True Turbo Coupes

Topic: True Turbo Coupes (Read 8441 times) previous topic - next topic

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #15 – March 10, 2010, 10:58:39 AM

Quote from: Chuck W;313481

As mentioned, my car is a "clone" Was originally a 5.0/AOD car. I would have had a hard time molesting an 83TC, so I built one.

I'm not planning on keeping the 2.3T in there for the long term, but I'm happy with it for the time being.

Wow Chuck. Swapping a 2.3T into a Bird that came with a 5.0 had to be more work than swapping a 5.0 into a 2.3T Bird. I don't know of anyone else who's done that. That's kind of neat.

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #16 – March 10, 2010, 11:03:00 AM

Quote from: Loaded87IROC;313441

I swapped a turbo 2.3 in place of my 5.0.

Now you know 2 people who did that

Edit: Here is my build thread showing the swap http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=27461

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #17 – March 10, 2010, 11:04:48 AM

Quote from: t3skidoo;313454

by 'true' tc, what do you mean?

A true Turbo Coupe is a Thunderbird with a turbocharged engine. A false Turbo Coupe doesn't have a turbocharged engine. I already have a false Turbo Coupe that I swapped a 5.0 into. I'm just thinking about building a fun true Turbo Coupe down the road.

I love V8's and that's why I decided to build my 5.0 Bird first. I also love turbocharged 4's though. That's why I plan to have one of them too down the road.

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #18 – March 10, 2010, 12:22:14 PM

I would go for a true Turbo Coupe. I would like to see what kind of highway mileage I can get out of one with the 5 speed.

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #19 – March 10, 2010, 01:10:55 PM

I have one of each; a 83 5.0 cougar, and an 85 XR-7 2.3 cougar. Both automatics, and both stock (except for the duals on the 5.0). I like them both, for different reasons.

I like the "light" feeling of the 2.3 car, and the quick suspension response and tighter steering. I like the antition of the turbo lag, heh. Stomp it, wait a sec and woah!

I like the v8 car for the sound and the torque. I hit the gas and it roars and fries the tires. You gotta love that. If I drive the 2.3 and then jump in the 5.0 it feels like a sherman tank, heavy and sloppy. But I like the ol' heavy hot-rod feel...

While I have never raced them side-to-side, I bet the 2.3t is faster. The 5.0 would have a brief jump off the line, but the turbo would prevail after a few seconds. Remember, these are both stock. I know you could say "if you did this-and-that to the 5.0 it would win, easy", but the same could be said for the 2.3.

I guess what I am saying is, there's much to love about them both. If you can't decide, like me, own one of each!

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #20 – March 10, 2010, 01:28:09 PM

This is my first TC…I gotta admit…I LOVE IT!...Admittedly, it’s an automatic, and while I searched for a manual, this deal was too good to pass up. Personally, I’m not a fan of a manual for my DD, simply because I know me and I love rowing through the gears—probably would have several tickets by now. Plus, I LOATHE a manual in traffic on LA’s 405 and 91. But my 86 with the 3-speed auto has given me a best average mpg of right about 20. Not phenomenal, but not too shabby either! I'd be curious to see what a 5-speed would do. I’ve always wanted one because a coworker of mine had one the exact same color with an automatic with nitrous…sweet ride on the squeeze. But I simply love my ’86 Four-Eye Turbo Coupe…

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #21 – March 10, 2010, 03:12:16 PM

