https://turbotbird.com/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:40:06 +0000 MyBB https://turbotbird.com/thread-no-spark-car-cranks Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:16:46 +0000 Entropy1988]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-no-spark-car-cranks https://turbotbird.com/thread-1985-tc-miss-at-idle Thu, 11 Jun 2026 01:55:57 +0000 88Slowbird]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-1985-tc-miss-at-idle I’ve been told it’s normal and many turbo coupes have this issue 

Drives well otherwise just when I’m sitting still at idle it misses 

Already tried these: TFI, Plugs, wires, ignition coil, ECT, TPS, VAM

Compression is great 150 on all cylinders and did a leakdown test I don’t have a valve issue 

Timing is good and set at 10° BTDC with spout removed

I have looked all over and don’t see any vacuum leaks and it holds over 20” of vac at idle

Has a RR cam / roller followers so I don’t have a worn slider cam to cause problems 

Fuel pressure is great and it doesn’t ping or detonate in boost 

Only two things I haven’t touched are the PIP or ECU at this point 

I would add a video but I’m not sure how to attach it here lol]]> I’ve been told it’s normal and many turbo coupes have this issue 

Drives well otherwise just when I’m sitting still at idle it misses 

Already tried these: TFI, Plugs, wires, ignition coil, ECT, TPS, VAM

Compression is great 150 on all cylinders and did a leakdown test I don’t have a valve issue 

Timing is good and set at 10° BTDC with spout removed

I have looked all over and don’t see any vacuum leaks and it holds over 20” of vac at idle

Has a RR cam / roller followers so I don’t have a worn slider cam to cause problems 

Fuel pressure is great and it doesn’t ping or detonate in boost 

Only two things I haven’t touched are the PIP or ECU at this point 

I would add a video but I’m not sure how to attach it here lol]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-talladega-from-the-outside Tue, 26 May 2026 22:39:13 +0000 w60]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-talladega-from-the-outside
]]>
]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-t-bird-at-talladega-5-23-2026 Sun, 24 May 2026 21:20:54 +0000 w60]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-t-bird-at-talladega-5-23-2026

]]>

]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-88-turbo-coupe-fuse-panel Sat, 16 May 2026 21:27:24 +0000 Fizz88]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-88-turbo-coupe-fuse-panel https://turbotbird.com/thread-blower-resistor-motorola-sj5783 Mon, 11 May 2026 17:48:36 +0000 dunedog65]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-blower-resistor-motorola-sj5783 https://turbotbird.com/thread-rear-axle-maintenance Mon, 11 May 2026 10:16:10 +0000 anasazi4st]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-rear-axle-maintenance Since it seems to be a slow time here, I wanted to share the most recent struggle I had doing something that should be mundane work on my Turbo Coupe.

It has been long past time since my rear axle needed to have its fluid changed. While I realize this is not vital, when you have a car that's 40 years old preventative maintenance becomes paramount.

I have done this several times in the past, and it was not an issue. This time was different.

(WORD TO THE WISE: Before starting this job, make sure you can first get the Fill Plug loose so it can be removed.) I did not.

I guess you can imagine what happened next. I loosened the cover plate, drained the oil, cleaned both surfaces of the housing and the cover plate, in preparation for the silicone applied as the gasket.

Then, at least I did one smart thing--I thought it would be a good idea to try to remove the fill plug.

It would not come out. I tried using a big breaker bar; using a Ryobi torque driver. It would not budge. I heated the plug using an acetylene torch. I spayed it liberally several times with Superzilla.*

None of these things worked. After a week of working with this part-time, I gave up. Instead, I drilled a hole in the cover plate, spot welded a nut to the inner side of it and installed an M10 bolt with a gasket, the end of which I cut off so it was flush with the nut. That's now my fill hole. The downside of this is you can't actually measure how much fluid is in there. I figured at some point I would take it to a garage, have them put it on the lift and then try to get that fill plug at least loose.

I could drill it out, but I don't think it's that vital to have.


*I saw this product advertised whilst watching an SEC college football game late one night (apparently it's big in the South). I visited the Superzilla website and was impressed. I wanted to rebuild a spare turbocharger, and I thought this might come in handy. Of course in the process of doing that, part of the housing has gotten wedged inside another part due to the extreme heat. It's recommended to apply WD-40 and pound on it until eventually you knock it loose. Since I have rebuilt turbos several times I've gotten used to doing this. But this time I used Superzilla and it came apart mostly right away.)]]> Since it seems to be a slow time here, I wanted to share the most recent struggle I had doing something that should be mundane work on my Turbo Coupe.

It has been long past time since my rear axle needed to have its fluid changed. While I realize this is not vital, when you have a car that's 40 years old preventative maintenance becomes paramount.

I have done this several times in the past, and it was not an issue. This time was different.

(WORD TO THE WISE: Before starting this job, make sure you can first get the Fill Plug loose so it can be removed.) I did not.

I guess you can imagine what happened next. I loosened the cover plate, drained the oil, cleaned both surfaces of the housing and the cover plate, in preparation for the silicone applied as the gasket.

