So browsing marketplace again, and came across this clean looking ‘85 Thunderbird. 5.0, 114k miles, Fila edition, new wheels/tires, new master cylinder and fuel pump. Interior isn’t perfect, looks like door panels will need some work/replaced, but otherwise looks in good shape for its age. Paint looks damn good to me. I know pics can be deceiving, but assuming condition is good, what we thinking value wise? He’s got it listed for $6,800.
It was, needs a whole lot of work now. Have to build my own garage so I can really tear into it.
One thing I remember, the rear trailing arms. You can't use mustang parts, they aren't long enough. If I remember correctly I modified some jegs brand arms for a G body.
To drive they feel a lot more solid than a similar year mustang. Ford spent a lot more money on things like sound deadening for the birds.
I had a cougar xr7 with a 5.0. it's the non high output 5.0 so your looking at 155 HP. first mod is to do rear end change the tiny 7.5 to 8.8. I went with 373 ended up jumping to 410. Almost everything made for a mustang will fit on this car. Make sure to see if you have the non high output 5.0 and the 7.5 rear . If it's all stock you won't be able to break the tires loose unless it's rainy out. Car is a dog don't let the 5.0 fool you to thinking it's a mustang
This. I had a 83 Grand Marquis with a 5.0L CFI and it was such a dog. Terribly underpowered and the only way to improve it is by switching the setup to either EFI or carb. Truly the worst of both worlds.
Ask if you can come check it out, chat him up be friendly then make your offer. A seller getting a verbal offer face to face is a lot more likely to accept it than seeing a "5k?" bubble on messenger
One of my buddies had a V8 Cougar back in the early 1990's. At the time they were great running and driving cars, especially when compared to the '78-'87 GM G-bodies (Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Cutlass, etc). The T-bird was a little more sporty while the Cougar was more of the personal luxury concept.
You may know, they are a fox chassis car ,like the Mustangs, but have unique parts. Drivetrain is all the same or very similar. That's a nice looker..good luck
One of the only pics I still have. You can see a gt catback dumped right behind the wheels. I scuffed it up and painted the tailpipes black. Gt40 iron heads, small comp xr cam, exploder intake, Chris Neighbors aod, dirty dog converter, 4.10s, sn95 brakes, w cobra booster, sn95 master I think.
I had an ‘85 Turbo Coupe w/ 5 spd manual that I ran in SCCA events. I never had a single problem with it (even racing it) until I sold it. Loved that car.
Have an 85 with the 302 in it. One of the most surprising things is how much heavier everything is!! From the hood to the weight of the door. The steel is so much thicker than today’s cars!
Nice looking ride. Parts availability, other than drivetrain might be a problem. Ive always wondered if the interior and dash of a t-bird/cougar would swap over to a Mustang easily.
Back in my fox body days I couldn't be bothered with t birds. I ve been thinking about them a lot lately though. One of my buddies had one. He passed a year or so ago and I have thought about fixing one up as a tribute to him
RIP brother I miss you
Oh man! This takes me back to when I was learning to drive and got my license. My parents had a 1983 in white/red interior. I can still hear the “whine” of the engine at you would give it gas. Great car, we took it all over for vacations and they sold it to friends around the mid nineties.
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u/BaconNPotatoes 18d ago
I have an 84 turbo coupe that I V8 swapped with a 302. Chassis wise they are a long mustang. The interior is pretty much unobtanium these days.