I just aquired a 1980 Notchback for practicly nothing. It has 40k on it a 2.3/4speed the 2.3 sounds like it has a spun rod bearing but i had drove the car before it started knocking and it drove perferctly.. Somone has already put 5.0 springs on the front and it has a new rack and pinion. No power steering no power brakes and no A/C. Body is in very good condition other than a dent in the passenger side fender from a deer and the paint is only a couple years old. Basicly have about $100 in it so far.. Anyway I know a guy parting out an 88 T-Bird 5.0/AOD and will sell the motor/tranny and anything attached to both (mounts,manifolds,harness etc) for $300. The motor runs good has around 100k on it. Anyway i am thinking of this setup for a swap but need to know if i'd be better to ditch the EFI for a 4bbl intake and carb? would this save alot of times/trouble? I just want somthing fast that looks good not to worried about economy this will not be a daily driver maybe drove 20/40 miles a week at the very most. Also is the Tbird 5.0 an HO motor or is it the same as the truck motor and not worth messing with? any idea's/sugestions on this would be great. I am wanting to try to keep it cheap for now at least cheap as far as getting it back on the road then i will be alost more inspired to start spending $ on aftermarket.. Also i have no need to worry about smog equiptment on this thing eaither as i do not have emmision testings in my area.
i would go carb. because it would be alot easier. im not sure if any tbird 5.0s are HO... but an easy way to tell if it is, is to look at the firing order if its 1-3.... then its a HO, but if its 1-5.... then its not. and i would try to find a 5spd to put in the car insted of an AOd because you already have the clutch pedals ect. and the car would be alot "funner" 5spd
The 5spd is deffinately somthing i'd rather have! Also the T-Bird is supposed to have limited slip would the rear-end swap with my 7.5? he said he'd throw it in with the deal if i wanted it.
The 5.0 bird has an 7.5 also. Your best bet would be to find a wreck parts car and swap everything over. Should be able to find a wreck 5.0 from anywhere from $500-$1000. Going that route you can swapp all the harnesses over and make it EFI along with newer suspension, brakes and fuel system.
My brothers 88 T-bird had a 7.5 and it was an original 302 car... But the XR-7 cougar may have an 8.8 in it, not sure. Here is a site for Cougars,, might be able to find what ya need here... http://www.coolcats.net/home/index.html
