While this may look like an ordinary Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe, there’s some changes made under the hood that make better use of that 5-speed manual transmission. The stock V6 was replaced with a 302 stroked to 347 cubic inches, and it needs some fine-tuning before it’s a reliable runner. While some may wish it was still an original SC underneath, the potential is there for anyone hankering for a V8-powered, 5-speed Thunderbird. Find it here on eBay with no reserve and cheap bidding at the moment.
Now, I’m a bit conflicted myself on this build, as I do love factory supercharged cars. They’re increasingly uncommon in this era of turbocharging we’re in, and I can’t imagine the power gains are all that different between the two engines (despite the extra cylinders). The seller has added some other modifications, including Trick Flow aluminum heads and matched camshaft with new lifters, and a Ford Cobra intake manifold. Unfortunately, it’s not quite finished as the seller notes the need for engine computer tuning.
The interior presents well, with thickly-bolstered black leather seats, a crack-free dash and the desirable Mazda-sourced 5-speed manual transmission. Of course, I wonder if that unit is sufficiently built for V8 torque, but the seller doesn’t report any issues there. He did install a new clutch, with 3.08 gears – the limited-slip has been removed, it seems, as I’m assuming it wouldn’t play nicely with the new V8 mill under the hood. That’s a shame, but easily remedied with a suitable locking rear end for the updated engine setup.
Of course, the other “pluses” to the Super Coupe are still there, like the unique bodykit and alloy wheels. While I’m always leery of seller’s hyperbole – such as You cannot tell Ford did not produce this car – I have to admit the engine bay looks quite tidy for a one-off conversion. The need for further tuning always leaves me with questions, as one never knows how simple or complex solving computer issues can be. Still, for the current bidding, it seems like a chance worth taking.
the way they should have made it in the first place. Those 3.8’s blew head gaskets enough on their own without boost.
The S/C coupes weren’t fast, they were more of a spirited cruiser. If the 347 was well thought out and you can get it tuned properly the difference would be a night and day. It would have been difficult in the early-90’s to get the performance gains with the original supercharged V6.
Steve R
the 91 to 93 thunder bird and cougar had the option for the 5.0 /302 from ford so its not that much of a one off swap.
What Tyler said.
Not with a manual tranny though…. the SC was the only one with a manual tranny
But this WAS a 3.8L supercharged SC model, which WASN’T offered with the 5.0L. THAT Thunderbird was the V8 Sport model. I can’t imagine many of these have undergone a v-8 installation. I’d much rather have the blown 3.8 with the T5, thanks.
but no stick
Potential buyers would probably like to know how much or how little the needed tuning affects drivability although that’s not much of a downside at the current price – $1225 with less than a day to go. Always preferred the ’85 – ’88 models over these later ones but there’s some appeal here as well. Was at a Ford-Mercury shop in ’83 looking at a white Cougar XR-7… sales guy said he couldn’t do any better on the Mercury but I could get a great deal on either one of the atrociously drab T-Birds out front… baby blue or tan. The least appealing shades conceivable of each color. Yeah, pal, I’m sure you could have.
I too preferred the looks of the prior generation, especially the “beaked” Turbo Coupes.
I’m confused (nothing new), if it’s not running, or barely running, how could you deem the transmission and rear as strong enough to hold up against the engine? Geez, that was a long sentence!
Had a 91 LX 6 cylinder. Not a fast car but fun none the less. Not as good as the 94 LX I currently have but OK none the less.
The one-off tuning issue could be big or could be a little issue depending on who does it and how much they are familiar with the needs.
I don’t understand why people go to such trouble to perform swaps and then try to sell them before they’re finished. I would think the time or money involved in properly sorting the tune would hugely impact bidder confidence and therefore selling price.
Back around 1996 Ford put together three 10th gen TBirds with the Mustang DOHC along with a 5 speed IIRC to go on the Hot Rod Power Tour. They made you drool to see them then Ford abruptly cancelled the TBird and crushed the cars from that I remember.
Now that’s a car that would have made any car lover slobber all over the pavement from what I read about them. Part TBird, part Super Coupe and part Mustang from what I read about them and all integrated into a running car!
If nothing else, had you been able to get the computer chip from them with the program, you could have made your own if desired.
Oh well, if wishes were horses, and you know the rest of that one.
my uncle had a similar statement: “Wish in one hand and s%$t in the other and after 3 days see which one you have more of. That ought to teach you the value of wishing.”
his sons hated that saying but i’ll bet they’ve used it in their lifetimes! i know i have.
really cool, however it looks to me as the seller is frustrated and can’t get it running. Why dump all that money and quit now?
How would you get it running????
Same as above….if you have the ability to get then engine in there, make it look nice and get that transmission in…..why can’t the owner get it turned properly….sounds to me like some serious problems awaiting the new owner…. otherwise wouldn’t they be solved already?
Is the seller trying to use the Super Coupe computer? Wire harness and computer from a 5.0 MAF car ( both of which are cheap and easy to find) should put you on the correct path to having the car running correctly. The Mazda sourced 5 speed is ok. But the T5 ( never available after 1988 in the T-Bird) will take a lot more punishment and shifts more confidently when changing gears quickly. The trick would be to convert the T5 to hydraulic clutch that the Super Coupe had. ( there are several kits available in a many price ranges) I would buy this car if close to my neighborhood.
Sold for $2550. Not a bad deal for someone who can sort out the seller’s issues.
I realize it’s been sold. Something was bugging me today, maybe someone knows. Would something like a FITech computer control the engine if they don’t use a V8 ECM? May be a quick and simple solution for the buyer if it might work.
someone stole this! The motor is worth that with those expensive trick flow heads and a stroker kit. The tuning shouldn’t be that hard to figure out.
My son wrecked his 93 V-8 LX. He bought a 93 V6 car for parts & turned out the parts car was indeed the better car. We swapped the running gear out of the V8 car to the V6 car and he ended up with a nice running T-Bird.
It was not a difficult swap at all. The hardest part was getting the fuel tank out.