trans/head

what makes the manual 190/240 and the auto 150/?????? what is an autos torque anyway. and please dont tell me it is just because of the trans. also how many valves does the head have? is there anyone close to me that has a 5spd and can take me for a ride just so i can feel the difference? just want to see if it is worth obtaining. THX

The power difference between the 87-88 TC auto and manual trans versions is due to boost being limited to 10 lbs on the auto; apparently Ford decided the auto was too weak for more power.

HTH.

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Joe F.

My 87 TC page - Mod list with sources

if you mean cylinder head, same as the auto. 2 valves per cylinder, total of 8

You'll get less power to the rear wheels with an auto because they use up a lot of power. (That's why for the street I preferred a C4 with my 351C 2bbl in my Rancheros. Smaller ports = quicker response. I had a C6 with my 351CJ 4bbl, but it only really shined on the freeway.)

I've had TC's with both. I prefer the manual for the same reason most everyone else does. It's more fun to drive, you have better control of the car's performance, and the wife doesn't like driving a "stick". Mine! All mine!

Originally posted by Gary F:

I've had TC's with both. I prefer the manual for the same reason most everyone else does. It's more fun to drive, you have better control of the car's performance, and the wife doesn't like driving a "stick". Mine! All mine!

I agree who Gary.... Fun to drive & wife hates stick. [Image: cool.gif]



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Tony Sceia
Red 88 TC loaded with every option, Walbro 255, 3" SS Downpipe with Magnaflow SS 2.5 Cat Back Mustang Dual system Installed by BJL, 3-core Radiator, Star Stage 2 Clutch, Rebuilt T-5 Tranny, 140 MPH Speedo

Now I need to finish converting to Raven/Gray Leather interior & just do some Body work & she'll be like new.

It would be a sad day if my wife would learn to drive a stick [Image: frown.gif] . I agree, its the only thing that keeps her away from my car. I am putting together a '87 TC auto though for her and my daughter who turns 16 this fall. Thought that I might as well get her a car that I reasonably know how to work on [Image: biggrin.gif]

"and please dont tell me it is just because of the trans."

Hey Cloud, that's cute. If you haven't already, read the FAQ, Tech Articles and search the NATO archives about the POS...errr, A4LD.

The 87 & 88 EEC-IV (ECU) does not allow the BCS to open up on automatic cars. Otherwise, the additional 5 PSI boost would eat the O.D. band almost immediately and the rest of the tranny shortly thereafter.

I questioned the gains of a 5 spd. just like you. But I prefer a stick shift and had the entire set up ready and waiting. When my A4LD dumped its guts, I did the swap. What a difference! Sorry I don't live close enough to take you for a ride, but trust me, it was worth the trouble.

You could beef up your A4LD with 4.0L guts, but I can probably do three or four T-5 swaps for what that will cost you and you will still have a torque converter consuming HP between the engine and rear wheels. So, if you prefer lousy gas mileage, poor performance and a relatively delicate drivetrain, all so you can talk on the phone or eat burger in traffic, keep the auto. Be prepared to pay some goober a lot of money to fix it for you when it goes out (and it will). Otherwise, you can do the swap for about a third (or less) of the $$$ of one A4LD rebuild.

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87 TC, T-5 swap, solid state IVR, fog light relay mod, PST / KYB-AGX, med. red, spoiler, 181K+ Mi's., daily driver, still eating Ricers!