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  1. #1

    Default 80 Cobra Turbo 4

    How many Turbo 4 Cobras with an Automatic were built in 1980?


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  2. #2
    FEP Super Member tORMENtOR's Avatar
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    oops
    Last edited by tORMENtOR; 06-21-2017 at 07:40 PM.

  3. #3
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    Mick only has a few on his list. I read that in 1980, four or more C3 automatic turbos were made

    #8 08-28-2015, 07:18 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by xctasy View Post
    ........ In 1980-1981, four or more C3 automatic turbos were made.
    1980 Trans codes
    2.3L - 5, 7, V, W
    2.3T - 6, V

    V is the C3 Bordeux trans from France


    1981
    2.3T - code 5 trans only, no auto

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FoxChassis
    That year was also the only year that the turbo engine was available with an optional auto transmission(V).

    Two of a few here.

    Quote Originally Posted by Sasquatch View Post
    I am suprised they were in such great shape, considering the rest of the car...
    Also has a second buck tag saying that it has the road abrasion package


    Quote Originally Posted by FoxChassis View Post
    Yeah, I believe "V" is for C3 auto. That wasn't supposed be be available with the 2.3T but then again, this is a Canadian car, and they did things a little different up there as far as options went.
    Quote Originally Posted by TuxStang View Post
    Another 4-eyed in our stable ... a friend just bought this one this week. Took my afternoon to clean, decode and check it

    This Cobra has a few things we don't understand, but maybe related to its DSO 89, Transportation Service.
    _ according to the VIN, it's a 2.3l n/a, but the engine looks original
    _ there are some sort of relays under passenger seat, never ever seen this before
    _ it doesn't have the additional moldings on the door frames
    _ it has an inertia cut-off switch in the trunk
    _ it has a 81+ size fuel tank, but with straps that fit perfectly with the tank
    _ it has 4 speakers but no Premium Sound, don't remember if they are related or not

    That car is quite a low mileage. At first sight, when you see the body, you can't believe it has only 29.000 miles, but when you see the more than fresh Recaro interior and the engine bay, there's no way it has 129.000 miles. That car didn't park much under cover, but there's only some surface rust spots.

    According to its owner, the engine runs well but haven't let it heat enough to judge. The few meters I drove it to move it on the lift, idle was really low, choke doesn't seem to work, and there was no power. We'll see how it runs later.

    Now, pics ...

    Before

    After


    Haven't seen such a clean Recaro interior since when I bought my Pace Car




    Under front passenger seat :


    Large gas tank

    3 hoses coming out of the tank





    Door tag

    VIN 0 (1980) F (Dearborn) 03 (hatchback) A (2.3l n/a)
    DSO 89 : Transportation Service
    2 color codes ... 1G (Silver Mettalic) and 1C (Black)
    Body 61R : hatchback
    Interior WA : Recaro (W ? don't have that code in my books) Black (A)
    A/C A : it has A/C
    Radio 4 : AM/FM multiplex
    Sunroof O : doesn't have sunroof and never had ... plus this code doesn't match anything I can find
    Axle F : 3.45:1
    Transmission V : C3

    This car will require some little bodywork but not that much, new paint (we'll install new set of stripes and Cobra on the hood scoop :P), brake job, new headlights and checking the engine (looks like somebody played reconnecting vacuum hoses with dices).

  5. #5
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    Mick will chime in, he's done a huge amount of recoding 5 speed transmission and C3 auto transmission and engine options.


    Quote Originally Posted by tORMENtOR View Post
    I don't believe there was any 80 Cobras with a Turbo 4cyl and Auto. I've only seen 255 cars with an auto and Turbo 4's with the 4spd.
    There was a non T5 5speed transmission option from 1980 to 1983 for the 2.3 and 2.3 T, the Tremec T140.

    Canadian cars were Cobra Turbo's with carbs for the years (81, 82, 83) after the US option was withdrawn in the 1981 model year US cars

    Even the lame 3.3 was a Cobra option....19.5 second quarter mile car that wouldn't even do 95 mph.

    A 132 hp turbo 2.3 Auto would have run away and hid from that killer 85 hp Cobra beast....

  6. #6
    FEP Super Member tORMENtOR's Avatar
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    Good info,it's good to still learn a thing or two.

