1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe from North America - Comments

Three auto-ride chips failed 3 years ago and have been replaced at $130 a pop (Firm ride would remain on at all times).

Fuel injection overhaul required last year at 55,000 miles.

Required transmission overhaul at 50,000 miles.

I love my coupe. I will continue to put whatever into it to keep it running in top condition. I strongly recommend frequent oil changes (every 3000 miles) and a professional tune-up (every 10,000 miles). This car demands special attention and will reward you with high-performance if you take care of it. Pay special attention to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Yes.. Maintenance is VERY important, especially when you have a Turbo.. The longest gap for an oil change should be 3000 miles and ALWAYS change the filter. If you ever have a turbo engine rebuilt.. start it on synthetic. Never go to synthetic oil from organic without a re-ring kit.

And never never let the car run with low oil pressure, when you have a turbo. The turbo WILL sieze up.

I am the original owner of a 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with 187000 miles on it. It has been one of the most fun cars I have owned. Other cars have come and gone, but I just could not part with it.

Over time I have modified the intake, and exhaust, but have religiosity maintained the car and now it is fun to take to shows or cruse.

The engine and drive-train (5speed) are solid and the most reliable even to todays standards. Every time the car is not running right a mechanic will tell me I need a turbo, and I always find it is something else much less expensive. The turbo is bullet proof if you follow a few simple rules - Always 3000 or less oil changes, let the car cool down (running) after spirited runs of high boost.

This is a finicky car, I have tried different spark plugs, but always go back to motor craft, others always seem to make it miss. The only unreliable part of the car is the alternator, with replacing the pig tail every time it is disconnected, 65Amp is way to small for all the electronics on this car, I have a 75 amp in now (better) and plan on adding a 150 Amp G3 as found in Cobra Mustangs, you need a small modification, but it will be worth it.

If you plan on buying one do not let high mileage scare you off these are strong runners I would shoot for a 87 or 88 with a 5 speed.

If it looks well cared for and runs good you should be in good shape. At 4500rpm 12-14 psi boost and over 5500rpm look to get it up to 15psi if stock.