Doing things in the RIGHT order

Alright, so here's the deal, I really want to fix my car up as much as possible and as much in the correct order I can.. So far, I have a K&N cone filter, a gutted cat (which I think is clogged causing my car to overheat [mind you, I'm going to be removing the cat for a 3" dp and possibly a Borla exhaust]) and the stage 2 Star Clutch.
What next? I'm not sure what to do next! I'm thinking about doing a tune-up and then doing the "go-fast" mods, but what all should I do when I do the tune-up?
Thanks guys!
-Amy-

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1987 Red Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Been in the family since I was 6 and I've been telling my dad since then that it's my car.
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mods - K&N Cone filter, gutted catalytic, Star Clutch Stage II
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Tuneup: Motorcraftd plug wires see part # forum for part #. Autolite 764 plugs gapped to 0.032, distributor cap and rotot. Check the timing, clean the IAC out and check/reset the idle and TPS.

Does Borla still make an exhaust for our cars? I know I checked for the SVO recently and was told they no longer made on for it.

If yuou don't have one yet, a boost control valve, like the Gillis valve, would be a good next step after the exhaust and clutch. After that you will have to decide "where" you want to take the car mods wise

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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
"The nice thing about each new day is nobody ever used it before" Barnaby Jones
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm

Are Motorcraft wires really the best ones for our cars? What about Magnecor? (Sp?)
I'm not sure if Borla still makes an exhaust for our car, but I think I've seen one labeled as an exhaust for the 87-88 bird on a dealer's website somwhere! (My hubby has Borla and I love the way it sounds!)
So, a tuneup would be, wires, plugs, distributor cap, timing check, idle check.. the only thing is, what is a "rotot", IAC and TPS?
I already have the clutch, but I think I really need to at least put a test piece where the cat is because I'm sure that when we had our "gut the cat day" we clogged up the end...
Thanks Pete!

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1987 Red Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Been in the family since I was 6 and I've been telling my dad since then that it's my car.
------------
mods - K&N Cone filter, gutted catalytic, Star Clutch Stage II
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My apologies for the mis spelled words. The rotod is really a rotor and it fits under the distributor cap. The parts store will know what you mean if you ask for a "distributor cap and rotor"
The IAC is the cylinder like thing attached to the back side of the throttle body. It can get gummed up and adversly affect idle. Just unbolt it and spray it out with carb cleaner. Just 2 bolts pointed toward the fire wall. The TPS is the throttle position sensor and it is mounted right under the IAC. There is an article on how to set the idle and set/check the TPS in the Tech Articles.

On the clutch. I would recommend that you replace everything at one time. That would include new clutch plate, pressure plate, throw out bearing and clutch fork ($12 from Ford) Also have the flywheel resurfaced. This is important or the clutch will soon start slipping. BTDT

If you find that the borla is still available for an 87-88 TC please post the news.

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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
"The nice thing about each new day is nobody ever used it before" Barnaby Jones
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm