Need advice regarding new T-bird purchase

[Mark Biederbeck]

Hello, new to the list as I have just purchased a very cherry 90 T-bird LX w/ darn near every option except leather. I have a some questions, hoping someone call help me out on any or all.

1. The JVC factory premium stereo system is behaving strangely. Only the LH speakers work and only with the CD player. On the radio, only a minute bit of noise comes out and isn't affected by the volume. Any clues/hints?

2. I HATE retractable belts. I see that the Canadian models don't have them. How about the US 89's, do they have them? I am interested in retrofitting to a 3-point style and will take any advice on that. Can they be retrofitted from a newer model?

3. How problematic are the digital displays? If they fail, can you retrofit an analog cluster (hopefully the performance version).

4. Can anyone tell me what axle code 5 represents?

5. This Bird has 120K and very well taken care of (I got it for $1,600 from a neighbor!). Any things I should watch out for?

6. Lastly, EPA says 19 city, 27 hwy. Is this realistic (std. V-6 & auto).

Thanks!
Mark Biederbeck

[2-77s, 1-85, 2-86 TCs]

if i'm not mistaken, as far as the radio goes, it should be the stereo itself...you're probably going to have to change the head unit...the mpg should be about right, but then again, it depends on your driving habits, too...i used to have a '93 LX with the 5.0 and i broke it in to get around 30 mpg highway and about 20-25 city

[2-77s, 1-85, 2-86 TCs]

Here's something else I forgot about until tonight. My '90 Grand Marquis did some similar things. It turned out to be the fuse in the interior fusebox had blown. The radio worked how it wanted to and I couldn't even change the station! LOL Anyway, check that. It could save you alot of trouble. I'm very sorry if you've already replaced the head unit!

[whoareyou1982]

I'm sure you've heard this before but WATCH THAT HEAD GASKET. Those 3.8's are nototious for blowing head gaskets. I came about my 90 T-Bird after it sat for two years after it blew a head gasket. I replaced it myself along with the radiator and it really runs well now. Nearly like new except for the mileage. I'm only getting about 18 MPG but i'm pretty sure my oxygen sensors are bad and those things are jammed in there tight. I can't get em out. As for the digital display, I wouldn't worry much about it. I believe the owner before me punched it thoroughly and i just had to replace all the bulbs. Oh, and watch that tranny... those things are a bit quirky..

[Weston B.]

Mark,
I have owned an 89 for over 8 years and the radio head unit need to be refurbished or replaced. Mine did what yours is doing twice until I Relace the head with an aftermarket CD pioneer unit. Wholesale cost was $60 5 years ago. I might just go ahead and get a nice new one if I were you. Remember the AMP is separate when you purchace a new receiver and CD or cassette player. If your new T-Bird is a 3.8 watch the head gaskets if it around 100,000+ miles or so. I have upgraded all the suspention and powertrain on mine so if you have anything specific you would like to ask--I will try to answer it for you. Good luck and enjoy.
Waban ;)

Mark,
The "5" is your "axle ratio".... in your case it means you have a 3.27:1 ratio rear end ring & pinion gears. As far as your dash cluster goes, I believe you could put in an analog cluster from an LX with the analog gauges, they can usually be had in a salvage yard for 35-75 bucks complete. I think the other guys may have nailed your sound system problems, but you may also want to check the power amps if you have the "premium sound" Although my 90 SC has a JBL system, I was unaware that they used JVC systems in the LX's.
You might want to yank out the "air silencer" and throw in a K&N panel filter, or go for a new "cold air induction" system to let her breathe a little easier. Here's a link for you with some good info:
MN-12 Performance Link
Best wishes with your new Bird!
-Jeff
:cool:
PS-There's a "how-to" on the air silencer removal on the MN-12 Site, only they refer to the air silencer as the "air resonator", and it won't look like yours. Yours will be a whitish-grey plastic jug looking thing in the fender wall (passenger's side)

[ 07-13-2002: Message edited by: SuperCoupe ]