  7. #7

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    I have five so far in the database and registry. Don't know total made.

    Turbo/auto was available in 1980 only.
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  8. #8

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    I found one. Will post pics.


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  9. #9

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  10. #10

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    No telling what that really is without the door and buck tags. There are so many things "wrong" with it if it's an actual 1980 Cobra.
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  11. #11
    FEP Power Member Fearnot's Avatar
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    Interesting....looking forward to some more information on this one.
    88 Turbo Coupe auto
    88 Turbo Coupe 5spd
    79 Fairmont Futura 4.6
    79 Capri RS - 2.3/5spd restomod
    80 Capri 5.0/5spd project
    79 Zephyr Z7 factory 5.0 sunroof
    79 Pace Car 5.0/5spd project
    85 LTD LX factory 5spd?(not documented)
    86 GT conv 5.0/5spd
    79 Pace Car 2.3/4spd - needs new home

  12. #12

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    Heres door tag. Some one please decode if possible.


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  13. #13
    FEP Power Member Fearnot's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjltthomas View Post
    Heres door tag. Some one please decode if possible.


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    Not seeing the door tag. Is it just my phone? I'm away from home.
    88 Turbo Coupe auto
    88 Turbo Coupe 5spd
    79 Fairmont Futura 4.6
    79 Capri RS - 2.3/5spd restomod
    80 Capri 5.0/5spd project
    79 Zephyr Z7 factory 5.0 sunroof
    79 Pace Car 5.0/5spd project
    85 LTD LX factory 5spd?(not documented)
    86 GT conv 5.0/5spd
    79 Pace Car 2.3/4spd - needs new home

  14. #14
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fearnot View Post
    Not seeing the door tag. Is it just my phone? I'm away from home.
    No picture of the door tag.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
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    1981 Capri Roller
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  15. #15

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    Name:  0F03D129873.jpg
Views: 491
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    VIN
    0 = 1980 model year
    F = Dearborn Assembly
    03 = Mustang 3-dr hatchback
    D = 4.2L V8 engine
    129873 = 29,873rd 1980 Ford scheduled for production at Dearborn Assembly

    Door Tag
    Date - 09/79 = September 1979 scheduled build
    GVWR - 3943 lb/1788 kg = gross vehicle weight rating
    Front GAWR - 2128 lb/965 kg = front gross axle weight rating
    Rear GAWR - 1835 lb/832 kg = rear gross axle weight rating
    F0113 = 113 lbs front accessory reserve load
    R0068 = 68 lbs rear accessory reserve load
    Exterior Paint Colors - 1C 1C = tu-tone paint: Black upper (enamel) and Black lower (flat)
    DSO - 21 = Atlanta district sales office
    Body - 61R = Mustang 3-dr hatchback
    Int Trim - CA = vinyl seating, low-back front buckets (C), Black interior trim color (A)
    A/C - A = manual air conditioner
    R - [blank] = no radio?
    S - 0 = no sunroof
    Ax - G = 2.26:1 axle ratio, non-locking differential
    Tr - W = C4 automatic transmission
    55 = front springs
    LL = rear springs
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  16. #16

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    here it is guys. Wiuldnt load last night.


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  17. #17
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    You new ride prospect is esentially as basic "standard" V8 Cobra enchilada, with D code engine, G code 2.26 axle and W code trans....C4

    All Cobra Turbo 2.3's are A code, T option engines, with F code 3.45 axle and V code trans...C3.

    They have to have a T option on the buck code. The turbo and non turbo 2.3's are always A code for 1980, the kicker is the buck code "T" option.



    and this




    The carb turbo auto was also a Fairmont and Zephyr option for 1980, but unless the car is

    A code engine,

    T option buck code,
    with F code 3.45 axle and V code trans...C3.

    Then its not an auto turbo carb 1980.

    Quote Originally Posted by FoxChassis View Post
    1980 was last year that model year was 1st in VIN. Engine code "A" in 1980 VIN can be turbo or non-turbocharged. Need buck tag or build sheet for "T" turbo engine code.

  18. #18

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    confirmed 1979-81 Cobra engine/trans combos...

