North American Turbocoupe Organization



To join the TC Ranks or not?
MrDoug Offline
Junior Member
#1
Hi everyone! I am in a bit of a quandry.
I have always liked the 87-88 TC and finding this site & seeing how helpful everyone is makes me want one even more. To get a TC I would most likely have to sell/trade my current project: a super clean low miles 1995 Isuzu pickup truck I am planning on swapping in a turbo engine from an Isuzu Impulse.but all the TC electrical gremlins have me a little gun shy (that + a lack of cash right now) I know it's best to start with a car that is factory equipped with a Turbo, but the only other Turbo car in my price range is the Volvo 740/760 (nice car, but too boxy for my liking) I wish I had found this site before I bought the truck
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Matt S Offline
Posting Freak
#2
Well, I'm no expert at all but I also know that when I found my TC as offered by a friend - who's sister had no business owning it - my brother (a ford dealer service manager) laughed and said to stay very far away. So I bought it for only $500.

I knew nothing about them when I got it, but I learned it's an easy car to work on and can be had in decent shape for probably what you will spend on a turbo swap in your truck, is still the most comfortable car I've driven out of all the rentals I've gotten for work. Yes, I've had it almost 3 years and put lots of money over time without being able to really drive it, but when I do it's golden.
My suggestion? Keep the truck and keep it stock, save your money for a TC and play with the TC. That way you don't have to worry about it's quirks, and you'll turn way more heads, and you're starting with a turbo motor.
Most people are getting 250k miles or more even after mods.
Sold it Sad*
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MrDoug Offline
Junior Member
#3
Thanks for the reply. I just need to find one I can actually afford.Here's one-
7,300 original miles Garage kept- $10,800.
I will most likely sell/trade the truck to get a TC as I don't need 3 cars.
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Hurff Offline
Senior Member
#4
10k for a TBird ?

You can find them lower, a lot lower. I found one for $50.00. Did not run, but another $50.00 in parts solved that problem, and I get to have a hobby. Guys here have been able to answer almost any question except "What is the meaning of Life ?"

Good luck with finding a car, there are many more around than what one might realize at first, and in much better condition than the one I am working with...



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1987 TC bone stock, still getting the list of needs, but has great promise
1987 TC - RIP
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BCA Offline
Senior Member
#5
Quote:Originally posted by Hurff:
10k for a TBird ?

You can find them lower, a lot lower. I found one for $50.00. Did not run, but another $50.00 in parts solved that problem, and I get to have a hobby.

Sure, you can find one cheaper than 10K, but if you want to buy an original 7,300 mile car, you are going to have shell out some money.
I'll bet you would have to spend more than 10k on your car to bring it back to the condition of a 7,300 mile car.

It just comes down to what you want, a pristine original or a project car.

Brent
1985 Cougar XR-7 5-speed - 1 of 1,246 built
1971 Ranchero GT
Hi-Jumper SSIII w/2.3L Turbo power
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#6
Quote:Guys here have been able to answer almost any question except "What is the meaning of Life ?"

We can give you one possible answer for that one too: To own a TC [Image: biggrin.gif]

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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
You only need two tools in life; WD-40 and Duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should use WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use Duct Tape.
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm
Pete Dunham


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dreese74 Offline
Junior Member
#7
Yeah, you can pay a ton for a "pristine" low mileage unit. But after sitting around for 13 years I can guarantee you will run into some issues associated with non-use, like, the exhaust will be rotted out, and calipers might be frozen. I purchased my 84k mile 87 TC for $2300. The car had been practically idle for two years, and I new it needed the exhaust and a few other details. I didn't count on the calipers, though

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Dan Reese

'87 Turbo Coupe- stock for now (not for long)

"I love the smell of Cam2 in the morning..."
Dan Reese

'87 Turbo Coupe- K&N on the VAM, ATR 2 1/2 inch dual ss exhaust, timing @ 13*, Gillis soon to be installed.

"I love the smell of Cam2 in the morning..."
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Joe F Offline
Posting Freak
#8
Quote:Originally posted by Pete D:
We can give you one possible answer for that one too: To own a TC [Image: biggrin.gif]

Add: And eat pizza.

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Joe F.

My 87 TC page - Mod list with sources
JR's Place - My '87 Turbocoupe
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Glenn 88TC Offline
Posting Freak
#9
Quote:Originally posted by Hurff:
10k for a TBird ?


If I had the money I would buy this one for the $10,000 asking price. 400.4rwhp and 489rwtq. It has much more in it with more tuning. With tuning and a different turbo it will do over 500rwhp easily. I wish I had the money for it.
http://www.turbotbird.com/Carlisle2001/B...engine.jpg
http://www.turbotbird.com/Carlisle2001/B...s__car.jpg



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mods: SDS Digital Fuel Injection, ported & polished big valve head(1.89/1.59), .500 lift roller cam, custom upper and ported lower intakes, 60-1 stage III .63 turbo, powerstroke intercooler, 60mm throttle body, 75pph injectors, Walboro 255HP pump, Kirban adj. fuel reg., ATR header, 3" exhaust with Dynomax Ultraflow muffler, MSD 6al, MSD coil, MSD Launch Control, MSD 8.5mm wires, K&N filter, Star stage III clutch, Greddy Profec B boost controller, Weld Draglites with M/T ET Street 26x11.5/15
NO TC and NO headaches.
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motormenace Offline
Senior Member
#10
i bought my 86 turbo coupe for $700. are you only interested in the 87-88 turbo coupes? you should be able to pick up a nice one for $3,000....a damn nice one! [Image: biggrin.gif]

i've seen alot of the 83-86 turbo coupes an 84-86 turbo xr7's for sale for cheap around here. remember, these are the light turbo thunderbirds.....that's why we make fun of glenn's car. [Image: biggrin.gif] j/k

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86 turbo coupe (14.9),2 86 2R SVO's, 90 mustang GT, 69 mustang coupe

...so you have a V8...isn't that cute...
86 turbo coupe (14.12 at 15 psi. sleeper) *gone*

...so you have a V8...isn't that cute...
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