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  1. #1

    Default 88 4.6L Tbird parts list

    I need help, I am planning to swap a 1997 Lincoln Mark 8 LSC DOCH 4.6L and transmission into my 1988 Thunderbird sport coupe. I would like some tips, pointers and help for a parts list, if no one minds. Info on T-bird, 177,465 miles on odometer, it is a 5.0 4speed auto with 3.73 rear gear. Info on the Mark 8, 136,867 miles on odometer, it is stock from nose to tail, was an old mans hot rod.

  2. #2
    FEP Member endub's Avatar
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    Is something wrong with the 5.0 setup? Reason I ask is that is going to be an involved swap. Really no aftermarket support for that motor.plus you can make all the power you want with the current motor for much less.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

  3. #3

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    I am having no issues with the 5.0, I love it, great gas mileage (30ish) Just want something that not many people have.

  4. #4
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    You will need a LOT to make this happen. Plus, your donor car is a 1997. Post-1996 cars have PATS (Passive Anti Theft System) integrated into the EEC. Unless you are going aftermarket stand-alone PCM, it will run you roughly $400 to bypass the PATS system. Take it from someone who has done this.

    You will also need to switch the 'Bird over to Hydroboost brakes (as the stock Vacuum-assist brake booster will be in the way of the driver side valve cover) and related power steering pump.

    Any K-member for the 1996-2004 Mustang will be needed, as they have the motor mounts in the correct location for the 4.6 family; but it will need to have the back 4 mount bolts elongated forward 1/2" to get them to line up with the FOX mounting holes in the subframe. Also, what trans do you plan to run? If you are going to run the 4R70W from the '97, you will need the stock PCM as it controls trans shift points. Also, find the '98+ 4R70W trans and swap it in. ANY 4R70W that is pre-'98 WILL fail. The '98+ 4R70Ws were much improved. You could re-pin the '97 unit for the '98+ wiring and run the upgraded parts in the '97 trans as well. Plus a few (namely most) of the van 4R75W beefier parts will also swap back in. However, no matter the 4R70W, do the J-mod to it and add a deep pan/Aux trans cooler.

    Headers are out of the question, unless you can make some or are willing to spend $900 for some KOOKS mid-length units. You could run 1996-98 Cobra exhaust manifolds and have a mid-pipe made for it (as you will likely use some sort of Mustang (1994+) exhaust system).

    There are a LOT of other things that will be needed. Feel free to ask if you run into something.
    Last edited by 86GT2go; 03-21-2018 at 02:17 PM.
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

  5. #5

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    I have a Turbo coupe that I can rob the break system off of, since it has a Hydroboost system. I know these birds pretty good and I have many to take parts from. As for the trans cross member what about it? leave it or take one from a SN95 stang? Long tubes or shortys for headers? And the later model 4R70W what cars would that be in?

  6. #6
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    TEVESII is NOT Hydroboost. I too have an '88 TurboCoupe and it is NOT a Hydroboost system. The Hydroboosts can be found under any 1996+ Cobra and most 2001+ GT Mustangs.

    Like I said, headers are a VERY limited area. The KOOKS are mid-length. Most guys who do the 4V swap use '96+ Cobra exhaust manifolds and still have to mod their steering shaft (Remove the rag joint and run a knuckle).

    As for trans cross member, you will either need to mod your stock unit or grab one from the SN you grab the '98+ 4R70W out of and still mod it.
    Last edited by 86GT2go; 03-21-2018 at 02:28 PM.
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

  7. #7

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    Ok, I will look for that system, for the computer could I repin the computer plug for a later computer with a tuner?

  8. #8
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    ANY 1996+ 4.6L 4V computer will have PATS. You will need the key, ignition tumbler and receiver computer, and wiring to make it work. You would be better off getting an aftermarket EEC or find someone who can tune out the PATS.
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

  9. #9

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    I know some people that could help with the computer. Would SN95 long tube headers have the clearance to fit past the fender aprons and firewall?

