Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 13, 2016, 11:52:39 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 13, 2016, 11:52:39 PM
Hey guys, i just got a interesting trade opportunity to trade my 1983 Thunderbird Heritage with 80K for a minty 1984 Turbo Coupe. Both are white cars, both in about the same excellent shape and we are both willing to straight out trade.
The TC is White with the charcoal 2 tone lower treatment and a grey cloth interior in amazing shape. Its an Auto TC which for 84 has to be a very rare option, and is the perfect unicorn car that i am attracted to. This would be my first TC and first 2.3 Turbo. What should my concerns be for this engine and turbo and what other trouble spots do i need to look for?
Thanks
D
The TC is White with the charcoal 2 tone lower treatment and a grey cloth interior in amazing shape. Its an Auto TC which for 84 has to be a very rare option, and is the perfect unicorn car that i am attracted to. This would be my first TC and first 2.3 Turbo. What should my concerns be for this engine and turbo and what other trouble spots do i need to look for?
Thanks
D
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: jpc647 on April 14, 2016, 08:06:19 AM
Post by: jpc647 on April 14, 2016, 08:06:19 AM
Those Turbo Coupes did like to auto the automatic transmissions. I don't know about back in 84.
Personally, unless it was an upgraded motor, it'd pass. It's easy to drop in a 5.0ho into a naturally born 5.0l car if you want more power. I don't think I would do the trade.
On a side note, how do you like your 9-7X?
Personally, unless it was an upgraded motor, it'd pass. It's easy to drop in a 5.0ho into a naturally born 5.0l car if you want more power. I don't think I would do the trade.
On a side note, how do you like your 9-7X?
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 08:24:45 AM
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 08:24:45 AM
Quote from: jpc647;454842
Those Turbo Coupes did like to auto the automatic transmissions. I don't know about back in 84.
Personally, unless it was an upgraded motor, it'd pass. It's easy to drop in a 5.0ho into a naturally born 5.0l car if you want more power. I don't think I would do the trade.
On a side note, how do you like your 9-7X?
Speed on these cars was never my overriding concern or criteria. I am into preserving our 4 eyed cars especially well preserved survivors as both of these cars are. So the power differential for a 5.0 stock motor from 83 vs a TC 2.3 is probably about the same in terms of performance with the 2.3 a little easier to squeeze some power out of i have been reading. I welcome more discussion about it.....
As for the 97X aero, it is my favorite non-Ford car i have ever driven. Fast, fast and did i say fast? LOL Its a very spacious, well equipped and thoughtfully designed truck, the 4.2 is powered ok, the 5.3 is lively, and the 6.0 which i have is an amazing motor. Its the LS2 vette engine.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: gtbird on April 14, 2016, 09:11:18 AM
Post by: gtbird on April 14, 2016, 09:11:18 AM
If the T/C is in sound shape body wise and the engine shows no obvious signs of issues (knocking, smoking etc.) I'd go for it. The early T/C's are getting rare and the 2.3 is a stout little motor, it can easily make more power with some simple modifications if you choose to go that route and there is a lot of on line support for them. The only drawback is the auto tranny, they are the weak link if making more power.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 14, 2016, 12:31:22 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 14, 2016, 12:31:22 PM
Personally I would keep the 5.0 car if you're not planning on modifying the car. It's going to be less maintenance intensive in the long run. Plus 2.3 turbo cars are not much fun with the auto trans. They have worse driveability with the auto trans than the 5.0 in your current car does. If it was a stick it would be a different story.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 14, 2016, 12:45:30 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 14, 2016, 12:45:30 PM
I dunno, assuming the '83 is EEC-III, think I'd dump it... It's either that or one day convert it to the EEC-IV electronics...
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 12:50:12 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 12:50:12 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;454849
I dunno, assuming the '83 is EEC-III, think I'd dump it... It's either that or one day convert it to the EEC-IV electronics...
Bingo..... that was my thinking as well. For me, fog lights, tach and floor shift = 200% perceived HP increase anyway.... lol
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: CoogarXR on April 14, 2016, 01:41:00 PM
Post by: CoogarXR on April 14, 2016, 01:41:00 PM
I've owned cougar-versions of both cars. It's about a tie to me. I like the XR-7/TC interior better. I Like the "lighter" feeling of the 2.3 when driving. But I like the instant torque of the 5.0. As far as reliability, they are also about the same.