Then, at least I did one smart thing--I thought it would be a good idea to try to remove the fill plug.

It would not come out. I tried using a big breaker bar; using a Ryobi torque driver. It would not budge. I heated the plug using an acetylene torch. I spayed it liberally several times with Superzilla.*

None of these things worked. After a week of working with this part-time, I gave up. Instead, I drilled a hole in the cover plate, spot welded a nut to the inner side of it and installed an M10 bolt with a gasket, the end of which I cut off so it was flush with the nut. That's now my fill hole. The downside of this is you can't actually measure how much fluid is in there. I figured at some point I would take it to a garage, have them put it on the lift and then try to get that fill plug at least loose.

I could drill it out, but I don't think it's that vital to have.


*I saw this product advertised whilst watching an SEC college football game late one night (apparently it's big in the South). I visited the Superzilla website and was impressed. I wanted to rebuild a spare turbocharger, and I thought this might come in handy. Of course in the process of doing that, part of the housing has gotten wedged inside another part due to the extreme heat. It's recommended to apply WD-40 and pound on it until eventually you knock it loose. Since I have rebuilt turbos several times I've gotten used to doing this. But this time I used Superzilla and it came apart mostly right away.)]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-a-c-belt-and-tensioner Mon, 11 May 2026 04:48:22 +0000 anasazi4st]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-a-c-belt-and-tensioner
This is one of those things that had I had a "Back to the Future" moment, I would've purchased like three tensioners and two or three belts back then.

This tensioner is not easy to locate. I found one on Amazon and bought it, but then my money was refunded, they said it was out of stock. I have the original part number, but it doesn't cross over.

As for the belt have so far purchased three belt--two from AutoZone and one from NAPA--that don't fit properly. Having the right belt tensioner would probably help is one that I have as I said has been damaged.

Would someone mind going and looking at the belt number they have on their car (1987 TC) So I can track it down that way? Does anybody have or know where I can get another belt tensioner for the A/C belt?

As always, thanks for any help you can provide.]]>
This is one of those things that had I had a "Back to the Future" moment, I would've purchased like three tensioners and two or three belts back then.

This tensioner is not easy to locate. I found one on Amazon and bought it, but then my money was refunded, they said it was out of stock. I have the original part number, but it doesn't cross over.

As for the belt have so far purchased three belt--two from AutoZone and one from NAPA--that don't fit properly. Having the right belt tensioner would probably help is one that I have as I said has been damaged.

Would someone mind going and looking at the belt number they have on their car (1987 TC) So I can track it down that way? Does anybody have or know where I can get another belt tensioner for the A/C belt?

As always, thanks for any help you can provide.]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-best-tire-options-for-use-case Sat, 02 May 2026 14:25:15 +0000 unclefalter]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-best-tire-options-for-use-case
I've been absent a long while.  Still have my 88 Turbocoupe but haven't driven it at all in 2-3 years.  Life has been busy and it has a steadily growing needs list. Covid really threw me off of cars for a while too.

Apart from a tank of stabilized but probably bad 3 year old premium gas that needs to be drained and replaced, it needs tires.

I'm looking for recommendations.  The car gets driven fewer than 2000 KM a year, so the tires will age out before they wear out.  I don't drive aggressively.]]>
I've been absent a long while.  Still have my 88 Turbocoupe but haven't driven it at all in 2-3 years.  Life has been busy and it has a steadily growing needs list. Covid really threw me off of cars for a while too.

Apart from a tank of stabilized but probably bad 3 year old premium gas that needs to be drained and replaced, it needs tires.

I'm looking for recommendations.  The car gets driven fewer than 2000 KM a year, so the tires will age out before they wear out.  I don't drive aggressively.]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-t-bird-won%E2%80%99t-start Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:33:03 +0000 Charlesw]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-t-bird-won%E2%80%99t-start https://turbotbird.com/thread-have-our-admins-thrown-in-the-towel Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:32:01 +0000 Chas K 88]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-have-our-admins-thrown-in-the-towel I reported a few but they're still here adding more...]]> I reported a few but they're still here adding more...]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-bronze-distributor-gear-help-needed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:57:27 +0000 devigiorno]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-bronze-distributor-gear-help-needed https://turbotbird.com/thread-my-tc-modification-updates Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:02:17 +0000 anasazi4st]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-my-tc-modification-updates Here.There are two updates to my TC that were (relatively) recently done: first, I installed the DIY IVR (Instrument Voltage Regulator), because I got fed up with the erratic operation of the OEM. The other one--similarly related--was the OEM ammeter. I grew tired of the OEM one, but could not locate a pillar mount for individual gauges. After several hours spent tracing wiring under the hood I decided, "screw this", and decided to directly wire the ammeter to the battery and alternator.

It was fairly straightforward, but it took extra extra care to make sure I didn't fry anything. The result works wonderfully--well, as well as the OEM unit can be expected to work. These often have magnet issues where the thing will become unresponsive. Usually just "jolting" it with some battery voltage "unsticks" it; well, this time I must have done something wrong, because it completely failed to work afterwards, hence my decision to make the change.

