Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => Lounge => Topic started by: Matt Jewell on July 31, 2015, 06:53:17 PM

Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Matt Jewell on July 31, 2015, 06:53:17 PM
Hello. Just wanted to thank everyone that has contributed with helpful data on this platform. I purchased an '88 T-Bird a month ago after searching for an LSC. So far my wife and 17 year old son have driven it more than me. Gathering parts and info for some upgrades. My other 2 cars require climbing over rollcages, and I wanted something a little more simple. Noticed a few members are located in Westminster, Maryland,  and I think the one car is only a few miles from me.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Cougars 2 go on July 31, 2015, 07:12:29 PM
Quote from: Matt Jewell;450229
Hello. Just wanted to thank everyone that has contributed with helpful data on this platform. I purchased an '88 T-Bird a month ago after searching for an LSC. So far my wife and 17 year old son have driven it more than me. Gathering parts and info for some upgrades. My other 2 cars require climbing over rollcages, and I wanted something a little more simple. Noticed a few members are located in Westminster, Maryland,  and I think the one car is only a few miles from me.

Yaayyy!!!!!! Check it out!!!!!  Another member in Westminster!!!!!!!

There's at least four other Cougars on this forum in Westminster that I know of.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: vinnietbird on July 31, 2015, 07:21:29 PM
Welcome to the forum. Glad you're here.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: thewestie on July 31, 2015, 11:22:28 PM
welcome
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: rodsterh on August 02, 2015, 10:01:03 PM
Welcome!!
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: 83TB on August 03, 2015, 07:52:03 AM
Welcome
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: 50tbrd88 on August 03, 2015, 08:17:19 AM
Welcome aboard.  Any pictures of your rides?
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Matt Jewell on August 04, 2015, 08:08:27 PM
Not great at the computer thing. I have a '67 Cougar I've owned since the late '80's that has a 408 Windsor and runs high 10's on motor and high 9's with nitrous. Most recently I was racing a '80 Capri that I put together for my son that had a 514 CI BBF and ran high 9's. That car is about to get a milder 460 for my son to start racing. My brother and I are partners on a tube frame Mustang II that has a 460 and runs mid 9's. I have some parts for the T-bird, and swear to keep this a low budget/driver.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 04, 2015, 10:31:12 PM
Welcome.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Matt Jewell on August 07, 2015, 10:31:31 PM
Swapped out the shocks and struts, front end links and repacked wheel bearings. Picked up an 8.8 housing, 4 lug Moser 31 spline axles and  Ford Racing posi unit used for $150. A friend donated a set of 3.55 gears, just need to pick them up. I believe he has Metco adjustable uppers and basic Lakewood lowers I can get for cheap as well. It's good to have friends.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Haystack on August 08, 2015, 12:50:29 AM
Fox mustang lowers are a bit shorter then our cars. Make sure they are long enough, or it will effect your pinion angle.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: 1BadBird on August 08, 2015, 03:50:34 AM
Uppers are shorter as well.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Matt Jewell on August 08, 2015, 08:46:35 AM
Thanks for the heads up. Used that search feature and picked  up the measurements. The Metco uppers are adjustable, but if it's over 1'' difference I will need to check how adjustable. Also checked out the CHE website, wasn't even aware of the company. Our Capri has UPR adj. lowers, Comp Engineering uppers and anti-roll and Varishock coilover conversion. Next search will be frame connectors.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Matt Jewell on August 09, 2015, 06:57:15 AM
Mason Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown is having a Ford Meet August 23. Plan on meeting some friends to sell parts, and possibly see the maiden voyage of the T-bird down the 1/4 mile before swapping out the rear. I would be shocked if it ran  faster than 16 flat.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Haystack on August 09, 2015, 11:48:44 AM
With a 5.0 slow? Probably looking at right around 17.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: grutinator on August 09, 2015, 01:33:19 PM
cool, another MD guy. welcome to the neighborhood!
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Matt Jewell on August 23, 2015, 05:36:05 PM
My son ran the T-bird today, 17.54 was the best pass. His 1st run was 3 tenths quicker in the 60 ft and carried it out to the 1000 ft timer, but he lifted early not knowing exactly where the finish line is. Sad to say you can still spin with a 17 second car when it's an open carrier. It was his 1st time racing, so it served it's purpose. I thought 16 seconds from seat of the pants, but not so much.
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on August 23, 2015, 08:48:00 PM
Quote from: Matt Jewell;450807
My son ran the T-bird today, 17.54 was the best pass. His 1st run was 3 tenths quicker in the 60 ft and carried it out to the 1000 ft timer, but he lifted early not knowing exactly where the finish line is. Sad to say you can still spin with a 17 second car when it's an open carrier. It was his 1st time racing, so it served it's purpose. I thought 16 seconds from seat of the pants, but not so much.

Yeah a bit of practice will settle him down, can't just slap the throttle with a peg leg rear...



A couple weeks ago, I went to track for first time in almost four years, now itching to get the Bird back together...
Title: New to T-Birds and this forum
Post by: Matt Jewell on September 06, 2015, 07:12:41 AM
Weather permitting we'll be heading back to Mason Dixon on Monday. The wife wants to give it a try as well. We've been married 20 years and it's the 1st time she has showed interest in making a pass. Must be the car.