Picked up a T-Bird TC Need a Little Help

[SHO_SHANE]

Im the very happy owner of a 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. I picked it up VERY cheap from the man that got it brand new in 1987. It only has 79K on it and minus a woman running over the front of it is in great shape. Its bone stock but Im hoping wont stay that way for long.

Here are some pics:

[SHO_SHANE]

No Core Damage:



The Inside is a 10 out of a 10:



Everything is here:


Stock motor:



Both of my cars together:


Ok so with the TC there is a few probs:
1. Driver and Passinger window do not work. I checked the fuse and it looks good. I also tried a jumper on the back of the switch and still nothing. What could it be?

2. The car runs like a brand new car, But twice now at idle it has just died? It fires right back up and runs perfect, it has only done it twice and has been at idle both times. What could this be?

3. Once now the cars idle has moved around on its own. Like from the 1000rpm idle to 2500rpm, then to 1500rpm, then steady at 3200rpm. Then I killed it and restarted to a perfect idle again. WHat could this be?

All in all its a great car so far and Im hoping to get to some tastefull mods to come.

What do yall think?

[Denny]

1. It could possibly be both motors, if you've ruled out the switch and verified power going to it. Remember, it's an old car now.

2 and 3. Mine had both those issues that started almost simultaneously. I found a vacuum leak (verified by letting it idle and spraying around under the hood w/ starter spray).

[Denny]

BTW, ditch the IHI turbo and grab a .63 out of an earlier XR4Ti, SVO, TC, etc. (Hell, even a .48 will be better than the IHI)

The intercooler is larger, but with some finesse, it can stay under the hood with clearence and the bigger turbo.

Ranger cam, a must cheap upgrade.

Let that exhaust go!

[dville_gt]

looks like you are dripping fluid from...well, everywhere!

[SHO_SHANE]

looks like you are dripping fluid from...well, everywhere!

LOL fresh wash.

[greenbullitt]

damn, i threw away a good aero nose the same color! i might have an svo garret with the .63 turbine hsg

[SHO_SHANE]

BTW, ditch the IHI turbo and grab a .63 out of an earlier XR4Ti, SVO, TC, etc. (Hell, even a .48 will be better than the IHI)

The intercooler is larger, but with some finesse, it can stay under the hood with clearence and the bigger turbo.

Ranger cam, a must cheap upgrade.

Let that exhaust go!

Well this is going to stay a DD so I might get to a turbo upgrade. But first I'd like to get a single 3in exhaust, Hard Pipe, Blowoff Valve, and a Front Mount. Then a "little" more boost, some gauges, and some free mods.

Not looking for much out of this tank. Can I ask whats wrong with a IHI Turbo?

[SHO_SHANE]

damn, i threw away a good aero nose the same color! i might have an svo garret with the .63 turbine hsg

Check and let me know. Ill pick it up if you do. PM me.

[Justa4Banger]

As denny said, vacuume leaks from old rotten rubber lines could be an issue
Also check the tube that goes from the VAM (vane air meter) to the turbo, IC couple between the IC and throttle body. Next would be the idle air controller IAC, its attached the to Tb, they are known to gewt gumbed up.
last check the VAM itself, over time the VAM can get dead spots on the contacts from the vane moving back and forth.

Search turboford.org for info and also NATO. the VAM should read from 0-5 volts continuously without going to Zero...

on the windows i suspect a relay or the switches, could be the motors. one way to know is to jumper power straight to the motors and see if they work.

Clean ride.

Definite upgradrs should be a .63 ar tubo from a SVO. .48 housings spool quick but choke quickly on the top end. a Ranger roller is better than the stock cam, but a Boport cam will really unlock some ponies, once other things come together, as in head work, bigger turbo, different exhaust.

Cheap mods are a boost controller, a bit more fuel pressure, 3" exhaust down pipe and a better intercooler.

I'm a big fan of these 2.3's and made some damn good power when mine was running... 430+whp, of course i did that on factory rods and in the end a #4 rod let go and grenaded the engine....

[Justa4Banger]

IHI is just SMALL..... it doesn't breathe well on the topend and its usually the first big puchase item to get replaced..

If you want to purchase one turbo that will give you lots of head room for more power , then look at a SC50 precision unit... this is what i made all my power with..., well that and alot of other mods...lol

[Justa4Banger]

i would defintely look into upgrading the fuel pump as the stockers get old and tired and have a hard time keeping up with higher boost pressures and higher fuel pressures.

[thedriver33]

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/2606502735.html

saw it the other day.....not bad

[JC316]

Also saw it on craigslist, really wanted it to go along with my super coupe, but $2800 was a touch out of my range. As for the window motor, try holding down the switch and slamming the door. If that doesn't work, take the door panel off, hold the switch down and give the motor a whack with a hammer. 9 times out of 10, the widow will start working.

[thedriver33]

agreed.....slight over priced with a busted bumper....been waiting for the old man down the street from to part ways with his....soon i hope.