Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => User Rides => Topic started by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 12:17:05 AM

Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 12:17:05 AM
XXX

I plan to lower the back a little more.

This is my second fox body bid I've owned I had a 88 Turbo coupe a few years ago
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: EFFalcon on September 19, 2012, 01:05:15 AM
 the front looks low.
any other plans for it?
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: FirstBird on September 19, 2012, 01:29:55 AM
Do you not have springs on it or is it bagged? Haha Sweet bird though.. my car isn't lowered and ses if I try to enter a inclined parking lot faster than 5mph,would hate to be that low but I kinda dig the look of steelies and white walls.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 01:43:10 AM
Yeah it'll be getting a LX V8 digital guage cluster (i want a factory tach), possibly black wheels with the same beauty rings and red pinstripes on the rings. I may go for a more stanced look with wider white wall tires and complete the whole 50's ratrod look the owner before me was going for. I tore my left knee up so i had to buy an AT. Ill bring it to some shows!!! im hoping to eventually throw a Supercoupe 3.8 in it so it has some uniqueness in the Getup & Go Dept.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 01:47:48 AM
lol its on cut springs in front and they heated the rears ( they will soon be replaced with cut rears "IM LOOKING FOR REAR SPRINGS BTW") eventually i would like to bag it but for now I'm not having and problems in the parking garage at college w/ rubbing.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 01:56:54 AM
XXX
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: FirstBird on September 19, 2012, 02:03:55 AM
Just throw a buttstuffog speedo/tach from a Turbo coupe in their the full digital dash is a pain from what i've heard. I like the stance though.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Silent-Er@sEr on September 19, 2012, 02:09:53 AM
and a turbo or v8 right?
 or just new head gaskets every once in a while?
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 02:12:40 AM
Yeah BJL and I are going to mess with some stuff and see what we can do with gauge options i have a 2 gauge A pillar pod for it too (from my last Bird).
XXX
(baby seat not mine... previous owner pics)
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 02:23:37 AM
It runs great im not worrying about the engine I plan to throw in a Supercoupe 3.8 in eventually if not maybe a Turbocoupe engine or another odd ball setup
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: cougarman on September 19, 2012, 08:16:08 AM
Very nice!!
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: EFFalcon on September 19, 2012, 06:53:00 PM
how much lower do you reckon the front could go? :P
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Thunderbirdz on September 19, 2012, 07:50:29 PM
I kind of like the slight rake. That car looks to be in great condition, very nice.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Crazy88 on September 19, 2012, 10:10:18 PM
With the cut coils, I see a couple of issues, not the least of which is the excessive negative camber and of course the resulting bump steer.  A better way to achieve this amount of lowering, if that is what is desired, is to use drop spindles in addition to mild uncut lowering springs.  Not only would this solution provide a better ride, but would allow proper alignment, minimize bump steer and prevent or greatly reduce improper tire wear.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: BJL on September 19, 2012, 10:13:42 PM
the rake is nice. but the back end bounces like a b***h.
its a very clean car, looks to have factory rust proofing. there are ford emblem embossed on the plugs. im impressed at the price he got it for and what it is. i made him promise not to get the trunk carpet dirty as it flawless. as it the rest of the interior. minus the cig smoke smell. i didnt drive it and but i didnt notice bump steer as a passenger. it doesnt se. my tc ss on a peeble, but this v6 doesnt on bumps, lol.
it needs a lil growl. too quiet now. maybe put on a super turbo  to give a tone.. but too much. gonna try and find rear springs for it and cut them. give it a rake with out bounce
i have a few clusters in my collection of tbird parts. i think the digi cluster/tach with gas mileage counter would be great for him. i just dont know if the EEC has a fuel data output signal like my tc does.
this is a great car for erik. and since we work together on alot of his projects. this being a ford especially a tbird makes it easier to acquire parts and fix.
im excited for him on this car.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 19, 2012, 10:32:03 PM
BJL is hooking me up w/ a camber kit for the front. In turn ill be hooking him up with a 2.3L coffee table for his place from my business!!
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: BJL on September 19, 2012, 10:48:03 PM
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a71/BJL88TC/Eriks%20cars/2012-09-15_10-34-20_556_zps409604df.jpg)
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a71/BJL88TC/Eriks%20cars/2012-09-15_10-43-19_464_zps2c9bca40.jpg)
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a71/BJL88TC/Eriks%20cars/2012-09-15_08-54-56_890_zpse6f024f3.jpg)
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: ZondaC12 on September 19, 2012, 10:48:48 PM
Find a detail shop that has/get yourself access to a PowerFlite ozone generator to take care of the smoke smell inside...
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 19, 2012, 10:54:32 PM
Nice T-bird.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on September 20, 2012, 07:26:10 AM
Thanks i really can't wait to take this thing to some local show and meets!
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 06, 2012, 09:36:05 PM
So 50tbird88 hooked me up with the cut springs from his TC and now my bird doesn't bounce in the back and the dangerous springs are out!

