Sam's Fox ThunderCats - ThunderCats in Print

Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
By Larry Griffin, Car and Driver Magazine, July 1983

Facts & Figures:


Facts & Figures

Vehicle Type: Front engine, Rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door sedan
Price As Tested: $12,921
Options On Test Car: Base Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, $11,790; Air Conditioning, $737; Rear defroster, $135; Tilt Steering Wheel, $105; Tinted Glass, $105, Intermittent Wipers, $49
Sound System: AM/FM Stereo Radio, 4 speakers, 5 watts per channel

Engine:

Engine Type: Turbocharged 4-in-line, iron block and head
Bore X Stroke: 3.78 X 3.13 in (96.0 X 79.4 MM)
Displacement: 140 cu in., 2300CC
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Engine Control System: Ford EEC-IV
Emissions Controls: 3-way catalytic converter, feedback air/fuel ratio, EGR
Turbocharger: Garrett T-3
Waste Gate: Integral
Maximum Boost Pressure: 10PSI
Valve Gear: Belt driven single overhead cam, hydraulic lifters
Power (SAE net): 145 bhp @ 4600RPM
Torque (SAE net): 180 lbs-ft @ 3600RPM

Drivetrain:

Transmission: 5-speed manual (std); 4 speed auto (opt)
Final-Drive Ratio: 3.45:1, Limited Slip

Gear

Ratio MPH/1000RPM Max Test Speed

1

 4.03:1

5.2 30MPH (5750RPM)

2

2.37:1

8.9 51MPH (5750RPM)

3

1.50:1

14.1 81MPH (5750RPM)

4

1.00:1

21.1 117MPH (5550RPM)

5

0.86:1

24.5 123MPH (5000RPM)

Dimensions and Capacities:

Wheelbase: 104.0 in
Track, F/R 58.1/58.5 in
Length: 197.6 in
Width: 71.1 in
Height: 53.2 in
Frontal Area: 21.8 sq ft
Ground clearance: 4.8 in
Curb Weight: 3140 lbs
Weight Distribution, F/R: 56.1/43.9%
Fuel Capacity: 18.0 gallons
Oil Capacity: 5.0 Quarts
Water Capacity: 9.2 quarts
Body Type: Unit Construction
Body Material: Welded Steel Stampings
Interior SAE Volume, Front Seat: 52 cu ft
Rear Seat: 40 cu ft
Trunk space: 15 cu ft
Front Seat type: Bucket
Recliner Type: Ratchet
General Comfort: Excellent
Fore-and-aft Support: Excellent
Lateral Support: Good

Suspension:

Front Type: Independent, Modified MacPherson Struts, Coil Springs, Anti-Sway Bar
Rear Type: Rigid axle, 4 Trailing Links, 2 Leading hydraulic links, Coil springs, Anti-Sway Bar
Steering Type: Rack and pinion, Power assisted
Turns Lock-To-Lock: 2.5
Turning Circle, Curb to Curb: 38.6 ft
Brakes Type, Front: 10.1 X 0.9 in vented disc
Brakes Type, Rear: 9.0 X 1.8 in Cast-Iron Drum
Power Assist: Vacuum
Wheel Size: 5.5 X 14 in
Wheel Type: Cast Aluminum
Tire Make And Size: Goodyear Eagle HR, P205/70HR14
Test Inflation Pressures, F/R: 35/35 PSI

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