I bought my 5speed 88 TC to replace an old 85 C10 pickup. Have'nt missed it since.
Love the little 2.3T, and my TC will always remain a 2.3T car. Won't be stock (it isn't now), but always 2.3T. If I get the V8 itch, I'll find an early four eyed bird and drop the 5.0 I've got stashed away in the garage into it. Of course, I'll have to hang a pair of IHI or T3 turbos on it.
The 87/88 TC is a nice balanced ride, with plenty of comfort (if you can get past the no cup holder thing). I like the ride control, EATC, AC, power everything, and the exterior styling. It handles well, and that's important to me in DD. It also gets decent milage. It's no power house, but it is fun.
I do ocassionaly miss the exhaust note of an injected 5.0, but after I pass a gas station or two, even that longing passes.
Heck, my oldest son and I even swapped out the 5.0 drivetrain in his 89 hatch Stang for a 2.3T, T5 and 3:73 8.8 trac-loc. He doesn't miss the 5.0 either, and it's pretty aggressive from stoplight to stoplight. If I let him up the boost a bit, it would be a little more competitive, but he's not there yet.
I say just build what ever you like, wether it be the 2.3T, the 3.8 or the 5.0, fuel injected or carbed, just as long as you're having a good time doing it. Once you lose sight of the fun aspect of this hobby is when it's all over.

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #22 – March 10, 2010, 03:28:03 PM

Quote from: RoyLPita;313499

I would go for a true Turbo Coupe. I would like to see what kind of highway mileage I can get out of one with the 5 speed.

Well, I get around 31mog on my trips to Tennessee.

I wonder what I might get after the Duratec swap...

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #23 – March 10, 2010, 04:21:13 PM

This debate has gone on forever. At least on this forum it can be talked about without major drama.

I daily drove an 85 turbo coupe for 4 years. It was a great car and fun to drive. I never modded any turbo 4's though. I know they can make power, I just prefer a V8. Can this be considered a "true turbo coupe"?

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #24 – March 10, 2010, 04:34:33 PM

Quote from: thundr306;313523

This debate has gone on forever. At least on this forum it can be talked about without major drama.

I daily drove an 85 turbo coupe for 4 years. It was a great car and fun to drive. I never modded any turbo 4's though. I know they can make power, I just prefer a V8. Can this be considered a "true turbo coupe"?

If your car has a turbo I think it's pretty obvious whether, or not it's a true Turbo Coupe. There's no drama in this thread. Any drama perceived, was imagined. We're just having a discussion here.

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #25 – March 10, 2010, 04:37:09 PM

I know there is no drama here...that's why I like it here. The comment was meant towards other forums.

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #26 – March 10, 2010, 04:42:27 PM

Quote from: jangus;313517

...power everything..

You mentioning this made me think of a funny but true story. I had just got my TC but I was driving around with expired tags, I know, my fault. I get pulled over and it turns out that I had a ticket that I completely forgot about—turned into a warrant. Fast forward ten minutes later and I’m in the back of the squad car and we’re waiting for the tow truck to come and haul my baby away to car-jail. The cops sit down in the front seat, turn around and ask:
“What year is your car?”
“’86”…
“Really? An '86? Wow! It sure is nice inside to be that old! It’s got power everything!”

Unfortunately it wasn’t enough for them to let me go…:hick:

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #27 – March 10, 2010, 04:44:08 PM

Quote from: thundr306;313523

This debate has gone on forever. At least on this forum it can be talked about without major drama.

I daily drove an 85 turbo coupe for 4 years. It was a great car and fun to drive. I never modded any turbo 4's though. I know they can make power, I just prefer a V8. Can this be considered a "true turbo coupe"?
Well, I see a turbo, and it's a coupe, so....if you like it, I love it! Lol!...

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #28 – March 10, 2010, 04:46:46 PM

Quote from: thundr306;313523

This debate has gone on forever. At least on this forum it can be talked about without major drama.

I daily drove an 85 turbo coupe for 4 years. It was a great car and fun to drive. I never modded any turbo 4's though. I know they can make power, I just prefer a V8. Can this be considered a "true turbo coupe"?

Well, I sure see a turbo right there--and it's a coupe...Works for me! lol...

True Turbo Coupes

Reply #29 – March 10, 2010, 04:46:55 PM

Quote from: thundr306;313528

I know there is no drama here...that's why I like it here. The comment was meant towards other forums.

I agree. Try having a discussion like this in a Stang forum and see what happens. I too like this forum for it's laid-back nature.