T-bird.......time for upgrades?

**Dan B.** · 09-06-2014, 10:00 PM

Been tooling around in the bird for about 6k miles since the HO/T5 swap. The HO has unknown origins but runs great and is SUPER reliable. Have no idea of the miles or beatings prior to me getting it. It does use a little oil from time to time. But lately since getting my newest Ranger DD the bird has been setting about a month, I'm thinking it might be time for a re-do......needs a bit more spunk.

Planning on a cam and P heads. Already have the Explorer upper and lower intake. Might re-ring and bearing the bottom end. That is...unless some has a complete motor for sale with some upgrades on it already. Boost would be fun. Not sure what I can package on the front of the motor and still keep the A/C.

The MAIN thing is that it has to keep the driveability and reliability.

Ideas?

**silvernotch** · 09-06-2014, 11:24 PM

I know a guy with a 331 stroker,it has a b31 cam,edelbrock heads and water pump.not alot of miles.it needs an intake set up and some other small stuff.if interested I'll send you his #

**PaxtonShelby** · 09-07-2014, 01:02 AM

I can't believe nobody bought this car while you had it listed. I think a Paxton/Vortech with 5-6 pounds of boost would be a good way to go. Way less wrenching than a full-blown motor swap.

**Mark Aubele** · 09-07-2014, 02:03 AM

If you decide to go with the P heads I really liked the N41 cam with that setup. Should be able to find one used pretty cheap. Trapped at 108 in my 86 GT although I know the Bird's a bit heavier. Really liked the Explorer intake as well, better than the chinese knockoff Performer RPM I ended up going to.

**Dan B.** · 09-07-2014, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by PaxtonShelby

I can't believe nobody bought this car while you had it listed.

Most people don't have the "class" it takes to drive around in a car this cool. It takes a special kind of person......momma always told me I was "special".........

**PaxtonShelby** · 09-07-2014, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Dan B.

....momma always told me I was "special".........

Mommas are always right!

**Dan B.** · 09-07-2014, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by silvernotch

I know a guy with a 331 stroker,it has a b31 cam,edelbrock heads and water pump.not alot of miles.it needs an intake set up and some other small stuff.if interested I'll send you his #

LMK.....may be interested.

**silvernotch** · 09-07-2014, 12:19 PM

pm sent

**turbo83coupe** · 09-07-2014, 12:26 PM

A vortec with some boost would transform that thing! That or a on3 turbo kit

**Dan B.** · 10-16-2014, 08:25 PM

I'm really torn. Found a sweet deal on a motor that I really want but been dragging my feet on it terribly...not sure that my heart is into modding the bird anymore. I'm thinking maybe a used Coyote equipped car would be really nice. Where is a good place to start searching for such an animal?? I hate car shopping!!

**Mark Aubele** · 10-16-2014, 08:48 PM

There are some cars on the corral and svtperformance, but after seeing the prices I spent a few grand more and just bought a new one. Found a few '11s in the 21k range but that was pretty much as cheap as they got. I probably should've still bought a used one with mods but for how much the '11-'14s are holding their value used I just didn't see the point.

**Dan B.** · 10-16-2014, 09:11 PM

10's are cheap but I really don't want a 4.6L car.

**Mark Aubele** · 10-16-2014, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by Dan B.

10's are cheap but I really don't want a 4.6L car.

No one does. That's why they are cheap.

**PaxtonShelby** · 10-16-2014, 10:01 PM

Did ya ever get the Ranger's wiring sorted out?

**Dan B.** · 10-16-2014, 11:02 PM

No. Replaced that plug with a fuse holder and a 30a fuse. It burned the fuse. I pulled the battery terminals and let it sit. I'm going to spend some time this winter sorting it out.

**PaxtonShelby** · 10-17-2014, 12:37 AM

I hear ya - I have my own electrical gremlins to chase down this winter as well.

**PaxtonShelby** · 10-17-2014, 12:40 AM

The title of this thread is gay - where'd you think of it? :p

**somethingclever** · 10-17-2014, 08:20 AM

buddy of mine bought a mint 12 GT with every option and 15k miles for 23.5k off autotrader...he did have to go to Michigan but it was well worth the drive.

there was a base 11 gt on c-list earlier this summer with lower miles (forget exact) for 18k....i think someone even posted it up here.

**Mark Aubele** · 10-17-2014, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by somethingclever

buddy of mine bought a mint 12 GT with every option and 15k miles for 23.5k off autotrader...he did have to go to Michigan but it was well worth the drive.

there was a base 11 gt on c-list earlier this summer with lower miles (forget exact) for 18k....i think someone even posted it up here.

Yeah and that guy (with the '11) kept mysteriously raising the price, think he ended up at like 21k. Was weird.

**Stangman701** · 10-17-2014, 10:58 AM

Not a coyote car, but seems like a great deal on a fast reliable car. Previous owner was a member on here, fxman I believe... http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/4702821244.html