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VIN Decoding

How can one determine whether a thunderbird r cougar is an 1987 vs a 1988? There has to be something in the vin number to tell you right? I have two 1987's, one v8 car and one turbo coupe, and 1 v6 1988. I can't seem to tell what signifies hte year? Anyone know?

I ask because I'll be going to a boneyard later on today and I've been told a 1988 v8 harness will plug right into the v6 harness. But in the yards they don't typically know between the two years.
 

VIN Decoding

Reply #1 –
Quote from: jpc647;233688
How can one determine whether a thunderbird r cougar is an 1987 vs a 1988? There has to be something in the vin number to tell you right? I have two 1987's, one v8 car and one turbo coupe, and 1 v6 1988. I can't seem to tell what signifies hte year? Anyone know?

I ask because I'll be going to a boneyard later on today and I've been told a 1988 v8 harness will plug right into the v6 harness. But in the yards they don't typically know between the two years.


Look at the eighth digit in the VIN. It'll unravel the year:
Years 1980 through 2000 are designated by a letter from A to Y. 
The letters I, O, Q, U, and Z are not used because they can be easily confused with a number or another letter.  A – 1980


  B – 1981
  C – 1982
  D – 1983
  E – 1984
  F – 1985
  G – 1986
  H – 1987
  I – not used
  J – 1988
  K – 1989
  L – 1990
  M – 1991
  N – 1992
  O – not used
  P – 1993
  Q – not used
  R – 1994
  S – 1995
  T – 1996
  U – not used
  V – 1997
  W – 1998
  X – 1999
  Y – 2000
  Z – not used
  Beginning with 2001, numbers are used to designate the model year.
  1 – 2001....
and so forth..


About the harness, yes, on '88 ONLY...will the 3.8 harness plug into the 5.0 harness, and vice-versa..2.3 will NOT interchange without serious mods. Good luck
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

VIN Decoding

Reply #2 –
V6 is easy - 1987 had CFI while 1988 had true fuel injection. But as for the VIN the 10th digit tells you. H=1987, J=1988

*EDIT* Well, I guess Beau wins...
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

VIN Decoding

Reply #3 –
Tenth digit, H=87  J=88

VIN Decoding

Reply #4 –
Thanks Guys,
  I'm searching for the v8 engine harness and have been told hte 88 is what i need. The 5.0 was essentially the same form 86-88. And i oculdn't tell and 1987 5.0 from an 88.

Thanks again.