I was just wondering if I could get some general info. on the turbo coupes. I like the looks, but which is the best year, what kinda hp?, 0-60/ 1/4 times, etc.... Are they easily modded, can they compete with GN's?? Any info would be appreciated. Thank you
turbo coupe
- Thread starter escort?
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I'd say the best years are the 87-88 TCs, as they are intercooled. I prefer the 83-86 body style tho. If I remember correctly the 1/4 times are high 15s to low 16s. But you have to remember, pretty much any chassis mod you can make to a Fox Body mustang you can make to the TBird also. Being the Turbo 2.3L was in the SVO Mustang to the Merkur XR4Ti, the 2.3L Turbo can be made pretty wicked. There was a SVO 'Stang in a MM & FF that turned a 12.9 I believe w/o the bottle, and like a 12.1 w/ the bottle. So they can be wicked...as for compettition for the GN, I dunno about that one!!
Originally posted by escort?
Thanks Stabler, by the way... what the hell were the Merkur's anyway?? I have seen a few but what the hell is it
Merkur's were actually from Ford of Germany. they were excellent German engineered cars, but were highly underrated. plus, many didn't like the looks of them. they were imported by Ford to be sold in Lincoln-Mercury dealers. unfortunately for us, Lincoln-Mercury didn't know how to market them, and sales were always a bit slow, so Ford eventually discontinued importing them. they're still available in Europe, but not as Merkur's (i think). i would rather have a sleeper Merkur, than a turbo-4 Mustang.
right now, i can't find my book on Thunderbirds to give you an exact horsepower figure on '83-'88 Turbo Coupes, but if memory serves me right, the '87-'88 models with the 5-speed manual tranny had 190 hp, with the automatic tranny versions having about 15-20 hp LESS. i think the '83-'86 Turbo Coupes had around 140 hp. because of the hefty weight of the '87-'88 TC's, quarter-mile times were in the low to mid 16's, but back then, those numbers were pretty good. unfortunately, those Buick GN's will just about kick any stock TBird's butt, but only in a straight line. the GN's handling sucked.
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Hey Stryford! Long time no talk man!
IM me when you get this..Scoriox6
IM me when you get this..Scoriox6
if i remember right there was a bigger hp difference between the auto and the 5speed 87-88 TC the 5speeds were 190 and the auto were like 140/150 I saw a 88tc on a lot a few months ago they only wanted like 2500 for it and it was beautiful, i didnt stop and get a good look at it, now i wish i would have.:-?
Here are some specs from www.turbocoupe.com .... http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/6652/tc8788specs.html .
There are ALOT of things you can do to these cars. Check out www.tinyavenger.com .
The best year IMHO is 87-88 because of the intercooler. For another link to check out ....www.turbotbird.com Check out all there vendors and Tech Tips/ How To's. Very informative !!! Hope this helps and Good Luck !!!
There are ALOT of things you can do to these cars. Check out www.tinyavenger.com .
The best year IMHO is 87-88 because of the intercooler. For another link to check out ....www.turbotbird.com Check out all there vendors and Tech Tips/ How To's. Very informative !!! Hope this helps and Good Luck !!!
Thanks everyone! I am seriously thinking about tryign to get my hands on an 87-88 turbocoupe. They seem to sell pretty cheap so if I could sell my Escort for a decent price I would have the money... Now I just have to find one. I used to want a Mustang 5.0, but everyone already knows they are fast, I would like to get one of these (do a little work) and beat all the ricers around here.
I had an 83 TTC and the horsepower was listed at 145. Later it was uprated to 155 as the 85s had NO motor changes to them and they were rated at 155. That figure is the generally accepted figure up until 87 when the intercooler raised the bar. It was then basically an SVO engine, anywhere from 175-200hp.
Mine was a blast to drive, and it was hella fast for it's day. 0-60 times were about 7.9 seconds and top speed was listed as 142. (not many performance cars out there in the early 80s) I miss it about as much as I miss my Mark 8s, which is quite a bit, but then you can't have everything.
Mine was a blast to drive, and it was hella fast for it's day. 0-60 times were about 7.9 seconds and top speed was listed as 142. (not many performance cars out there in the early 80s) I miss it about as much as I miss my Mark 8s, which is quite a bit, but then you can't have everything.
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I have had a couple of '87 TC's. One with the original turbo-4 and one with a '93 5.0. They were both fun, but I liked the Turbo 4 better. Stock it had 190hp and 240lb-ft of torque. According to Motor Trend it would run 0-60 in 8.59, low 16's in the quarter and top out at 141. In '87 it was the third fastest top end US production car. Throw a chip and bigger injectors in and you'll see 280 horse. However if you really want a sleeper find a 89-90 Cougar with the blown 3.8 and a stick shift, that baby will GO! Of all my T-birds the '89 SC was best, however the Turbo-4 '87 was cool in its day and that 302 just sounded mean.
Why the hell did I sell those cars???
Why the hell did I sell those cars???
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