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Ok give me a heads up here...

  • Thread starter Thread starter notched86
  • Start date Start date Jun 11, 2004

notched86

Founding Member
Aug 7, 2002
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Ruckersville, VA
Jun 11, 2004
#1
  • Jun 11, 2004
  • #1
What exactly is the difference between a 5-speed and automatic '87 Turbocoupe? I noticed the hp rating for the auto is 150 and the 5-speed is 190.
Is there any actual engine, rear end, or computer differences? I would figure there would be some minor differences, but ultimately I just want to swap this motor into a Mustang and was wondering if it was even worth messing with the automatic TC's.
 

freakintiger

New Member
Apr 8, 2004
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Virginia Beach, VA :TAX CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!
Jun 11, 2004
#2
  • Jun 11, 2004
  • #2
Here's a guess: If memory serves, 5.0l cars had different cams, a cam for the auto, and a cam for manual. The stick car always got the hotter cam.
The same may be true of the turbo 4s.
 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!
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Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom
Jun 11, 2004
#3
  • Jun 11, 2004
  • #3
What I've heard so far is that the only real difference was between the computers. If you swap a 5 speed into an auto TC and then swap computers as well, it'll make the same amount of power. I'm pretty sure that is the case, but I'm not totally sure.
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
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Olathe KS
Jun 11, 2004
#4
  • Jun 11, 2004
  • #4
They are minor differences. The Auto got 3.73 gears, and the manual 3.45. The auto got 9psi of boost, and the manual got 14 or 15psi (biggest difference). The cams are the same. The computer are slightly different (auto is slightly more aggressive). And the last difference I can remember is that the manual got dual exhaust instead of single.
There is certainly nothing wrong using an auto block. Same thing internally, and externally, just different boost mostly.
 

kiddiccarus

The first widely accepted Tranny
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Dec 24, 2003
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Jun 11, 2004
#5
  • Jun 11, 2004
  • #5
I though that the computer was the determining factor in this not wheither the block came from auto or a manual car. I may be confused, I am building up my engine from the block and I always thought that the parts were the same this meaning that the computer and the transmission will determine the performance difference.

Example: If you have 2 ideticle engines #1 having a WC T5, and a LA-3 #2 having a ( 1986 Merkur Auto trans C3 or T9 don't know which is auto) and a PK-1, car #1 should perform better because of the Trans and Computer.

Am I wrong?
 

351wcoupe

New Member
Feb 13, 2003
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Manhattan, Kansas
Jun 11, 2004
#6
  • Jun 11, 2004
  • #6
The important things are already stated.
3.73/3.55 9spi/15psi. The fuel and ignition maps are different.

Yeah engine #1 will beat it.


The 88 TC I think I've told you about a few times already. Was an auto and I switched to 5spd. It only makes 9psi and ran even with a stock 5spd car. I'm thinking with an LA3, and aric gillis it will run really good. Let me know so I can sell it to you. I would like to see someone around here build a TC we can make it fast for cheap.
 

notched86

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Aug 7, 2002
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Ruckersville, VA
Jun 12, 2004
#7
  • Jun 12, 2004
  • #7
So I could swap a 5-speed into an automatic TC with no problem? Just swap it out and go?

And so from what I understand the Automatic computer is actually more desireable then the 5-speed computer?
 

notched86

Founding Member
Aug 7, 2002
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Ruckersville, VA
Jun 13, 2004
#8
  • Jun 13, 2004
  • #8
Right?
 

KoolAid4Cyl.

New Member
Apr 27, 2004
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Madison, Va
Jun 13, 2004
#9
  • Jun 13, 2004
  • #9
I'm not really sure but i'd say the swap would be perfectly legit
 
S

spivster

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Nov 15, 2002
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Sister Lakes, Michigan
Jun 13, 2004
#10
  • Jun 13, 2004
  • #10
notched86 said:
So I could swap a 5-speed into an automatic TC with no problem? Just swap it out and go?

And so from what I understand the Automatic computer is actually more desireable then the 5-speed computer?
Click to expand...

Just grab the computer out of the five speed car. The LA3 is the most desired computer.


*edit* The auto computer limits boost to 10psi while the LA3 goes to 15psi (Depending on the production date the boost is limited to 10psi in upper 3 gears or something like that.) That is why there is a 50hp difference between the auto and manual. You could get a gillis valve and turn the boost up to 15 and you would be at the ~190hp, but the auto wont last long...
 
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