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0012.jpg)
^Old springs
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0003.jpg)
^Top: new (to me) spring
  Bottom: Old heated spring
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121001_0003.jpg)
^Before
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0008.jpg)
^After
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0008.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0001.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0002.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0004.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0005.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121006_0006.jpg)

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/120928_0000.jpg)
^My bird next to BJL a few weeks ago
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: TOM Renzo on October 06, 2012, 11:03:21 PM
Eric if you want a TC dash pm me i have a few.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: EFFalcon on October 07, 2012, 05:55:26 PM
wow.. those old springs look messed up!
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 07, 2012, 08:51:42 PM
Quote from: EFFalcon;400005
wow.. those old springs look messed up!

Yeah it was pretty horrifying to drop the axle and see them. Its much better now, no shimmy under braking. If you can see i used ramps to get the car into the garage and even with them over the 3 inch lip the exhaust still rubbed on the floor pulling in... happily more pulling out (new springs just a tad lower)
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: 86T-bird on October 07, 2012, 09:12:24 PM
Is it low!  What's the measurements from the front & rear fender lips to the ground?
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 07, 2012, 10:37:57 PM
Quote from: 86T-bird;400017
Is it low!  What's the measurements from the front & rear fender lips to the ground?

23.5" ground to lip (front)
24.5" ground to lip (rear)
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Beau on October 07, 2012, 10:45:14 PM
Looks pretty slick.
Whoever done that to those springs should never touch another vehicle, ever.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 07, 2012, 10:49:11 PM
Quote from: thunderbirdsport302;400022
looks pretty slick.
Whoever done that to those springs should never touch another vehicle, ever.

agreed
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: cougarman on October 08, 2012, 09:31:36 AM
Just love the stance!!! Nice clean Tbird too.  :D
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: 50tbrd88 on October 08, 2012, 10:45:25 AM
Your car is very low! I had a heck of a time with sing tailpipes with those springs.  Glad they worked out for you!
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 08, 2012, 02:26:45 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;400054
Your car is very low! I had a heck of a time with sing tailpipes with those springs.  Glad they worked out for you!

It handles so much better now!

thanks again
Title: X-Mas Came Early!!!!
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 14, 2012, 11:23:50 PM
In total I have a 1993 SC engine, 2 Superchargers (1 w/ underdrive pulley, 1 stock pulley), 2 sets of piping, 1 intercooler, flywheel, 1 AODE SC trans, All included wiring harnesses, 1 SC computer (chipped), stock shifter, 1 alternator, 1 starter, all belts and pulleys, 1 SC gauge cluster, 1 wiring diagram and I even got it delivered!!
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0000.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0001.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0001.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0002.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0003.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0004.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0005.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0006.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121013_0007.jpg)

Yes this is the Bird i am working toward basing the drivetrain part of my build on... the 1 of 15 1988 Ford Thunderbird LX police prototypes w/ super coupe drivetrains

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/264305_10151068574906769_897876182_n.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/389943_10151068574581769_1068298595_n.jpg)
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: FirstBird on October 15, 2012, 12:19:19 AM
They should have done this and not switched the bird up till 93' like the mustangs.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: BJL on October 18, 2012, 10:47:34 PM
glad to see you got the engine, i figured i get a picture in the middle of the night when you got it! lol.
cant wait to start the conversion!
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: 23027 on October 20, 2012, 01:18:56 PM
I love the cars look, awesome lowered. I really like the basic wheels, nothing flashy but they go well with the silver car. The small white wall looks great too. Man you should keep the v6 in it and just daily it! Worry free, simple, good looking cruiser.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: 23027 on October 20, 2012, 01:19:22 PM
I do think the 3.8 supercharged is a pretty cool idea though. Never seen that done before, will be unique for sure
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: 23027 on October 20, 2012, 01:20:38 PM
Quote from: FirstBird;400491
They should have done this and not switched the bird up till 93' like the mustangs.

I agree.. Although they would not be so rare to see if they did. Makes our cars more special
Title: Black wheels
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 20, 2012, 10:15:16 PM
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121016_0002.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121017_0000.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121017_0003.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121017_0004.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121017_0005.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121017_0006.jpg)
(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/1988%20thunderbird/121017_0007.jpg)
Title: Update
Post by: Erik J Designs on October 30, 2012, 11:41:55 PM
Update:

Parts need MOUR parts....

Mark VII 5 lug Posi 8.8 is on its way
(2) 15" steelies to throw on with wider tires!
(1) CYB-B200E460N Voltmeter
Cyberdyne Gauges Digital Prism Gauges
(1)CYB-B217E461Y Boost Guage
Cyberdyne Gauges Digital Prism Gauges
(1)CYB-B220E460N Water Temp
Cyberdyne Gauges Digital Prism Gauges
(1)CYB-B221E461N Trans Temp
Cyberdyne Gauges Digital Prism Gauges
(1)CYB- B210E460Y Oil Pressure
Cyberdyne Gauges Digital Prism Gauges
(1)CYB-B224E461N Air Temp
Cyberdyne Gauges Digital Prism Gauges
(1) Black Digital Tachometer & Green LED Shift Light
Item Number: GS-DTGB

My gauge setup will be a secret until i start the bezel but it is something I've always wanted to do.

What master cylinder do i need in order to run my new rear w/ disc brakes?
Title: Started my Dash Mods!
Post by: Erik J Designs on March 03, 2013, 05:04:50 PM
Finally installed my new tach/shiftlight and modified my radio location. The top two dash areas will have 3 gauges per row.

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/130303_0005_zpsf92a392f.jpg)

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/130303_0004_zps986fcc73.jpg)

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/130303_0003_zps56d60a6f.jpg)

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/130303_0002_zps67a7f5f1.jpg)

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/130303_0001_zps0e19e226.jpg)

(http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/elmautoparts/130303_0000_zps844a65c3.jpg)
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: 88hotbird on March 03, 2013, 05:57:34 PM
how much are the fronts cut?
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on March 03, 2013, 06:04:26 PM
unsure exactly, they were on when i got the car, if i ever convert to air suspension i will measure the old springs.
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: STANG8U on March 03, 2013, 07:04:06 PM
That thing is in the weeds lol

Looks good
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on March 23, 2013, 08:48:08 PM
I am looking forward to new mods on my bird!

BJL is hooking me up with Turbo coupe Spindles and a Camber kit

Im sticking with the Linc. Mark VII themed rear setup and going with Mark VII 5 Lug rotors and reman calipers. Also possibly running 88+ LSC 16in wheels with low profile tires and welding 4 wheels in 2 final custom wide rear wheels to run a 255/50ZR16. Ill be installing a Mark VII 8.8 soon with discs and possibly a 3.55 ring and pinion to complement my 93 Supercoupe SC 3.8L engine and trans swap!!
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: Erik J Designs on January 18, 2014, 02:41:29 PM
XX

More pics of my bird, currently looking into bagging it, its still too high
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: EFFalcon on January 19, 2014, 04:36:13 PM
Bagging it is easy :)

Just done mine.

although front doesn't go low.
not sure if you can get shorter struts?
Title: My newly aquired 88 Thunderbird V6
Post by: STANG8U on January 19, 2014, 07:56:29 PM
My car looks bagged lol but just lowerd about 3"