  10. #10
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    When I did mine, I used '03 Cobra headers. The passenger side is pretty easy. You remove the cradle nib that sticks out on the 4R70W case, cut and rotate the collector-to-exhaust flange and rotate until it clears the pan, and (possibly) clearance the motor mount plate-to-block and you are done.
    Drivers side will need some work to clear the steering shaft, or the shaft changed to a ragless unit. Being the '88 Bird is closer to the SN95 dimensions, it works better than 4V-into-Fox Mustang.
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

  11. #11
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    On a side note; does your donor '97 MKVIII still have working ABS?
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

  12. #12

    Default

    The ABS still works, 75mph brake check and no skids. Once that headers are fit will an x pipe for a fox body fit? What about the shifter, the bird has a center console shifter P,R,N,OD,D,1 will the shifter work with the 4R70W valve body?

  13. #13
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    Yes, depending on which header style you use and which 'X' pipe you go with.
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

  14. #14

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    2003 Cobra Manifolds, what x pipe would fit?

  15. #15
    FEP Super Member
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    If you use manifolds, stock '96-'04 X-pipe would work, along with any other aftermarket X-pipes meant for manifolds.
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

  16. #16

    Default

    The wiring harness, how much of the Lincoln would I need? I know computer, and engine and trans harness, but what else?

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by EverydayBirdStuff View Post
    I am having no issues with the 5.0, I love it, great gas mileage (30ish) Just want something that not many people have.
    This'll be a cool swap if you can pull it off and complete it, one I even dreamed of myself at one point in time. I would like to point out that if your goal is simply to have something that not many others do you've already got it in the Mark VIII, hell even the T-bird is pretty uncommon anymore.
    Current

    1980 Mustang Coupe 302-AOD
    1986 Mark VII

    Past

    1986 Thunderbird Elan 5.0
    1980 Mustang Coupe 2.3-Auto

  18. #18

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    Like I said, I like the strange things. In my little town I have seen only two fox body birds on the road and both are mine. I think I have a very reasonable goal. But any help is greatly appreciated.

  19. #19

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    Theres a couple guys that have done a 2v or 3v swap over on foxtbirdcougarforums.com and documented it.

    Personally, I'd start out with a mustang for a donor car. Use the mustang kmember and wiring.

    Really though, the 302 is already there and capable of 400hp without hardly any work. The 4.6 is a wide motor, the 4v even more so...
    2 1986 cougars (both 4 eyed and 5.0)
    1 1987 cougar

  20. #20

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    Can't you just tape a correct PATS key to the receiver thingy?
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  21. #21

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    I agree with the 5.0 bits but I want something different. The 3v is what I wanted but it was a really good deal for this Lincoln

  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by EverydayBirdStuff View Post
    I agree with the 5.0 bits but I want something different. The 3v is what I wanted but it was a really good deal for this Lincoln
    Don't let the naysayers stop you. Do what you want! There are TONS of modular swap Foxes out there. I'll bet LMR could help you if you called them. They built a 3V swap Fairmont a few years ago. WraithRacing is building a DOHC 5.4 Mustang!
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  23. #23
    FEP Super Member
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    Modularfoxmustang used to be a forum for mod-swapping FOX cars. Don't know if it is still active though.

    As for the PATS key being taped into the car........... sure Brad, works well!
    Last edited by 86GT2go; 04-15-2018 at 07:19 AM.
    " If you're not living life on the edge, that means you're taking up too much room."
    1979 Mustang Indy Pace 2.3T/4spd (sold on 1/10/16)
    1983 GLX vert 3.8/auto (triple black, sold on 10/8/13)
    1984 (early) Turbo GT (parts SLOWLY coming together)
    1985 Coupe 4.6L DOHC/IRS swapped (sold 9/10/17)
    1986 GT TTop 5spd (sold as of 10/8/13)
    1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe (Cobra IRS/Brakes/big turbo project)

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