Putting the T-Bird back in the Line-Up

I know to get my piston, rings and pins from Stinger performance. Any advice where to get my connecting rod and rod bearings from? I'm using Ranger roller cam. The rest will be stock except for the T3/T4 turbo. Can I use the original connecting rods and get new rod bearings...or should I go all new for longevity?

Yea I went with Carillos from Stinger with the fancy rings lol.

I left the rods stock, as I read they were pretty strong from the factory. If you plan on revving past 7K you would probably want better rods. Other than that I got ARP rods bolts and the rest of the short block it stock.

I also had the rods resized (Not sure what that means..) and instead of being press fit, they are now floating. I can't remember what it's called, I think bushed? Basically I can remove my pistons without using a press. It also lightens the rods up just a hair.

The rod bolts were stretched per a stretch gauge, and the rotating assembly balanced. After the fact I was told balancing would be useless, but it was only $35 and my engine is pretty smooth. Not sure if this has anything at all to do with it..

For bearings I honestly can't remember lol, Clevit/Mahle if I take a wild guess.

I am also running the Ranger roller and a big T3 from an SVO pushing a measly 10psi.

Your build sounds about the same as mine! I do have a full stinger exhaust, a PIMP, and I just added a cheap bosch BOV. I would highly recommend adding a BOV when you can! It makes the car a lot smoother when shifting on boost. If you can recirc it back to the inlet of the turbo you will be even better off.

I paid $1500 for my bird and am in it about $4500 or so total (including purchase cost). Roughly $1200 spent at the machine shop alone!

Bottom line, stay under 400hp, get Carillos and you will be happy :beer:

"FastN'Fried" thanks for that info!! I really needed some type of guidance on my build. The machine shop working on my engine is familiar with the 2.3L block and the Turbocoupe. It's just relaxing hearing from fellow T-Bird'rs.

I also have the full Stinger exhaust! Again, thanks for your info. I'm at work searching and searching on what/where/how much the engine components needed to complete my build.

Can't figure out how to post a picture, but my T-Bird is red also. Get this! I'm going to have the top reskinned! Yep. My Grey TurboCoupe had a excellent working moonroof, so when I took it to Thunderbird heaven, I cut the roof off at the pillars. An excellent body shop near town knows how to reskin.

How to post pictures: http://natomessageboard.com/ubbthreads.p...Post234870

I had a job that took me to West Texas (Kermit/Mohanans/Ft. Stockton, and El Paso). Love those speed limits! Even the rural two-lane roads were 75 MPH. Unfortunately I didn't have the TC with me though, company vehicle.

Thor, I will see if I can find my machine shop receipts! Give me a day or 2 :racing:

Thanks "FastNFried"! That'll be greatly appreciated!

Couldn't find it Thor. I might have is stashed in my shop but I will have to look otherwise maybe the machine shop keeps it record :dunno:

Congrats on the Air Tech job! Stock up on parts necessary for road side repairs. Plugs, cap, rotor, PIP, TFI (with grease packet), timing belt, etc. We've all been there once or twice.

Also, for the first 90 days, I'd drive a really dependable ride so I wouldn't be late (wink)!!

Thanks Dan! Yessir! Wouldn't wont to be late for the Colonel in my Cyberspace job! Good thing is the Auto Hobbie center is still open in this base. Those centers are AWESOME! People always waltz over to me and ask questions about be T-Bird. Conversation usually starts off by........"say" "Isn't that a Turbocoupe"!!