012, 09:10:20 AM

Where you at??? LOL

It's update time mister!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: G8RFan on March 07, 2012, 02:50:17 PM

Love your build. I had a stock one sim. to yours and let it go. Only needed a/c charged and a repaint. How is it going now...? updates man, updates, pls.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on April 23, 2012, 01:03:17 PM

Alright. I'm back on the forum and will continue work on the t-bird! Sorry for the long time away.

I sold my daily driver Grand Cherokee and will be rotating DD responsibilities between my TurboCoupe, Mustang Vert and the newest to the fleet (both my sons are wanting this one)...
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/jdschrader/66%20Mustang/66Mustang014.jpg)

Next Upgrades to the bird will be...
- 4R70W with Optishift controller
- Revise (lower) the driver's seat mount as I hit my head on the sunroof/headliner

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Beau on April 23, 2012, 07:21:52 PM

Ooohhhhh nice! And welcome back too! Keep them wrenches spinnin ;)

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: 88turbo on July 16, 2012, 06:28:16 PM

thought you were gonna keep us updated? :beatyoass:

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: thewestie on July 16, 2012, 10:45:16 PM

I'm interested in the seat lowering

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on July 17, 2012, 06:15:46 AM

:beatyoass::cheers:

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 17, 2012, 06:02:38 PM

I know. I know. Haven't had ANY time to work on the tbird. I'm itching for some car time, but house projects have gotten in the way.

I built a shed with the boys and then repainted the garage and laid the garage floor tile. It looks awesome!

Now I need to get some wheels and tires (5 lug) for my suspension upgrades. Can't wait to work on it!

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: jleews6 on July 20, 2012, 05:43:28 PM

It looks like your car is coming along nice. One thing I would look into though is that you said the rockers were making allot of noise.RR shouldn't make any more noise then the stock ones. I'm looking forward to seeing it with the turbo on it because that's something I always wanted to do to one of these cars. Back in 1990 I had an 88TC converted to an EFI 302 HO 5 speed and loved the car but turbo's were not even something we thought about doing back then.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 22, 2012, 11:06:28 PM

Did a few things today...

1. Checked out the the driver's seat to try and lower it (as my head washiznitting the sunroof ceiling). I removed the driver's seat and seat track. It would be extensive work to lower the floorpan and could only gain 1/2-1" with all that work. The power seat tracks fully lowered are about 3" thick. Other than changing out to manual seat tracks, I couldn't see anyway to cut down on the power track. Then checked out the lower seat cushion... The original owner must have been a 90 pound little old lady, because the seat cushion was like new. The cushion is held up by thin wires about 1" apart and a frame with springs. So I snipped the seat cushion where the wires are, so the seat cushion could sink about 1/2-1" through the wires. So effectively the seat cushion is lower in its frame. Just enough to give me needed headroom.

2. Replaced my headlights. The original lights were SOOO foggy and one of the lenses fell off the housing. I had found some NOS replacements a few months ago, so it was time to swap those out. Man, what a difference! I can see at night.

Next, I need to diagnose a hunting idle and intermitten stalling. Primarily when the car is warmed up...

Slow progress, but it feels good to knock off a few things.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: Beau on July 23, 2012, 12:08:52 AM

Jon, I think that the power seat tracks at the lowest setting are lower than the manual seat tracks, assuming the same seat is used.

I could get my head further from the moonroof structure with the power seat bases, as opposed to the fixed setting of the manual track. Seat's recline wasn't adjusted..it stayed constant. Hope this helps..
My car also has the moonroof, not the pop up sunroof, in case that makes a difference.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: The Shredder on July 23, 2012, 06:03:49 PM

That does help. Thanks thunder.

The seat foam "adjustment" I made seems to work just enough for me to clear the moonroof. Plus I feel like I'm held in place better by the bolsters - because I'm lower in the seat. I'm very happy with it.

Flylear, how is your seat dye holding up? I plan to dye my seats gray.

Title: Blue by You - TC+4
Post by: flylear45 on July 26, 2012, 06:52:32 AM

Its holding up pretty well. I am quite happy with the wear so far. It is a little 'crunchy' at first, but softens with time.

I will use it again if a project presents itself.

Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => User Rides => Topic started by: The Shredder on March 05, 2011, 10:28:24 PM