more about the 1986 Thunder Bird project
 

I have the option to attain a 1986 T-Brid project car. The car is excellent having being stripped to bare metal and repainted inside, underneath, and exterior. It has a roll bar installed, rear suspension points boxed/reinforced, 8.8 rear, manual Flaming River steering. All factory wiring removed, dash gutted of all unnecessary items.

The owner's original plan was building a stocker and work done to this point is excellent. The work was performed by experienced racers/builders, everything looks great.

In addition, I can buy this package VERY reasonably.

And some background, I have raced stock, super stock and crate motor stock all with Chevrolet products. Also, years of bracket race experience, again, all with Chevrolet products.

However, I enjoy learning and I am capable of building/tuning a Ford product.

So my question, "what are the options in ref to class racing with this 86 T-Bird?"

Without knowing any details my first choice is some combination in either GT or crate motor that uses a carburetor. In addition, I would consider building it into a small tire super stocker with some GT engine package. At this time I DO NOT like the thought of a turbo 4 cylinder nor a factory Ford FI unit. I am old so simple and things I already have experience with seem best.

Put your thinking hats on and give me some ideas.

Thanks

Re: more about the 1986 Thunder Bird project
 

289-4 BBL for GT Class

Re: more about the 1986 Thunder Bird project
 

Questions;

*can that 289 be a manual trans?

*what specific class and what weight and index?

Thank you

Re: more about the 1986 Thunder Bird project
 

and while we are talking about options for the 86 T-Bird please consider a combination that is capable of reasonable durability and capable of winning.

At my advanced age I do not want to waste my time. If this has potential I am interested. However, if it is a dead end, little hope of racing successfully I will let it pass.

Re: more about the 1986 Thunder Bird project
 

I agree with the sb ford 4 bbl in SS/GT.

My favorite is the 1968 Mustang or Mercury 302 4 BBL. (factory rated 230 hp)

The SS/GT factor is 220 hp with stock casting heads or 230 hp with aftermarket.

Re: more about the 1986 Thunder Bird project
 

I'm pretty sure the 1968 302 4 bbl can use the manual trans in GT.

NHRA shows the shipping weight of 3031 lbs. for a 1986 Turbo Coupe.
3164 lbs for the V-8 T-Bird.


Either way, the slowest GT class is 14 lbs per factored h.p.
14 x 220 h.p= 3080 plus 170 lbs for the driver, so raceweight should be 3250.

Index for GT/M is 11.50 1/4 mile...7.35 1/8th mile.