This is a really good running 1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe. We have taken it on a few trips with no problems and good gas mileage. Overall this is a decent car, but you do have to remember it’s an 88 model. Some switches don’t work, but it’s not the important switches such as the lights, wipers, etc. The paint isn’t perfect. There is a spot on the roof where it looks like a thin layer of body filler came off and a little section on the right rear quarter panel where it looks to have spray paint on it.
The interior is clean but is faded in most areas and the dash is cracked. This car has the premium sound system with the graphic equalizer and sounds pretty decent. The driver’s seat is power and still works, while the passenger seat is a manual. It’s equipped with the electronic air ride where you can either choose a firm ride or automatic where it actually changes to firm under hard acceleration.
The 2.3 liter carries this car with no problem. The motor doesn’t burn any oil and has no oil leaks, however the power steering pump does have a small leak. It has the factory IHI turbo and intercooler. The turbo makes no odd sounds, doesn’t leak oil, and spools properly. It has a fuel leak from what we think is the #1 fuel injector, might just be an O-ring. The electronic boost controller is bypassed with an air valve from Lowe’s. It’s not really adjustable but when it’s completely closed, the car only boosts 10psi, lower than stock. We always run premium fuel in this car, as did the previous owners.
The transmission shifts smooth and feels tight. To downshift to 3rd gear you have to come from 2nd gear position or it won’t let you downshift. Not sure if this is normal for these cars, but it will keep you from accidentally hitting 3rd gear instead of 5th gear during acceleration. The clutch grabs hard and is firm, no slipping at all. This car is equipped with Ford’s trac-lok (LSD).
The factory electronic brake master cylinder was off the car when we purchased it so we swapped on a manual master cylinder. The brakes are hard to press, but still work. I daily drove the car like this for about 2 months with no problem.
Performance wise the only modification is a K&N cone filter. The catalytic converter was starting to smell so it was removed. The two rear tires need to be replaced, wire is beginning to show (worn out when we bought the car).
I’ve tried to accurately represent this car and tell everything I know about it. I regret having to sell this car but I bought a 95 Mustang GT and can’t afford to keep this also. I would say this is a very reliable car and I wouldn’t hesitate to go anywhere in it.
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T-bird TURBOcoupe 5 speed. - 
