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Topic: new member here. Hello (Read 5473 times) previous topic - next topic

new member here. Hello

Just checkin in here.  Some of the 2.3t guys may know me already. Brian aka Deathbypsi from Turboford and rest of the interweb...

ANyway, I just picked up a 83 TC as a roller and have some cool plans to get it back on the road asap as my new go to work toy since I drive 100+ miles a day and killing my 3 year old F150 with 500+ miles a week.


Hoping to find the info and help I need here since this is my first Tbird
Brian R.
88 2.3t Ranger
83 TC  gt40p motor,Vortech,TFS1 cam,long tubes,MS PnP,T5,8.8,17x9 Cobra 17s

new member here. Hello

Reply #1 –
Welcome to the group.  We like pictures.

Go Fast the first time.  The tickets the same.
86 Thunderbird 5.0.  All original good weather driver. Tbird Reg #53035
86 Thunderbird TC.  All original good weather driver.  Tbird Reg # 58555
87 Thunderbird TC.  All original good weather daily driver.  Tbird Reg # 64647

new member here. Hello

Reply #2 –
Here are a couple from friday when I brought it home.



Is there a place here for me to document the rebuild? 

And how does the general population feel about non concours restos here?
Brian R.
88 2.3t Ranger
83 TC  gt40p motor,Vortech,TFS1 cam,long tubes,MS PnP,T5,8.8,17x9 Cobra 17s

new member here. Hello

Reply #3 –
Welcome aboard :D Nice looking project basis. You can make a build thread in the body section. That seems to be where most are. I'm speaking for myself here, but generally it don't matter if it's concourse or not. Make it yours and be happy :burnout:

Just noticed the hood. Those aren't available anymore, that I've found anyway. Mainly stock type or cowls now. Unless of course you do something like Vinnie's hood ..... such a sweeeeeet hood too!  :headbang:


86' T/C 4.6L DOHC
16' Chebby Cruze 1.4L Turbo
17’ Peterbilt 389 600hp 1850ftlb Trq 18spd

[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

“Heavy Metal Mistress”
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

new member here. Hello

Reply #4 –
Welcome, very nice, what are the wheels off of?

new member here. Hello

Reply #5 –
Quote from: deathbypsi;454740
Just checkin in here.  Some of the 2.3t guys may know me already. Brian aka Deathbypsi from Turboford and rest of the interweb...

ANyway, I just picked up a 83 TC as a roller and have some cool plans to get it back on the road asap as my new go to work toy since I drive 100+ miles a day and killing my 3 year old F150 with 500+ miles a week.


Hoping to find the info and help I need here since this is my first Tbird


Welcome to the forum, great place for tech and info.

Quote from: 83TB;454751
Welcome, very nice, what are the wheels off of?

They look like 93 Mustang Cobra rims painted black with unpainted center caps.....








1983 FORD THUNDERBIRD HERITAGE 5.0
2008 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 (LS2) 1 0f 554 Made
2011 FORD FLEX SEL Family Hauler

new member here. Hello

Reply #6 –
Funny thing about that hood...... I hate it. lol

I traded if off for a stock 88 TC hood. Just not the look Im going for.

Yes the wheels are 93 Cobra 17s but I havent looked close enough yet to see if they are painted or powder coated. I would rather have then back to the stock finish myself so that will happen if its just black paint. Im ready to buy some tires for them but I cant decide if I should go 245/45 at all corners or put a 245/50 or a 255 on rear yet. I will be lowering the car a bit but I want the rear wheel well filled up with as much tire as I can fit on these wheels. Sinks that they are a goofy 7.5" width.
Brian R.
88 2.3t Ranger
83 TC  gt40p motor,Vortech,TFS1 cam,long tubes,MS PnP,T5,8.8,17x9 Cobra 17s

new member here. Hello

Reply #7 –
What are your plans for the engine?
1988 Thunderbird
2012 Focus SE

new member here. Hello

Reply #8 –
I have a 96 Explorer 5.0,t5 and a 88 TC 8.8 with 3.27s. Im using a 90 Mustang mass air harness and ecm. Heads getting ported by "Scholdes" and I have a TFS stage 1 cam for it.
Brian R.
88 2.3t Ranger
83 TC  gt40p motor,Vortech,TFS1 cam,long tubes,MS PnP,T5,8.8,17x9 Cobra 17s

new member here. Hello

Reply #9 –
I'm getting ready to do a similar swap. 89 mustang 5.0 and 8.8 with a Tremec 3550 into an 88 V6 bird
1988 Thunderbird
2012 Focus SE

new member here. Hello

Reply #10 –
Quote from: deathbypsi;454777
I have a 96 Explorer 5.0,t5 and a 88 TC 8.8 with 3.27s. Im using a 90 Mustang mass air harness and ecm. Heads getting ported by "Scholdes" and I have a TFS stage 1 cam for it.


Your going to end up having to repin and rewire quite a bit trying to use the Explorer harness. Your best bet would be to try and find an 88 5.0 bird harness and add the mass air to it. Most of the rewiring you will have to do is for the dash, gages, AC, exc.
87 TC
HO Swap, T5 Swap, Mach Springs, CHE Upper and Lower control arms, Mach Chin spoiler, soon to be Procharged.

:evilgrin: Nitrous is like a hot chick with an STD you want to hit it but are scared of the consequences. :evilgrin:

new member here. Hello

Reply #11 –
I do happen to have an extra 88 5.0 harness that has been sitting in a box for several years. I was going to use it but ended up going with a FAST standalone. PM me if your interested.
87 TC
HO Swap, T5 Swap, Mach Springs, CHE Upper and Lower control arms, Mach Chin spoiler, soon to be Procharged.

:evilgrin: Nitrous is like a hot chick with an STD you want to hit it but are scared of the consequences. :evilgrin:

new member here. Hello

Reply #12 –
You missed the part where I said I have a Mustang mass air harness and ecm. Im dropping in a distributor and putting foxbody front dress on motor. No a/c for now and no p/s since Im putting a flaming river manual rack in. I ordered a Powermaster 1 wire 140a alt to eliminate that mess of wiring and Im not using any of the stock gauges. Im making my own cluster with a mix of Autometer and Speedhut gauges with a gps speedo.

Homie aint playin around.
Brian R.
88 2.3t Ranger
83 TC  gt40p motor,Vortech,TFS1 cam,long tubes,MS PnP,T5,8.8,17x9 Cobra 17s

new member here. Hello

Reply #13 –
I thought this was gonna be a simple driver..... :hick:
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!

new member here. Hello

Reply #14 –
:dunno: What part isn't simple? lol

"difficult " is sitting in the garage still!
Brian R.
88 2.3t Ranger
83 TC  gt40p motor,Vortech,TFS1 cam,long tubes,MS PnP,T5,8.8,17x9 Cobra 17s