Opinions on 1987 T-Bird LX

[dj norecords]

Everytime I look at forums everyone and I see discussions about 87 T Birds, all I see is talk about the turbo coupes. I have an 87 T Bird LX with a 5.0l V8 Anyone have an opinion on this car? I personally think it's great.

 

[Paul Johnson]

I've got to be honet with you - I just bought an 88 turbo coupe in really nice condition - that car rocks - I am sure your 5.0 is nice but unless you have driven a tc - you don't know what you are missing - they are so damn fast - you should drive one and see for yourself - it's a cult like thing...

 

[dj norecords]

I realize your point.....I've looked up Turbo Coupes from various years and they are sweet......It's amazing what that car can do with a turbocharger and 4 cylinders....top speed 140ish and such.....It's just that I feel that other types of T-Birds from around this era deserve discussion as well as the Turbo Coupes that seem to dominate this area of the forum.....that's all.....haven't driven a Turbo Coupe yet but getting an 88 may be on my wishlist in the future....maybe someone here can help me out as to finding one on sale.....preferrable under 1000 bucks

 

[dj norecords]

Damn this is by far one of the most inactive forums out there. I would think that all the T-Bird enthusiasts out there would have a lot more to say than this. Doesn't ANYONE have an opinion on this or ANY other subject?!

 

[nomadbird]

djnorecord,
It is not my intention to hurt any feelings with this post, but you asked the question and here is my opinion. First of all; I've owned new and used Thunderbirds almost continuously for the last 44 years. Currently own 3 '57s, a '77 & a '97. I don't feel there is anything great about these cars from their respective eras, except for the styling of the '57s. The '77 is by far the worst new car I've ever owned and the '97 isn't any endurance champ either.
With a few notable exceptions, Ford has built very few T-birds during the last 35 years that would generate much enthusiasm and loyalty among owners. They have been little more than transportation appliances. The most notable exceptions are the Turbo Coupes and the Super Coupes. Most of the other stuff is about exciting as watching vanilla ice cream melting on the side walk!
There were a lot of "GOOD" cars that were built, but few "GREAT" cars to generate much enthusiasm and loyalty among owners.
Enjoy The Ride, Tom

 

[TBirdPilot]

As an owner of both an 88 Sport 5.0, and an 87 TC I can safely answer the question by saying you aren't missing much. Yes the TC top speed is higher in the 140 range vs the 5.0s 120ish. But other things such as turbo lag, little bottom end power, and very high maintenance costs compared to the 5.0 make them pretty equal overall. While many can flame about mod improvements to make the TC faster, very few will truthfully acknowledge that ultimately more power can be extracted from the 5.0. A simple TB and intake swap to the 5.0 HO intake and TB will make a huge difference in the 5.0s performance (stock tb is smaller than the TC tb!)

I enjoy both cars and have no plans to part with either one. But if I was in search of maximum power and had to choose between the two I'd go with a 5.0 HO motor with twin turbos which can give you a streetable car in the 500-600 hp range (which is what several mustang owners have done reliably for several years). Now that is the Tbird Ford should have built...

Originally posted by Paul Johnson:
<STRONG>unless you have driven a tc - you don't know what you are missing - </STRONG>

 

[dj norecords]

You know, a couple of days ago the starter in my 87 LX 5.0 went bad and the car wouldnt start. My Dad said that this was an easy fix, and once we got it to a shop, it would take no longer than two days to fix. Is this true? And is this a common problem with other people's t birds? Are there ways to prevent it from happening again? Thanks.

 

[TBirdPilot]

Originally posted by dj norecords:
<STRONG>You know, a couple of days ago the starter in my 87 LX 5.0 went bad and the car wouldnt start. My Dad said that this was an easy fix, and once we got it to a shop, it would take no longer than two days to fix. Is this true? And is this a common problem with other people's t birds? Are there ways to prevent it from happening again? Thanks.</STRONG>

It shouldn't take a shop long to replace a starter...unless they have to order the part and wait on it. I've never had any problems with the starter on any vehicle I've owned so I can't help you there.

 

[FourFords]

I have an '83 TC and an '86 TC. I feel like a lot of the "Mystic" behind the turbo coupe is the feel of the car, with a much lighter motor up front, the car is better balanced than with the 5.0, this helps braking and handling. I haven't really found the 2.3 to be any more or less expensive than maintaining a 5.0 Both require oil changes, tune ups and the regular stuff related to car maintenance. The cost of plugs and wires are half of that for a 5.0. The catch is that you can really tell when tune up on the 2.3 is getting long in the tooth and they do resopond well to a tune up so you might catch yourself doing them more often but they cost half as much so...
L.P.

 

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

Once you have the part, you can change a starter yourself with a couple wrenches and no more than 30 minutes of your time. If they charge you more than an hour's worth of work to change a starter, you've been had!

 

[Opey1220]

I just bought a 87 Thunderbird LX w/ a 5.0 V8 in it. I love this car. IT only has 116000 miles on it. It runs great. Gas mileage sucks really bad around town, but it might be better if I could keep my foot out of the gas. I've put a cold air intake, Bosch Platinum 4 plugs, Performance plug wires on this thing and it runs great. IF anyone knows were I can find performance parts or body kits let me know. I personally like a V8, but I've never drove the Turbo Coupe. When I'm thru with this V8 maybe it will change some minds about this car