    1979
    F/5 (5.0L/Tremec SROD 4-sp manual overdrive)
    F/W (5.0L/Ford C4 automatic)
    W/6 (2.3T/Borg Warner SR-4 4-sp manual)

    1980
    A¹/6 (2.3T/Borg Warner SR-4 4-sp manual)
    A¹/V (2.3T/Ford C3 automatic)
    D/W (4.2L/Ford C4 automatic)

    1981
    A/5 (2.3L/Tremec 140VS 5-sp manual overdrive)
    B/4 (3.3L/Tremec SROD 4-sp manual overdrive)
    B/6 (3.3L/Borg Warner SR-4 4-sp manual)
    B/W (3.3L/Ford C4 automatic)
    D/W (4.2L/Ford C4 automatic)
    T/5 (2.3T/Tremec 140VS 5-sp manual overdrive)

    other possible but unconfirmed combos...

    1979: W/5 (2.3T/Tremec SROD 4-sp manual overdrive)
    1980: A¹/5 (2.3T/Tremec 140VS 5-sp manual overdrive) (late model year availability)
    1981: A/6 (2.3L/Borg Warner SR-4 4-sp manual)
    1981: T/6 (2.3T/Borg Warner SR-4 4-sp manual)

    ¹ A in VIN, T on buck tag
    Last edited by FoxChassis; 06-23-2017 at 01:20 PM.
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  19. #19

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    Hello, I'm a new member here. My farther worked at Ford and got company cars. We ordered a 1980 black cobra V4 turbo mustang with green stripes and a automatic transmission. Usually we would get a new car in December, but we did not get this car until spring. My farther sad that he thought that Ford had a hard time passing emissions with this car. We also ordered a 1981 Capri black magic T-Top car.

  20. #20
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    The issue wasn't compliance, it was most likely warranty price tradeoff that Ford decided to control by supply.

    Deciding how to meet USA state and market needs, that was what Ford always did best. The 1980 to 1981 era had the awful CAFE corporate average MPG downgrade on 4.2 engines (1.5 MPG better at 55 mph).

    The discussion on 1980 emissions compliance I've heard from two other sources here.

    Based on what I've read, Ford had warranty issues, and just adding a primary light off catalyst to 1980 Turbos and the V code C3 automatic option would have conclusively answered the emissions problems, but Ford were more worried about warranty costs.

    Consumer Guide listed all the persistant warranty issues existed with the 1979 Vin A & Buck T engine option...
    Even though the car had strong forged conrods, the turbo ones broke,
    Even though the car had strong forged pistons that carried high compression when pump gas was penut oil 87 octane, it still made it detonation prone when hot under boost.
    Exhaust manifolds that cracked on all 2.3's became a real problem with the 2.3,
    Then the turbo housings that forced the alloy intake manifolds to crack under clocking loads, that was expensive.

    and all of them consumed a lot of dealer time which was always claimed back to Ford.

    Emissions wise, Ford was already under the microscope from the EPA over the engine options to meet each states varrying emissions laws, it was looking like Stick Change manual gearbox options were going to be difficult for California and Hi Altitude areas, but for Ford, there were other issues.

    Due compliants, the EPA was forcing Ford to shut down San Jose plant, and doing the same to Carter ACF.


    Ford never underenginered the 2.3 Turbo, any car that cruised at 55 mph needing 2700 rpm was a strained, cold blooded engine that needed to be driven with conviction to get the most out of it. 85 mph, 4100 rpm.

    Those axle ratios of 3.45 and a nasty wide ratio gearbox never made it as easy to drive as an SROD 5.0.


    See this on gearing and think about how it might have influenced waranty claims

    Quote Originally Posted by xctasy View Post

    Quote Originally Posted by 86V8NOTCH
    I put 215 miles on my new wheels & tires yesterday going to & from an all Ford vehicle show in Apple Valley, MN. My Pace Car won 2nd in the "1974-1986 Mustang" class.

    I had it up to 85 MPH on the freeway coming home, and they really should have put a 5-speed in these (or 2:73 gears vs. 3:45), as RPMs were 4K @ that speed.

    The wheels & tires made for a real smooth ride & I got 20 MPG
    Wow there's an idea, having a concours set of 390's and a new set of 16's. Who'd of thunk!


    As for gear ratios per 1000 rpm



    Although its a great engine, even in the 1980's clamp downs people were still doing 85 in them. People were still doing interstate Cannon balls....


