Thunderbird's First Flight

[realtripp]

I took my new(to me) $100 Thunderbird out for a quick spin tonight.

First impression is WHEEEEE! The low end torque of the 5.0 really feels nice. I can't wait to modify it and make even more power with it. It takes almost nothing to do a torque stand and make the tires sqeal.

This is a fairly worn out engine with 194,000 miles on it. It has bad blowby through the oil filler neck. But it still pulls pretty healthily for a 3800 pound car. This thing is easily 1/2 ton heavier than my Stang.

It has a knock sound over bumps, so I think I need to check out the front suspension soon and figure out why and what.

Viva La Windsor!

 

[stang8urimport]

Knock sound I am almost 100% the upper ball joints. Those are very common to go out and clunk. Bad part is they are not serviceable and you have to replace the whole upper control arm. Good buy though! Have fun!

 

[realtripp]

I work at a parts store so cost is a significantly lessened object. Time is the more pricey one to me.

Thanks for the pointer though.

 

[kevin2m4]

i have a 300$ cougar xr7 very similar.

i share the joy. also had to do that upper control arm and both lower ball joints. and rear brakes. the calipers are expensive.

 

[kevin2m4]

 

[kevin2m4]

show pics of your mn12

 

[kevin2m4]

mines a 1991 as well

 

[bryce93lx]

isn't the modern 5.0 a member of the "boss" engine Family

 

[kevin2m4]

whos the boss?

 

[realtripp]

show pics of your mn12

I will try to get pics up soon. I know how to use the camera but my brother knows how to put them on teh intraweb.

Yours is nice, the leather interior looks healthy as well.

mine has a dirty grey cloth interior. I will fix the dirty part soon.

Mine has rear drums, which sucks, but I am getting better at drum brakes ever time I do them.

 

[realtripp]

isn't the modern 5.0 a member of the "boss" engine Family

If I remember what I read before, the BOSS engine is kind of a "Clevor" with the Windsor bottom end and Cleveland 4v heads, large bore short stroke design.

I could be entirely wrong and screwed up though.

It's rare that that happens, but not unheard of.

 

[90_Red_LX]

If I remember what I read before, the BOSS engine is kind of a "Clevor" with the Windsor bottom end and Cleveland 4v heads, large bore short stroke design.

I could be entirely wrong and screwed up though.

It's rare that that happens, but not unheard of.

Right. The boss 302 ran cleveland heads. Thats why they didn't have a lot down low, but could rev to 7k factory. Very nice heads, and a very nice setup.