I reported here on my success at getting it to work again after the installation 3 years ago of the 130 amp alternator. (Let me just say, I won't EVER go back to the stock 75 amp one. If you haven't converted yet--you really should.) There is just so much extra duplicated wiring in there now--after a few months I am going to remove what is no longer needed.

I will write up a post describing it here, although as I said, it is fairly straightforward; and also Here (my website).]]> Here.There are two updates to my TC that were (relatively) recently done: first, I installed the DIY IVR (Instrument Voltage Regulator), because I got fed up with the erratic operation of the OEM. The other one--similarly related--was the OEM ammeter. I grew tired of the OEM one, but could not locate a pillar mount for individual gauges. After several hours spent tracing wiring under the hood I decided, "screw this", and decided to directly wire the ammeter to the battery and alternator.

It was fairly straightforward, but it took extra extra care to make sure I didn't fry anything. The result works wonderfully--well, as well as the OEM unit can be expected to work. These often have magnet issues where the thing will become unresponsive. Usually just "jolting" it with some battery voltage "unsticks" it; well, this time I must have done something wrong, because it completely failed to work afterwards, hence my decision to make the change.

I reported here on my success at getting it to work again after the installation 3 years ago of the 130 amp alternator. (Let me just say, I won't EVER go back to the stock 75 amp one. If you haven't converted yet--you really should.) There is just so much extra duplicated wiring in there now--after a few months I am going to remove what is no longer needed.

I will write up a post describing it here, although as I said, it is fairly straightforward; and also Here (my website).]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-my-absence Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:55:14 +0000 anasazi4st]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-my-absence
It's great to be back here.

Without going into too much detail, late April 2 years ago, my wife passed away suddenly. She had had a stroke in 2012 and the complications of that eventually killed her. She had a lot of arrhythmia and her doctor believes that the arrhythmia caused her to suffer a major heart attack. She likely did not know what was happening to her.

Obviously when something like that happens it kind of changes your perspective and your priorities. We had been together for a total of 18 years. But for the last three or four, she became somebody I hardly knew. There is a statistic that says something like 67% of relationships end when one partner has a stroke, because the changes to their personality can be so great that the other person doesn't really know them any more.

I regret not being on here to answer your questions, and to learn things, but obviously just surviving was a priority for me, considering everything else that was going on. Our household income was cut in half, and posting on here just did not seem as important.

I still have my 87 Turbo Coupe and it still runs very well--but I'm having a strange starter issue. I go through about one starter a month. I'm using brand new AC Delco starters--The whole front of the engagement part of the casing (where the pinion gear is) breaks off; some into pieces, some just a clean break. The scary part of course is that you have rotating parts in there--clutch, flywheel, etc. The engine actually blew one of the fragments through the bellhousing. (!!) I'm really kind of a loss as to what's causing this.

Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone in advance for your kind thoughts and well wishes. I consider many of you on here my friends, even though we've never met. I certainly did not post this for sympathy, but I thought you should know why I have not been here for so long.

I will be participating more often now.]]>
It's great to be back here.

Without going into too much detail, late April 2 years ago, my wife passed away suddenly. She had had a stroke in 2012 and the complications of that eventually killed her. She had a lot of arrhythmia and her doctor believes that the arrhythmia caused her to suffer a major heart attack. She likely did not know what was happening to her.

Obviously when something like that happens it kind of changes your perspective and your priorities. We had been together for a total of 18 years. But for the last three or four, she became somebody I hardly knew. There is a statistic that says something like 67% of relationships end when one partner has a stroke, because the changes to their personality can be so great that the other person doesn't really know them any more.

I regret not being on here to answer your questions, and to learn things, but obviously just surviving was a priority for me, considering everything else that was going on. Our household income was cut in half, and posting on here just did not seem as important.

I still have my 87 Turbo Coupe and it still runs very well--but I'm having a strange starter issue. I go through about one starter a month. I'm using brand new AC Delco starters--The whole front of the engagement part of the casing (where the pinion gear is) breaks off; some into pieces, some just a clean break. The scary part of course is that you have rotating parts in there--clutch, flywheel, etc. The engine actually blew one of the fragments through the bellhousing. (!!) I'm really kind of a loss as to what's causing this.

Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone in advance for your kind thoughts and well wishes. I consider many of you on here my friends, even though we've never met. I certainly did not post this for sympathy, but I thought you should know why I have not been here for so long.

I will be participating more often now.]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-1988-tc-r12-to-r134a-conversion Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:35:19 +0000 landtuna]]> https://turbotbird.com/thread-1988-tc-r12-to-r134a-conversion
I understand I would have to replace the compressor and the drier.  Would anyone have additional information on the conversion and possible shops that could do this job accurately?  I am willing to travel if necessary.

TIA!]]>
I understand I would have to replace the compressor and the drier.  Would anyone have additional information on the conversion and possible shops that could do this job accurately?  I am willing to travel if necessary.

TIA!]]>