GMAN
Dedicated LVC Member
Need some opinions. I am looking to build up a Thunderbird SC. I found one with a bad head gasket for $400. Is this a good car to do a long term restore on?
Thinking of Another Project
- Thread starter GMAN
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driller
Dedicated LVC Member
I think they all have bad head gaskets. 
I know a few hard core SuperCoupe guys. They can be quite the project car. I saw one a while back with the interior of a Mark VIII. Pretty cool.
I know a few hard core SuperCoupe guys. They can be quite the project car. I saw one a while back with the interior of a Mark VIII. Pretty cool.
Stangman
Project car a.d.d.
Find a later model one. They look the best. '95 I believe. But 400 is a good deal as long as they don't have the bad rust like a Mark Viii gets.... since they share the same chassis. It is even more worth it if the interior isn't trashed. Seats aren't easy to find. Electronic ride control can be troublesome unless you can narrow down the problem. Port the heads, get a reground cam, roller rockers, port the blower, install ARP head bolts, get the badass magnusen intercooler and blower hat and enjoy!
Oh, by the way, get a B&M ripper shifter before they're all gone!
Oh, by the way, get a B&M ripper shifter before they're all gone!
UltimateSVT
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One hell of a car IMO! I'd be all over it just to flip if at least. It's an SC. NO matter how you look at it, it has to be a good deal... Unless the car is trashed!
chris2523
93 Mark VIII
I think they all have bad head gaskets.
we have an XR7, and the head gaskets are just fine!
the trans is dead though.
fun though. when the blower comes on its a rush.
auto or stick?
KStromberg
Dedicated LVC Member
Oh god you should have been in the 97 when I waxed that brand new Camaro SS on the way back from Kansas. That was the most fun I've had in a long time.
+1 on finding a "2nd gen" super coupe, the 94-95s look way better, the 94-97 interior is the only way to go IMO, I can't stand the old 80s looking interiors with those dumb automatic seat belts..those 94 and 95s are harder to find but worth it..and I'd find a southern one if possible, Thunderbirds it seems are worse off with rust than mark viiis..don't know why but after seeing so many over the years the marks just hold up better for some reason.
Don Pfau
Dedicated LVC Member
I've alway hoped to find a good deal on on like that myself.
thaywood
Dedicated LVC Member
I've always loved the SC and the '89-'91 supercharged XR-7's. But the '94-'95 SC is the way to go. They had 230hp and 330 ft/lbs while the '89-'93 models had 210hp and 315ft/lbs. The old 3.8L V-6 had a bad habit of blowing head gaskets Make sure it's a 5-speed. In my opinion, the whole car is waste if it's got a slushbox. The electronic ride control is the best feature, IMO. And you can get a set of brand new Tokico Illumina shocks that are a direct bolt in and work with the factory electronic adjuster solenoids. If I could find one in good condition that I could afford, I'd jump all over it in less than a tenth of a heartbeat! Interesting note, the '97 30th Anniversary Cougar that I'm driving right now has the T-Bird SC seats.
Make sure it's a 5-speed. In my opinion, the whole car is waste if it's got a slushbox. The electronic ride control is the best feature, IMO. And you can get a set of brand new Tokico Illumina shocks that are a direct bolt in and work with the factory electronic adjuster solenoids. If I could find one in good condition that I could afford, I'd jump all over it in less than a tenth of a heartbeat! Interesting note, the '97 30th Anniversary Cougar that I'm driving right now has the T-Bird SC seats.
GMAN
Dedicated LVC Member
This is the car I can get for $400
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3404822133.html
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3404822133.html
chris2523
93 Mark VIII
the brake system is complex and expensive. its an electrically boosted system.
just know what you're getting into with that.
just know what you're getting into with that.
thaywood
Dedicated LVC Member
It's a slushbox. Pass...
I know where I can get a 1993 SC with a dyno documented 455hp to the rear wheels for $4k bucks with 82k miles. But it's a slushbox. Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't get it. This car isn't worth the effor unless it has a manual box In my opinion.
I know where I can get a 1993 SC with a dyno documented 455hp to the rear wheels for $4k bucks with 82k miles. But it's a slushbox. Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't get it. This car isn't worth the effor unless it has a manual box In my opinion.
GMAN
Dedicated LVC Member
I don't want a car that is already done. With me it's all about the build/rebuild. Bringing a car back to it's former glory.
My Great 8
Dedicated LVC Member
How can you not buy it for $400? If you get it and cant get it going, I'm sure you can make your money back and then some. It looks very clean. Go for it!!
UltimateSVT
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Pictures are limited but from what I see, I don't see any reason as to why you shouldn't buy it. It's just a little dirty. Nothing some elbow grease can't take care of.
GO for, restore it. Like I said before, even if the final product isn't what you wanted, turn it around for profit. These cars in good condition are a bit rare. Last night I dreamt I had purchased a white 2nd Gen T-Bird SC. I loved it so much I was ready to part with my Mark VIII's, lol... Trust me. I love T-Birds. Another DOHC T-Bird is a dream for me. One day I will own one again.
Dude, don't let this opportunity pass you by.
Stangman
Project car a.d.d.
Car looks straight and clean. Id buy it. Sucks its not a 2nd gen SC, and it has cloth interior, but that might be rare
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Markviiiedrea
Speed Bump
You can always get your money back in parts if you decide it’s not worth it, I love seeing the SC at car shows though. No one ever keeps those in good condition. A friend of mine has a Mint and I mean Mint 89 SC with close to 350K on original head gaskets. Would love to have one of my own.