Skip to main content
Topic: I'm a fool (87 TC thread) (Read 5186 times) previous topic - next topic

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #15
Well, easy come easy go.  Car started running funny a few weeks ago so I parked it.  I just got done with a compression test and got 75, 95, 145, 150 so the HG is probably wasted.  I think I may go with my original plan and take its parts for the Cougar.  The TC is well worn at 255k miles and has lived a long and good life and will live in through the Cougar.
1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #16
Head gaskets on 2.3s are soooo EZ. I've changed one on my ranger in under two hours (non-turbo).
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

 

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #17
I'm sure I wouldn't have a problem with the HG but I just can't justify spending money on this car when I could be spending it on the Cougar.  I plan on using the hood, intercooler, LA2, big VAM, tranny and related parts, 8.8, wheels, and other assorted parts.  I don't think that I could get all that stuff for the $450 I paid for the car and the wife becomes happier because we will have one less vehicle and one less vehicle to tag and insure.  I just have to look at it as I bought the car as a parts car and that's what it will be.  I just had to have some fun with it first.
1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #18
If there's no rust, and I was closer, I'd be interested in the shell...when are you coming to Kansas again? lol
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #19
I understand and atleast you're keeping a cougar alive with it.
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #20
Yeah, trust me guys, the cougar needs the parts! Sorry to hear it's done, but I was pretty amazed that it was still running in the first place, so...

I'm still planning on heading down there around March if everything works out. I need to get the car in the shop for the transmission swap.

You know, if you do get those parts swapped over, you have to retag the Cougar for the street.  :)
1983 Tbird with '03 Split Port V6 motor swap done! Headers, dual exhaust, 500CFM Edelbrock, 3G upgrade, Electric fan. 3.73 Gears and an FRPP Limited Slip. Five lug complete! 5-Speed conversion complete! Standalone Fuel Injection in progress...

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #21
Yeah, it was pretty well beat, that's why I picked it up so cheap.  The Cougar does need the parts pretty bad.  The Cougar actually does have current tags and insurance but I rarely drive it.  I didn't bother giving you a ride in it because its a real turd with the 2.73s.  Hopefully I get the TC stuff swapped before the semester starts. 

Did you get a chance to see anything cool while you were here?
1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #22
I keep thinking that I would love another toy/fun/project car besides my 88 T-bird. The problem is when I think about it I would be dividing my time between two cars, which means that they would both sit more than being driven. I'd rather have one toy car and treat it right then half ass two cars. I can see where you're coming from with using the car as a parts car. Plus if you're in school you don't need another money drain. I'm going back to get my masters in two weeks. School isn't cheap :punchballs:.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #23
Last pics of the TC before parting started.  Today I took out the seats, radiator, fans, intercooler, and swapped the rear ends with the Cougar's.













1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #24
I'm interested in the door panels and the rear sail panels if they are in good shape.  I notice they screwed the armrests up!

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #25
If the passenger side seat belt buckle and plastic housing are in good shape, I would definitely be interested.

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #26
The door panels are in great shape with the exception of the armrests.  I can't believe some clown screwed them on like that.  Sail panels also good. 

The seats are gone.  I gave them to a buddy to put in his Mustang.  The seat belt buckles and plastic housings were in perfect shape.  If they don't work out for his car I will get them back.

I will make a post in the For Sale section when I get the stuff I need out of it but feel free to PM me with any requests and I'll see what I can do.
1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #27
A little more progress made on taking everything apart today.



1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #28
Engine and tranny is out.  Swapping front brakes and springs next weekend. 

Parting out thread if interested in parts  ----->  http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?30476-Parting-out-87-TC

1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver

I'm a fool (87 TC thread)

Reply #29
Today I got the steering column, dash, brake unit, and pedals pulled.

1986 Mercury Cougar - 2.3T/T5 swap, TC brakes and suspension and rearend, 3" exhaust, 255 lph fuel pump, Stinger BOV, Gillis MBC @ 18 psi
2003 Chevy Suburban Z71 - Daily driver
2015 Chevy Volt - Wife's daily driver