    85 MPH is 4100 rpm with 190/65 HR 390's and is just a little more with the 1% smaller heght of the 220/55 VR390.


    My 81 3.3 in line six and 2.73 gears with a C3 did 3165 rpm at 85...totally relaxed


    5300 rpm takes them to 110 mph.

    The 2.3 Turbo ratios were the worst feature...it forced people to ring the great turbos neck. When it did get the Tremec 140vs five speed, it still made the car hard to drive becasue they didn't change the wide gear ratios, axle ratio, and the gear shift pattern risked a downchange into a lower gear with over reving a REAL possibility. Plenty of stock non turbo 2.3's got the 3.08 axle, and it gave 37 mpg at 55 mph.

    Ford did so much with the AOD and SROD four speeds, to aid CAFE fuel economy, but despite best efforts, the 2.3 Carb Turbo gearing was never really fixed until the SVO. Even the stock 1980 engined M81 couldn't beat 100 mph, and had trouble breaking 17.4's for the 1/4 mile.


    The same article I got the 1979 Mustang Turbo figures from shows the European Capri 3.0 gear ratios and if Ford had just decided to use the stock German V6 gear intermediate ratios with the 0.79:1 5th gear, they could have had it made.

  21. #21
    FEP Member dbest's Avatar
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    I have a 2.3T Cobra with a T3 auto, Still dont know how rare this is or its market value as the Foxes have no impacked down under.

  22. #22
    FEP Member svo84's Avatar
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    I have only seen one 80 Cobra with an automatic. About seven years ago in the Scranton PA area. Was Blue on Blue. Thought it was cool. I think there pretty rare.

  23. #23

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    I have six known 2.3T/auto 1980 Cobras in the database and registry.
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  24. #24
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    As below, of the six Mic has documented, it lookes like TuxStang's Test DSO 89 1980 Cobra Mustang automatic has

    an inertia cut out,
    under passenger seat electric fuel pump wiring
    internal tank fuel pump (like the Panther& Fox CFi EECIII 5.0 and Panther & Fox CFi and early HO EECIV 5.0 and the earlier 1983 model year on wards 2.3 EFi Turbo).

    gr79 noted that its most likely scavange pumped

    Quote Originally Posted by TuxStang View Post
    Another 4-eyed in our stable ... a friend just bought this one this week. Took my afternoon to clean, decode and check it

    This Cobra has a few things we don't understand, but maybe related to its DSO 89, Transportation Service.
    _ according to the VIN, it's a 2.3l n/a, but the engine looks original
    _ there are some sort of relays under passenger seat, never ever seen this before
    _ it doesn't have the additional moldings on the door frames
    _ it has an inertia cut-off switch in the trunk
    _ it has a 81+ size fuel tank, but with straps that fit perfectly with the tank
    _ it has 4 speakers but no Premium Sound, don't remember if they are related or not

    That car is quite a low mileage. At first sight, when you see the body, you can't believe it has only 29.000 miles, but when you see the more than fresh Recaro interior and the engine bay, there's no way it has 129.000 miles. That car didn't park much under cover, but there's only some surface rust spots.

    According to its owner, the engine runs well but haven't let it heat enough to judge. The few meters I drove it to move it on the lift, idle was really low, choke doesn't seem to work, and there was no power. We'll see how it runs later.

    Now, pics ...

    Before

    After


    Haven't seen such a clean Recaro interior since when I bought my Pace Car

    Under front passenger seat :

    Large gas tank

    3 hoses coming out of the tank


    Door tag

    VIN 0 (1980) F (Dearborn) 03 (hatchback) A (2.3l n/a)
    DSO 89 : Transportation Service
    2 color codes ... 1G (Silver Mettalic) and 1C (Black)
    Body 61R : hatchback
    Interior WA : Recaro (W ? don't have that code in my books) Black (A)
    A/C A : it has A/C
    Radio 4 : AM/FM multiplex
    Sunroof O : doesn't have sunroof and never had ... plus this code doesn't match anything I can find
    Axle F : 3.45:1
    Transmission V : C3

    This car will require some little bodywork but not that much, new paint (we'll install new set of stripes and Cobra on the hood scoop :P), brake job, new headlights and checking the engine (looks like somebody played reconnecting vacuum hoses with dices).

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