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Topic: What to look for when looking to buy a TC (Read 1333 times) previous topic - next topic

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Ok, I know I could search and I should also know this already, but I may have to go look at this 88 TC after work, short notice.  I'm SO not prepared..  can you guys help me out with a few things to make sure I don't miss anything...  it's in a couple hours.  thanks!!
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #1 –
Mileage,rust,running or not,arc light flashing,arc shocks replaced with non arc,abs lights,smoke,boosting to pressure,noises,accesories working or not.
Think that about covers it.

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #2 –
shock towers(i know he said rust but checking shock towers is second nature for fox owners)
RIP 1988 and 1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
I welcomed the dark side and currently am driving a 2000 Dodge Durango SLT plus, with a 5.9, Code named project "Night Runner"
Shes black on black, fully loaded, with headers, 180 tstat, e fan, straight exhaust into a cherry bomb vortex ler, full tune up, ported intake and T/B, MSD coil, and round aircleaner.
Mods to come: Fully rebuilt and heavily modded 46RE, and a richmond rachet locker.
my $300 beater ;)
R.I.P Kayleigh Raposa 12/18/90 - 2/24/07

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #3 –
Ok, so it just got moved to saturday...  LOL

But anyway, anyone have advise on what to look for with the motor?  It's a 65k motor, he says it boosts to 5 psi and it doesn't break the wheels loose off the line (I don't think he did a break stand - its an auto btw).  I need the motor to be killer cause I will need to be able to sell it (yes, i know, bring it on...  I'd keep it if it was an original 5 speed car but an all original TC with a t5 against a auto VIN doesn't appeal to me...  nor does the auto).

Also, will it pulls codes the same way my 5.0 does (jumper in the test connector, count the check engine light flashes)?  And will the codes be the same or does someone have a list of the 2.3t eec codes?
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #4 –
No gravy on the dashboard :makefun:
11.96 @ 118 MPH old 306 KB; 428W coming soon.

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #5 –
If you're gonna swap engines, why worry about EEC codes??? The computer won't telly you it has a worn cam, or leaky fuel inj(OK maybe you'd have a rich code), etc...

Most codes are same but there are some additional codes... Also a KOER will blink twice for number of cyl instead of four on a 8 cyl... Also after the engine code is given, you need to briefly gag the throttle and stab the break pedal, or you get codes for no knock sensor and no BOO(brake on off)...

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #6 –
Because I'd be selling it as a complete engine with the computers/wiring and everything and I want to know whats there...  besides, why ignore something if it could be another excuse to keep the price down?

Also, would there be any codes from the self test connector regarding abs issues?
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #7 –
Wiring harness in a '87-'88 TC is a nightmare, nobody in their right mind would use it for a swap... The EEC test plug is actually in the ABS/ride harness(they are interconnected at the EEC)... Far easier to mod a 2.3 NA harness...

Check the tech section over on NATO for EEC and ABS codes...

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #8 –
So wait, 65k engine, how much on the car?
93 Festiva L, 193k miles, BP+T/G25MR swap, T3 50trim .48/.42, SRT FMIC, Capri electronics/Rocketchip, 2.5" exhaust
bests: ET 12.86, MPH 110.25, 1.92 short
02 Subaru Impreza WRX, 129k miles
97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, 236k miles

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #9 –
Oil all around the Valve cover, if there is oil around the valve cover ask if the valve cover gasket has been replaced and when, Drive it a see if the boost feels good, check to see if the supension is leaking gas out of the shocks/struts, check oil to see its condision, check seats, and headliner and dash for cracks.

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #10 –
not true...  LOL, I already have someone that wants to buy the complete EEC setup plus the motor and my old TC t5.  :D besides, pulling codes has npthng to do with whether or not someone would use the harness but all about me being able to tell them if and which sensors are shot.

Bhazard, he using 1500, I offered 600 and he wants me to come see it Saturday...
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

What to look for when looking to buy a TC

Reply #11 –
oh, just reread the part about the EEC test connector...  Maybe I'll have him do something different.
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats