I have a 1986 cougar with the 3.8. Very reliable motor with plenty of power. It was snappy and would spin off the tires easily. I have done some cleaning with some mods and no the car doesn't have the blown head gasket. It has hit 120 mph and would drive over 100 mph quite frequently. I loved to get the 20+ mpg too. However the car met an early death due to a drunk driver, not me. If you would like some hints, email me at
[email protected]. BTW the car still drives and I concider myself lucky.