The transmission blew 2 weeks after purchase for $400 at a bad-rep car lot. It was a piece of junk. That was the rebuilt, the carburetor was
rebuilt, it has a rebuilt radiator, new alternator, new booster pump (for the brakes), and currently all I need is a condenser for the AC.
I've replaced the starter so many times you wouldn't believe it, which leads me to believe that the problem is the flywheel gears are too worn, in consequence it wears the starter gears rather quickly, and that's probably why I've replaced the starter 3 times in 2 years.
The driver's seat vinyl upholstery is damaged beyond repair.
Automatic locks don't work, but the windows do.
A few squeaks and rattles emitted from the dashboard.
It goes through gas like I go through underwear.
Overall it is a superb classic American beauty. I get stares everywhere I go, and the most noticeable attribute is its length. It's just a few inches longer than a Suburban. It's awesome to drive it.
The engine starts quicker than you can light a match. It doesn't need to be turned for 1 second. I get 0-60 in about 5 seconds and you can't beat that for a car that has not been altered for speed increment.
Even though it is a high maintenance vehicle, I love my Boatmobile. Usually when something's wrong with it I bought it upon myself, like not having replaced the starter-demolishing, worn out flywheel, for example
A stock '78 Tbird that does 0-60 in 5 sec?
No surprise you go through a lot of underwear.
You got BS coming out both ends.
Nicely written article. I have had a love affair my whole life with Thunderbirds due to the 1978 model. However, I highly doubt a 0 to 60 time of 5 seconds. 15 maybe, not 5.
I have a 1979 Town Landau it drinks gas too and the power windows work, but locks don't. The power driver seat works good the AC & cruse still are excellent. But I have made a lot of modification to the engine it started out with a stock 2bbl carb. 351W now it a 4bbl 600cfm Elderbrock, with Performer RPM intake Manifold, Accell coil,MSD, and Bosch wires and sparks. I also got a new exhaust system with Flow master mufflers. In all it one fast boat on wheels.
I also own a 1978 ThunderChicken. Beautiful car and yes it is gigantic. Don't worry, I know what you meant about the 0 -60 mph in 5 seconds bro. It feels like 0-60 in five seconds because your driving the Titanic. That first commenter drives a puny Honda Civic no doubt with an upgraded exhaust for its puny V4 that would probably work just fine with a straw as its muffler.
P.S. I know its against the rules to say so, but whatever. I had to, that comment was totally uncalled for. Nice article though.
Oh. so you can say your car goes from 0-60 in 5 sec even if it doesn't, as long as it FEELS like it does, eh?
Would you call that "virtual performance"?
Nah, just lying.
I think the reviewer has his/her seconds and minutes mixed up.
It goes zero to 60 in 5 minutes. It is a 1978 model, after all. (And a beat one at that)
Guys, calm down, I'm just trying to make the guy feel better. everyone one is over exagerating here.. 5 minutes.. I hope you are trying to be funny. and I meen, its just a car forum where people say how much they enjoy their vehicles. theres nothing wrong with a 1978 Thunderbird other than a lot of them have Ms, but it doesn't take a whole lot to fix Fords mistakes with the M series (well their not really mistakes, just a quick fix to the 70s emmission laws). The 1978 Thunderbird is a great car, I get on average 2 comments a day. I'm not sure why everyones being so hostile. Are you Chevy people, or ricers?
Hostile? NO> just pointing out that a 78 T-bird is not gonna do a 5 sec 0-60, even if its owner feels like it does.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go do a tune-up on the "V4" in my Honda Civic, and replace the "straw" on my exhaust.
These cars are not muscle cars. They will easily and effortlessly do way over 100mph on the open highway. But, 0 to 60mph is another story. Perhaps, more in the range of 10 to 15 seconds with the 351 Windsor is a very realistic figure. And, who wants to drag out a 4200lb car anyway?
A lot of people, actually, the T-bird and its counterparts have better weight distribution compared to the Mustang... a big drag engine in the T-bird wouldn't go to waste because of the weight over the rear-wheels, which would help put down all that torque and HP.
The Mustang needs a helluva lot of suspension to put anything to the wheels, cause of its light weight...
As for 4,200lbs, just look at the late SS Impalas, Mercury Marauders, and not to mention the mid 70's Grand Prix's and Monte Carlo's. Has anyone see Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift? It's just a movie, but that motown big-block in that 2+ ton Monte Carlo would still kick some serious ass.
As for me, I like the old T-birds a lot, and I'm into the ricers a bit too. All I care is enjoying what I drive (a 97 S/C Riviera and a 87 300zx), not bashing what everyone else has, that's just childish.. Also the only "V4" ever was a SAAB engine, and it sucked REAL bad, not like the vtec..
Nice review my blue oval friend!
Kudos to anyone with love for the old T-Birds! I am on my second; my 1st being an '85 V6 and now I am the proud owner of a powder blue '78 with a 400 in it. I am the 2nd owner and the car has just over 53k on the clock. This machine is immaculate.
I am a Chevy guy surprisingly, but I am enamored with Ford's personal luxury vehicle (except '80-'83..yuk!). Just remember that one day YOUR car will be a classic, and these f-ing hondas
will not ever bear that honor. They are throw away vehicles.
Enjoy your big-body, my friend. I know I do.
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