The 2.3t auto gets a bad rap, but my current 85 XR-7 is an auto (and I owned an 84 turbo auto) and they are plenty of fun. I think in a race, my stock 83 5.0 would have lost to my stock 85 auto/turbo. But my 83 was the king of pulling trailers, lol.
The 2.3t auto gets a bad rap, but my current 85 XR-7 is an auto (and I owned an 84 turbo auto) and they are plenty of fun. I think in a race, my stock 83 5.0 would have lost to my stock 85 auto/turbo. But my 83 was the king of pulling trailers, lol.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 02:29:33 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 02:29:33 PM
Quote from: CoogarXR;454853
I've owned cougar-versions of both cars. It's about a tie to me. I like the XR-7/TC interior better. I Like the "lighter" feeling of the 2.3 when driving. But I like the instant torque of the 5.0. As far as reliability, they are also about the same.
The 2.3t auto gets a bad rap, but my current 85 XR-7 is an auto (and I owned an 84 turbo auto) and they are plenty of fun. I think in a race, my stock 83 5.0 would have lost to my stock 85 auto/turbo. But my 83 was the king of pulling trailers, lol.
So basically its just a matter of preference at this point. I think im ready for something new and different in Thunderbird/Cougar land.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: EricCoolCats on April 14, 2016, 04:22:56 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on April 14, 2016, 04:22:56 PM
1983 Turbo Coupes have EEC-IV IIRC.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 14, 2016, 05:00:53 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 14, 2016, 05:00:53 PM
Quote from: MY83T;454850
Bingo..... that was my thinking as well. For me, fog lights, tach and floor shift = 200% perceived HP increase anyway.... lol
Go for it... The '84 is first year for TC automatic and I doubt really rare(were std in XR7), maybe a quarter to third of total... The early TC used the C3 automatic, not super strong but far better than the A4LD used in '87 & '88... Biggest downside is with 3.45 rear & no O/D you'll be looking at shifter trying to find another gear...
I liked the auto in my white TC, with boost cranked up it was fun... I wasn't worried about the A4LD as car was slated from day one to become a 5.0/AOD swap victim...
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 05:05:51 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 14, 2016, 05:05:51 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;454859
Go for it... The '84 is first year for TC automatic and I doubt really rare(were std in XR7), maybe a quarter to third of total... The early TC used the C3 automatic, not super strong but far better than the A4LD used in '87 & '88... Biggest downside is with 3.45 rear & no O/D you'll be looking at shifter trying to find another gear...
I liked the auto in my white TC, with boost cranked up it was fun... I wasn't worried about the A4LD as car was slated from day one to become a 5.0/AOD swap victim...
The 84-86 XR-7 Turbo cars were Auto Trans standard? 5 speed was the upgrade?
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 14, 2016, 05:09:20 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 14, 2016, 05:09:20 PM
Yup, that's my understanding...
I dunno if it was a no cost option or possibly issued some credit if 5-speed was ordered...
I dunno if it was a no cost option or possibly issued some credit if 5-speed was ordered...
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: Haystack on April 14, 2016, 05:49:40 PM
Post by: Haystack on April 14, 2016, 05:49:40 PM
I wouldn't trade a od trans car for a non of car if I ever intended to drove it any sort of distance. The od gear would probably make freeway the same or worse then the v-8 in all conditions above 35mph.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: BCA on April 14, 2016, 09:36:49 PM
Post by: BCA on April 14, 2016, 09:36:49 PM
Quote from: MY83T;454860
The 84-86 XR-7 Turbo cars were Auto Trans standard? 5 speed was the upgrade?
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;454861
Yup, that's my understanding...
I dunno if it was a no cost option or possibly issued some credit if 5-speed was ordered...
For the XR-7, it varied depending on the model year.
In 1984, the automatic was standard and the 5-speed was optional.
For 1985 & 86, the 5-speed was standard and the automatic became the option. In 1986 the Automatic on the XR-7 was priced at $315.00.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: jrad235 on April 15, 2016, 12:50:00 AM
Post by: jrad235 on April 15, 2016, 12:50:00 AM
Trade it. :)
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: CoogarXR on April 15, 2016, 09:31:17 AM
Post by: CoogarXR on April 15, 2016, 09:31:17 AM
Quote from: Haystack;454865
I wouldn't trade a od trans car for a non of car if I ever intended to drove it any sort of distance. The od gear would probably make freeway the same or worse then the v-8 in all conditions above 35mph.
