Faults:
Transmission gasket leaked when I bought the car, and the previous owner did not keep the fluid levels right. This caused (or I assume was the cause) the transmissions torque converter to burn out.
Passenger auto door lock motor turns and makes a loud noise, but won't lock the door.
Driver side power window rolls up slower than it should.
Power steering leaks, but it's from an easily accessible area.
Driver side tie rod lost a bushing somehow... could the 60-70 mph hard turns have anything to do with it?
General Comments:
This car was an amazing deal. I have had it for about 20000 miles now, and I got it at 140000 in 2006.
Gas consumption is about 15mpg tops... so definitly hits the wallet hard at the pump.
Engine purrs and it's doubtful I will ever see any problems with it.
Transmission isn't as responsive as I would expect for such a large engine, but I still have not given it the rebuild it desperatley needs.
If the last owner would have stayed on top of maintinance, this car would still be in excellent condition.
I would have sold this car if it was not for the vast room for improvement and modifications. I plan to bring it well over 300 HP by adding a racing chip, supercharger, sports transmission, dual headers and cool intake, and removing about 500 pounds of unneccessary weight. Of course... at that point I will get around 7-8 mpg tops.
This car is best for anyone who enjoys working on cars (not fixing, but improving). I think the fuel economy is too low to be practical for anyone who just wants a day-to-day car.
22nd Jan 2007, 20:50
My 1993 Thunderbird 5.0 LX
I bought this fine car when it was new. The city gas mileage runs around 17MPG, but the highway mileage runs around 30+. My problem was that it had no top end. A Toyota Corolla was hard to pass going up hill.
I always keep this car in fine shape. I have installed a K&N cold air system, Flow Master exhaust and a performance chip. I lower it car 2" in the rear and 1 1/2" in the front. Installed low profile tires and 15" rims. I need more.
I want to install a 325 horsepower crate short block, turbo charger with 4lbs boost, monster trans with 3.55 ring and pinion.
What do you think?