Performance improvements for Non-turbo 88

[MeanGene]

What can I do (bolt on) to a 3.8? I already have a K&N. I feel that after half throttle there is nothing. Can I bolt on a larger Throttle Body? Suggestions?

 

[TBird232ci]

theres plenty you could do, but you still wont be too fast

you can remove use a mustang cold air induction kit, full exhaust, throttle body, headers, underdrive pulleys if you can find a set to work

theres alot more you can do, but then youd need to convert to MAF and thats a serious amount of work, youd be better swapping in a 5.0 if your looking for any serious power

 

[MeanGene]

What is involved in swaping out the 3.8 to a 5.0 HO? Please send me links and information. I just added a set of Turbo rims to my 88. What works best with the Thunderbird on 16x7 rims?

 

[TBird232ci]

hmm, where to start

if your looking for handling:
-turbo coupe front an rear swaybars
-good set of shocks and struts
-im soon going to be experimenting with springs, ill get back to you with the info when i get the chance
-check out my site, gives ya a bit of a how to one the stuff i stated

as for the 5.0 swap, youd need
-engine
-complete wiring harness
-computer
-im not sure of how much more, but there isnt much more than that

for info on anything youd need to look up, check out www.coolcats.net i know its a cougar site, but they are on the exact came chassis as our cars

 

[MeanGene]

Have Tbird TC front and rear sway bars, 16" rims, KYB gas adjust shocks. Do you know if the TC rear end (Disc brakes) will bolt into the 3.8 AOD?

 

[mustang_tbird]

rear brake swap from a TC shouldn't be a problem to swap into your car, but TC's also have ABS whereas your car doesn't. If you do this, make sure you get a brake fluid regulator when you do it and run it in-line somewhere. Otherwise, and I've seen this on guys who do this on Mustangs using the Mark VII rear ends and TCs, the rear brakes will lock up everytime you press on the brake from the excess pressure. It's not too big a deal and it is an awesome upgrade.

 

[TBird232ci]

you will need to do a little playing with brake lines too

depending on the rear, youll get 3.55's or 3.73's, the auto's had 3.73's and 5-speeds have 3.55's

 

[TBird232ci]

i almost forgot, youll need to change the master cylinder to hold more fluid the dick brakes require