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Topic: Updates on the Red 88 (Read 1181 times) previous topic - next topic

Updates on the Red 88

Last Fall, I sent the Red 88 XR7 off to a High School for the school year.

They had a lot of fun with my project.

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The engine was out of a rusted 87 bought over 10 years ago.
Wire harness, shifter header panel out of the blue parts car that I had.

The engine was one of the most powerful stock 302s that I had ever driven.

I can't confirm that they are H.O. heads but it is a H.O. intake.

When I put the Motor in a few years ago it had issues.

Needless to say, all gone now.

They even talked me into using my prized 88 XR7 correct AOD that has only 60 miles on it.

Schools out and I brought it home yesterday.

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My Black one that I have owned for 34 years never had this much power.

It was a fad to put HO heads on these engines in the 90s but I am not sure about this engine.

It may be the ECM as the car uses the one that came with the engine.

All together a fun machine.

The dark 11s are from the red one on a straight acceleration.

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Car is not rust free but far from a basket case.

A real fun project so far.

I am going to install the rust free doors that I have and see if there is a market for the car in Ontario, Canada.

I have acquired another project so this one is looking for a new home.
Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #1
My dad always said a new car will always make your other car jealous.

Thursday night, my black 88 Cougar blew the alternator on the way home from work.

I guess she wanted a ride in the trailer too  :smile:

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Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #2
Doh!  On the black one getting jealous.

Looking forward to the updates on the red one..

1988 Thunderbird TC, 5spd
Stinger 3" single exhaust, Cone Filter, Adjustable Cam Pulley, Schneider roller cam, Walbro 255 lph, AEM Wideband O2
'93 Mustang Cobra replica wheels on 235/50R17

'21 F150 Powerboost
'17 Husqvarna TX300

 

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #3
Door replacement started !
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Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #4
Gotta ask, what nose trim is that up on the shelf behind the Cougar?  At least that is what I am assuming it is as it reminds me of a Firebird front nose.

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #5
I drive my Pontiac friends crazy with my Mercury stuff  :smile:
My other obsession is,

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The Canadian Made Pontiacs of the 60s looked like the US cars but were 100% Chevy Impalas underneath.
6 inches shorter than a Bonneville and about 3 inches shorter than a Catalina.
This one is the original 350 Chev motor with a powerglide (2 speed) transmission. Only about 1000 Canadian convertibles made that year.
Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #6
Left door done,
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Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #7
Left door, more of a challenge.
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The guts are mangled in the black driver's door,
Everything has to be replaced
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Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #8
The window regulator/motor was missing a track and the glass had the plastic clips broken off.
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Bought myself a new 1/4 inch pop rivet gun. Works well !
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Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #9
Great work on the red car and the Firebird vert is awesome! Have a buddy that has a '73 455 HO car so his knowledge has bled ever so slightly off on me.  He would be proud I actually sort of recognized that nose trim.

Any other sheet metal replacement in the works for the Cougar?

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #10
I have to move both cars today as I'm pretty sure I have better door glass somewhere up in my loft.
I have too much stuff in my loft !
Canadian 87 and 88 Cougars owners should contact me as I know have too much  :crazy:
Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.

Re: Updates on the Red 88

Reply #11
Passed this project on to Brandon today.
I gave him a deal.
Nice to pass this on to a fellow 88 Mercury Cougar enthusiast.
Some of the interior parts on this car actually came from him.
He also has an 88 with parts on it that I had sold to that car's previous owner.
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Good bye Old friend.
Original 1988 Cougar XR7 owner 200,000 miles and counting.