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Topic: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts (Read 1346 times) previous topic - next topic

80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Hello, first post.
   I have a bone stock 80 Tbird  that I want to swap a stout 302 into. I notice when searching the aftermarket for parts, most things for fox’s seem to list for Mustangs 84 and up. Will later fox mustang headers and k members bolt to my car? Rear ends?  Can someone tell me the structural differences between my 80 Bird and later fox Mustangs? Thanks, Tony.

Re: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Reply #1
This has some info: Coolcats
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

Re: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Reply #2
It looks like you posted a link to something but I’m unable to click to anything.

Re: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Reply #3
I don't know how Beau messed that one up. He was going to send you to https://www.coolcats.net/.

I can't give much information with any certainty because I have no experience with the 80-82 birds. From my understanding, everything from a Mustang should fit. I've seen a few that have been built, like I said, I have no personal experience.
It's Gumby's fault.

Re: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Reply #4
The 80-82 TBird's (and Cougar XR-7) are Fox-chassis cars, but there are a couple differences.

They first difference is that they are the longest Fox-chassis, at 108". (vs. 104" for the 83-88's and 100" for the Mustangs) The difference in length is mostly in the floorpan, but some in the rear control arms.

The engine bay is the same as the rest, so the swap isn't an issue.

The K-member and front susp are the same as the 83-84 TBirds. The K-members will work, but the same spacers will be needed between the K-member and the chassis. There are several threads on this forum with K-member installs. No need to swap K-members, however, if your car is not an I6.
The control arms are the same as the Fox Mustangs.

The rear axle situation is the same as the 83-84 TBirds. The axle housing is the same width as the Fox Mustang, but the axles themselves are longer.
The rear control arms are the same as the 83-88 Tbirds, which are longer than the Mustang ones. A couple vendors make TBird-specific rear controls arm, if you're looking for an upgrade.

I've messed with a couple of the '80's myself, but it's been a few years.

Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo

Re: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Reply #5
Would the Fairmont and Zephyr compare better to the 80-82 Birds?  I know a bunch of the Fairmonts have been raced through the years and at 105.5" on the wheel base I thought they may share some of the same metal from the firewall back.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Fairmont

https://www.fordforumsonline.com/forums/ford-fairmont.11/

You will have to do a search but you might find some good info here:

http://vb.foureyedpride.com/

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


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Re: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Reply #6
Excellent info guys. You actually pre answered a couple other questions I had.

Thank you.

 

Re: 80 Tbird and aftermarket parts

Reply #7
Would the Fairmont and Zephyr compare better to the 80-82 Birds?  I know a bunch of the Fairmonts have been raced through the years and at 105.5" on the wheel base I thought they may share some of the same metal from the firewall back.

The F/Z's are closer to the Mustangs and also use Mustang susp stuff front and rear, and the widths are the same.

The floorpans under the seats are different on the 80-82's. I know the seat track mounts are different from the Mustangs/F/Z's as well as being different from the 83-88's.

Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo