Hey everyone, how's it going?
I've been into T-birds since I came into existence. My mother owning an 85 (originally base model) That my father had modded with a Torino/Shelby Gt-350 engine. Along with that, the household had about six of them ranging from an 84 turbo-coupe (grandma's) all the way to the Elan.
Recently got myself an 86 Elan, and have been researching a huge amount trying to figure whether to throw my dad's old shelby hybrid beast into it, or do my own build. After much searching I lucked out and found you guys.
I've been a member of other forums such as PerformanceProbe.com, and MX-6.com for a number of years. Even have a thunderbird turbo on my 89 pgt. Missed the V-8 world, and the nostalgia of the vehicles I grew up with.
Thank you all in advance for the answers I'm sure I'll find here.
Welcome to the forum. As far as engines, you have to decide what you want. The 5.0 is an easy swap. Easier if you want a carb. More involved for EFI. The 5.8 (351W) is also a good engine swap. A good roller motor and go from there. Just figure out what you really want the car to be. A cruiser, racing, family hauler, etc. maybe a combination of everything like I'm doing with mine. Once we know what your intentions and goals are, we can help you formulate a plan for parts and other needed bits. Again, glad to have you here.
Welcome.
Engine options for our cars are practically endless. The only limit being your budget, heh. I've seen just about every imaginable combination under the hoods of these things. Like Vinnie said, just decide what you want the car to be, and there's enough of us around here to tell you which shoehorn to use.
It's much appreciated, the both of you.
I'm really on the fence with it to be honest. It's been forever since I've played with something more than a four cylinder. Sucks to forget, right?
I remember that before, we had the computer just running the digi-dash. I've been trolling around coolcats, to figure out engine specifics and the basic pro's and con's of the engine we have stock. I almost picked up a fox-stang, but quickly threw that idea away when I found the chicken. Way nicer looking inside and out.
My primary selling point of me picking this one up, was that it was large enough to haul a family. (Boom, personal experience) and was more than powerful enough, given the right applications. Got lucky, and she was sympathetic to the nostalgia factor. :D
Welcome aboard! We have a great group here who is very knowledgeable and passionate about these cars, hopefully you will stick around!
Thunderbirds run deep with me, it's a heritage thing if that makes sense. Now that I've found one that isn't on its last leg like the hand me down had been, I'm definitely not letting it get away from me. I plan on the long haul, once I'm familiar with these again, I'll be able to give back.
welcome aboard,
be sure to go through the "diy" link in my signature and see all the links to topics I have collected.
Welcome!