My old 83 5.0 w/OD got about 22mpg on the highway. My turbo C3 gets about 18-19. Not a huge spread. Now, my old 87 XR-7 with OD got much better mileage. Its been 20 years since I owned it, but if I recall correctly, that thing was near 30mpg on the highway if you keep your foot out of it. I think it had a higher rear-end gear though, and obviously the more modern SEFI.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: Haystack on April 15, 2016, 03:48:10 PM
Post by: Haystack on April 15, 2016, 03:48:10 PM
If you really wanna see the non of difference in fuel economy, drive around in d instead of od for a tank of gas. It will surprise you. In my old 87 bird driving very carefully with a 50 mile mix of 55-75mph I could average 28mpg highway consistently. Being really gentle I nudged it above 30 a few times and once got 675 miles to a tank of gas over a weeks driving. I ran out a mile from the gas station though. Driving around in drive (non od) I got 22 mpg. It was a huge difference.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: rodsterh on April 16, 2016, 11:03:39 PM
Post by: rodsterh on April 16, 2016, 11:03:39 PM
Quote from: jrad235;454873
Trade it. :)
Buy the TC and keep them both! :)
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 16, 2016, 11:12:43 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 16, 2016, 11:12:43 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;454899
Buy the TC and keep them both! :)
Can't do both right now, i think im ready for something different anyway.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 17, 2016, 07:39:20 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 17, 2016, 07:39:20 PM
I still say keep the 83. That's just me though. I tend to keep cars I like for awhile though (I've had my Thunderbird since 2002).
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 18, 2016, 12:22:26 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 18, 2016, 12:22:26 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;454905
I still say keep the 83. That's just me though. I tend to keep cars I like for awhile though (I've had my Thunderbird since 2002).
I wish i could do a few cars, but i don't have the cash, or storage to do so. Honestly, the new 83 i traded for the Cougar is a fun and cool car, but it is not my original car, and i don't have any emotion about it one way or another.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: rodsterh on April 18, 2016, 09:40:16 PM
Post by: rodsterh on April 18, 2016, 09:40:16 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;454905
I still say keep the 83. That's just me though. I tend to keep cars I like for awhile though (I've had my Thunderbird since 2002).
I tend to keep cars awhile too. Let's see, I've had my '83 since, mmmmmmm yea 1883. ;)
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 18, 2016, 10:43:50 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 18, 2016, 10:43:50 PM
From a investment stand point, the Turbo should be a little more valuable... But the buyers will be a smaller group...
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 18, 2016, 11:53:58 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 18, 2016, 11:53:58 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;454923
From a investment stand point, the Turbo should be a little more valuable... But the buyers will be a smaller group...
All great points to consider..... i think i am just ready for a change until a look a like for my lost 83 Heritage presents itself.
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 20, 2016, 03:57:16 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 20, 2016, 03:57:16 PM
Quote from: BCA;454867
For the XR-7, it varied depending on the model year.
In 1984, the automatic was standard and the 5-speed was optional.
For 1985 & 86, the 5-speed was standard and the automatic became the option. In 1986 the Automatic on the XR-7 was priced at $315.00.
For Thunderbird TC in 84 per all the dealer literature, its the opposite case....
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: BCA on April 20, 2016, 04:47:20 PM
Post by: BCA on April 20, 2016, 04:47:20 PM
Quote from: MY83T;454945
For Thunderbird TC in 84 per all the dealer literature, its the opposite case....
That's true.
Two complete guesses on my part:
Guess #1. Either marketing figured that the typical Mercury buyer would prefer an automatic over a manual.
Guess #2. This was changed for the following year when they woke up and realized that they could charge extra for the automatic. :evilgrin:
So are you trading?
Title: Chance to trade my 83 Heritage for a 69K mile 84 Turbo Coupe (Thoughts wanted)
Post by: MY83T on April 21, 2016, 02:30:09 PM
Post by: MY83T on April 21, 2016, 02:30:09 PM
Quote from: BCA;454946
That's true.
Two complete guesses on my part:
Guess #1. Either marketing figured that the typical Mercury buyer would prefer an automatic over a manual.
Guess #2. This was changed for the following year when they woke up and realized that they could charge extra for the automatic. :evilgrin:
So are you trading?
Yes, i think so.... i am working out details with the other party still.