Hello,
My dad has given me permission to convert his original owner 1977 Cruise Wagon into a TURBO WAGON. A guy locally has just posted a 1985 Turbo Coupe with under a 100k on it for sale. It is bone stock except he did put a LSC rearend under it. My question is this: Will this setup convert into the pinto or am I better off finding an 86-88 T-Coupe because of the EFI. We really don't want to modify the hood or anything but would like to get the most out of the turbo swap. Will the rearend work and can I convert this Pinto to 5 lug easy enough with the conversion already done on the T-Coupe (something about Ranger 5-lug rotors?)
I know this has been on here a lot, but they all seem to be EFI swaps.
Thanks
alllll turbocoupes are fuel injected. the 85 has a fairly simple harness and should not be too much hassle. if its a 85.5 it has the good injectors and a small vam. currently runnin the same setup in dads wagon and it scoots pretty good.
As stated above they are all EFI. The 87-88 T/C's have about 25 more HP primarily because they have an intercooler. If you were to use the stock intercooler you would HAVE to cut a hole in the hood. You could also convert to a front mounted intercooler, but that presents its own issues.
So, yes, the 85 would be a simpler swap than a 87-88. The 87-88 wire harness is a nightmare especially when the ABS and Ride Control come into the mix.
By the way, Auto or Manual? Most run the C-4 if it is an Auto and that belhousing is rare. I don't think the Ford Automatic overdrive transmission fits, but I'm not sure. If you are going manual then the 85 is a better choice. The 87-88 has a hydraulic style bellhousing that needs to be swapped. There is a straight pull (I believe the MerKur) or the bellcrank 86 and earlier T/C's.
Just so you know what you are getting into look over these two posts of mine:
http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,11908.msg76893.html#msg76893
http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,11909.msg76894.html#msg76894
Your 77 will be an easier swap, but there is still more than most people realize. Bill (77turbopinto) has some great write-ups that helped me a lot.
All the best, Tom
I didn't realize that the T-Coupes were all EFI. Well, that solves a lot. Also, the car is an AUTO which I would prefer a T-5. If I wanted to go with the T-5, is there anything in particular that I would need to get?
What about the rearend particulars and the front spindles. I would like to go 5-lug as I really like the late model mustang wheels.
Thanks for all of your help,
Well.., obviously you will need the trans, the shift lever, bellhousing, fork, flywheel, throwout bearing, plate and disc. You will also need a manual pedal set up and cable. There are proported to be different pedals for boosted and manual brakes - get the right ones. Get the back up light wires and anything else attached.
I can't comment on the driveshaft other than to say a C-4 auto to 6-3/4" rear was a perfect fit for my T-5 to 8". ;D Which, by the way, was the shaft that came with my car.
Now, the iffy part. The auto and manuals used different computers. I don't know if they are cross compatible. Others will have to chime in on that.
Tom
If I remember right the '88 TC auto computers were tuned with 40 less horsepower than the manual to keep the A4LD tranny from blowing up... like mine. :o
in 88, the autos were tuned with less hp mainly by less boost if i remember correct. if you can, run an la3 eec. this is out of an 88 with a stick. it has the fastest prossesor, set up for big injectors and vam, and also set for an ic. it will plug into your 85 harness, but some repinning may need to be done. i dont know for sure though. the 85 will also have the t3 turbo compared to the ihi in the 87 and 88.
bob
All three of my 88TC motors came with the IHI which is smaller than the T3...
I Bought one with a bad computer and replaced it with a Computer with the Automatic Transmission.
it was noticeable.
I'm looking for a cleaner way to mount the Computer. I've been mounting then in the glove box.
But after a while of messing with the 88 harness you can weed threw one in your sleep.
FrankBoss
I found out today the car is an 84 not an 85 like posted. Is it better to just walk away or will the tranny actually work. The more I think about it, I might want an auto around here.
Well, I think the greter issue is what auto tranny. I went T-5 as that is what my '88 T/C donor car had.
It seems like everyone uses a C-4 auto, but that requires the rare C-4 to 2.3 bellhousing. Most sell for $100+ on ebay. I'm not sure if the overdrive auto just won't fit, or it is a durability issue. I think the overdrive is the only auto tranny the T/C's came with.
Thus, it seems that you have two options. Either go auto, and wrangle up a C-4 to 2.3 bellhousing and a C-4 tranny or find a T-5 donor car. But, yea, it seems this donor car you are considering would offer you the motor and associated parts, but not the rest of the drive train (tranny).
im pretty sure the earlier turbo coupes came with the c3. the overdrive was in 87 and 88. the overdrive may fit but its not strong. then again neither is the c3. look at the shifter, if theres no od, its a c3.
Quote from: FCANON on May 06, 2009, 08:25:39 AM
All three of my 88TC motors came with the IHI which is smaller than the T3...
all 87-88s came with the ihi. only those year tbirds came with the ihi. all other turbo coupes, svos, xr4tis and turbo cougars had the garrett t3. they were available with a .48 and a .62 (or may have been .63) ar exhaust housing. im pretty sure the bigger was in the svos but i could be wrong. the ihis spool fast but run out of steam. i wanna say full boost at around 2200 rpm. but they are no fun for high rpms. ive read of the larger t3s working reliably at around 22psi.
fcanon, i have also been running my eec in my glove box. i havent really lookd for any more places for it.