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Topic: '88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in (Read 42219 times) previous topic - next topic

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #15 –
It has the digital gauges.  I think I've decided on the dash cap instead of finding a good one.  I can't see a good used one not cracking in Texas.  Any opinions on the cap?  Eric had a great writeup that convinced me to do it.

Actually the heat core is shot already so I am doing this before I put the dash back in.  The AC is down, so I think I'm going to replace the evaporator too.

Thanks for all the comments guys.  I'm going to start on it when I get the cap.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #16 –
Wow thats a great find.  Car looks like its in great shape.  I'll be installing a dash cap in my 88 TurboCoupe and in one of my 88 Cougar's..  The first 88 Cougar has a good dash.
One 88

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #17 –
Quote
I would not put that dash back together without a new heater core though.


That would be a smart move.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #18 –
Nice ride. Patience paid of for you.:cheers:

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #19 –
Looks exactly like mine.
Glad you could finally find something man.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #20 –
So here's the latest and some interior pics. The first picture is how I received it.

Does anyone notice what's different between pics 2 and 3 besides the wheel being gone?  If you guessed the heater core is new, that's true too, but not what I'm looking for.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #21 –
Also got my Dashtop (cap).  Found that the sides are too big and will need to be trimmed.  A guy at work suggested a dremmel, which I thought was a good idea.

Here are pics of where it is too big.  I'll update on the process of tpuppies it too.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #22 –
good looking car, man.  hell of a price too!
91 ranger 2.3 turbo - nowhere near stock
87 thunderbird turbocoupe
06 pontiac g6 gt
:birdsmily:

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #23 –
Quote from: xjeffs;210895
Does anyone notice what's different between pics 2 and 3 besides the wheel being gone?  If you guessed the heater core is new, that's true too, but not what I'm looking for.





all the wires are wrapped up and looks a helluva lot better.
:ford::oldcougar::mercury:

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #24 –
Quote from: cougar1car;210943
all the wires are wrapped up and looks a helluva lot better.


Right. The old cloth tape had no adhesive and would fall apart in your hand.  So I rewrapped it.

Currently I am looking for a good alarm system that has the two way pager function, key fob for door unlocks and would prefer the relay for windows, too.

If you have any good experiences with alarm systems, let me know.  Now is the time to install it, so I'd like to order one soon.

Any help would be appreciated.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #25 –
Quote from: xjeffs;210954
Right. The old cloth tape had no adhesive and would fall apart in your hand.  So I rewrapped it.

Currently I am looking for a good alarm system that has the two way pager function, key fob for door unlocks and would prefer the relay for windows, too.

If you have any good experiences with alarm systems, let me know.  Now is the time to install it, so I'd like to order one soon.

Any help would be appreciated.


I have an AUTOPAGE 2 way on my can with the remote start and all. I can check the temp in my car from class. Good distance on it too. I got mine on the deal though still havent had any issues with it. remote takes a beating too. i drop my keys alot and the remote hangs out of my pocket so it hits alot. Good system though.
1986 Cougar LS
 

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #26 –
Well, I got the dash cap glued down and everything looks good.  It took quite a bit of tpuppies to get it to lay the way I wanted it too.

I trimmed about 1/8 - 1/4" off the entire windshield side and quite a bit off the door jam sides so that it would sit flush.

Glued it down and got it installed with the gauges.  It's become my DD since the starter went out on the other car.  Also got some new BFG shoes.

Also did the Digi-gauge 199 mph conversion.

I gotta say, Discount Tires is awesome.  That's been the only place I've bought tires over the last ten years, and this experience is as great as all the others.  They had the tires on in 20 minutes, didn't abuse the car in the process, used the impact gun gently and torqued the lugs down with a TORQUE WRENCH.  I was shocked.

It actually runs pretty well for sitting so long.  The RM seal is dripping pretty good.  So I can't DD it for long.  My last day at work is tomorrow and we ship the two cars next week to Iowa, so this won't last long.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #27 –
where did you get the dash cap?  I had a perfect factory dash in my car till a couple weeks ago when I noticed a crack going from the defrost vent to the speaker grill on the drivers side:mad:

88 t-bird tc - 14.97 @ 90  IHI 18 psi + k+n filter...so far - NOW HX-35 @25psi - 12.75@112    348rwhp/395rwtq
78 F-150 - 11.61@120 on 175shot N20 - 12.55@110 on motor - 5200# race weight:hick:

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #28 –
From this guy on ebay.

http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZazbobQ2a1

There is one issue.  It doesn't fit well around side defogger vents for the door windows and the vents sink in through the cap.

'88 Cougar XR7 4.6L 3V - update 12/27/2011; Engine, trans and TC rear end in

Reply #29 –
I've been driving the Cougar around for about a week and I remember why I like this car so much.  It fits like a glove.  No other car fits me like this one.  All other ones feel like armrests, seats or steering wheel isn't in the right spot.

Oh and the big news is I picked up a T5, PP, clutch flywheel, cross member, bellhousing, driveshaft, pro 5.0 shifter yesterday in time for them to load it on the truck to Iowa.  I'm stoked.