My First T-Bird! Can I Get Some Help Getting Started?

Hey, what's going on everyone? I just bought my first t-bird last week. I bought an 88 black turbocoupe from my friend for 400 dollars. The only problem is it's missing it's engine [Image: frown.gif] He blew his engine and he was about to junk it. So, I told him I would buy it. I'm planning on putting the 5.0 engine in the t-bird and turbocharging it. Can this be done? I'm also going to change out the transmission to a 5-speed manual. I know this is going to be a lot of money, but I think it's a good investment. Can anyone tell me how I can make this possible? I'm going to buy pistons, rockers, pulls, etc. .. . soup up the engine really nicely before I put it back in the car, and put an aftermarket turbo in there, along with a better exhaust, etc.. . etc. .. I would appreciate some opinions on what brands I should go with for my engine rebuild and any pointers you guys have for me. Thanks a lot. Hope to be tearing ass on the road soon with my t-bird!

Emrys

You are going to need a lot of money, but it will be worth the hastle, good luck, just to make sure you're not going to waiste the money, get your plan first, make sure you can aford it and then go ahead and do it.

CHECK OUT THIS LINK. http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs...dgetTT.htm



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N8, FLY FORD!

that's exactly what I'm doing right now. And that's why I'm talking with you fine people. I'm not going to do any audio, interior, or exterior mods to my car until I get it running the way I want it.

I'm going to fix up the engine really nice before I even put it into the car, that way I don't have to go through the hassle of connecting everything and disconnecting everything again and again.

What I would like to know is what type of hardware I should use. Like, what type of high performance pistons will benefit me the most? What kind of camshaft works really good with the 5.0 engines? What brand of smaller pulley set should I look into? The list goes on and on. . .

For one example to work in my favor, I've been reading things about exhaust systems for the t-bird and I've read that the flomaster exhaust don't work good becuase they used a chamber system which actually decreases performance.. . . See, little things like that I need to know before I go out and buy any of it. . . I would appreciate any and as much feedback as I could from everyone. Thanks again! Peace.

Emrys

Emry, the reason the flowmasters don't work as good on the TC is because of the backpressure issue. I don't know if you know this or not but the engine that is supposed to go in your car is a four cylinder turbo. I don't know if all the stuff that we do to modify the turbo-4 will be the same as modifying a turbo 8 cylinder. But I bet a V8 with a turbo (or two turbos) will really haul! Good Luck!

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Kev
88 TC 5spd
K&N in front of the radiator, no mufflers, no cat=straight pipes all the way out the duals, bypassed BCS
Car is all black, no red stripe, blackouts, and chrome duals, red leather interior
Mean Fast and Smooth

Emrys. Well to start out you will need a set of forged pistons. Don't settle for anything else. Here is where you have to be sure of the turbo-charged plan. Turbo motors use low compression 8.5 max. Non turbo motors use 9.0 and up. Forged pistons are used because of the heat factor with turbo's. The best rods (connecting) u can afford is always recommended. Kinda like an insurance policy. For sure if you are thinking Twin -turbo.You need a good aftermarket crankshaft(forged is preferred)This should bulletproof the lower end.Camshaft I would go with a roller design, remember to design your motor w/ an rpm range in mind.(don't get a 5500 rpm cam& expect to turn 7000) On a V-8 motors the most HP gain is in the heads. This is where you have to choose wisely. Remembering your RPM limits. Porting&Polishing along with larger valves alway produce the most gain. Just start with a good upgradable base. The remainder is a matter of choice. Hope this helps! Denny

Hey, thanks a lot guys. This is the kind of stuff I need. I know almost nothing about engines. .. I can change pretty simple stuff out like spark plugs, wires, distributor caps, hook tach's up. . .stuff like that. .but when it comes to the inner workings of the engine, I've never had any experience with that. I hope to hear a lot more feedback from what you guys have in mind. Try to look at it as YOU are rebuilding this engine. .. and all I'm doing is supplying the money, because that's basically how it's going to role until I start to understand the workings of the engine and start making some mindful decisions on my own. Thanks again and keep 'em comin'!

Emrys