Might purchase an 86 TC. Performance mods???

My friend says he's willing to let his super clean 86 Turbo Coupe go. I'm not crazy about the color (baby blue like in the link) but it has grey interior so a color change won't be a huge problem. It's a super nice car he's owned since 1990. It's bone stock.

Anyway, I'm a V8 guy but the more I think about it making this little four banger go would be fun. I know money can make anything fast but what would y'all suggest for budget minded mods? I'm thinking an intercooler, down pipe, cat delete, exhaust, intake, tune. I think there's some kind of cam that can be had for reasonable cost. 4:10s????

Suggestions please. TIA

Blue 86 TC

Click on this to see baby blue TC:


Blue 86 TC

He sent me pics tonight. I'M STOKED!

Are you sure it's an '86, Matt? It would have the 3rd brake light in '86. Plus the center console should be the darker gray for '86. Looks like an '85 to me. Not that is really matters - just my observations.

There are several options to get more performance out of these. Do you have a HP goal you'd like to achieve, or just more "pep in the step", if you will? You'd be surprised what some people have gotten these little 2.3's to do. I hope he posts the run here, but one of our message board members just got his '88 TC into the 9's in the quarter. Obviously a LOT of work went into this car. There are a few sub-10 second 2.3's running around. I have a few links to share with you later, when I have more time.

Actually, it might be an 85. This was a six year process and to be honest I haven't asked him recently. I'll fund out tomorrow.

I'd be looking to just pep it up a little. Easy bolt-ons, maybe 250 RWHP or so. Look forward to any info you can give. I've been a Ford fanatic all my life, but have never messed with these engines.

the car looks absolutely great!! I am pretty sure the color is regatta blue. my sons 1987 is the same color.you don`t see many in this color let alone in that condition!! best of luck going forward welcome to the web site,....t`s ol fords

Wow! The car looks amazing!

A good FMIC and a Gillis valve to up the boost to the high teens, and if you want to keep the Ford engine control electronics, an upgrade to a LA series PCM with its more aggressive timing tables will really wake the engine up. A full 3" exhaust will help a lot also. Of course, if you want more, a cam, head porting, etc and a PIMP (requires tuning on your part) will really get it going.

Nice looking car. Here is an article on the basic mods to get started: http://turbotbird.com/techinfo/Mods/Mods01.htm

Thanks y'all!

Wow! The car looks amazing!

A good FMIC and a Gillis valve to up the boost to the high teens, and if you want to keep the Ford engine control electronics, an upgrade to a LA series PCM with its more aggressive timing tables will really wake the engine up. A full 3" exhaust will help a lot also. Of course, if you want more, a cam, head porting, etc and a PIMP (requires tuning on your part) will really get it going.

Could you spell out those acronyms for me? I'm lost LOL.
Never messed with one of these turbo 4s