Ford Thunderbird 1990
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1983 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Fox type unibody/similar to the Cougar of the same year/C-5 Transmission (without over drive)/84-86 nicer emblems /very ugly rims/tires 205-65-15/original paint - white exterior\red interior / most v6 3.8 engine some 5.0 and 4 turbo/ can been customized with Mustang & Cougar parts
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1983 Ford Thunderbird
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by Anonymous
Jul 15, 2013
I'm still working on this car. Going to convert over with the help of a 87 Lincoln which has five lug disc brakes all around. Still want too paint it just haven't decided on what color and I still need too put a transmission in it. It still drivable just don't have overdrive working. Jul 15, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2011
I bought this little "wunderkar" on 2/21/2011
from a young man recently back from service to
his country - a Marine who was made partially
deaf from all the ordinance. A 1983 4-cyl turbo
coupe with pristine interior, no tears or
cracks, it sets on 4 fat 60s. Presently, it
suffers a little from turbo lag that will soon
be cured via cool air intake. Needs a new, grey
paint job or maybe black, new tail lenses, and
that's about all she needs. Everything works
except the gas gauge. The price? $700, with new
clutch assembly, alternator, cat conv, fuel
pump. What a blessing this young man was to me!Feb 23, 2011
by Anonymous
Jul 19, 2009
This was my first car 10 years ago, and I still have it. In highschool I built a carberated 302, and got rid of the 3.8. This small change really woke my car up. Then I added a limited slip rear end, and BF Goodrich 275/60/R15's out back. That gave it a muscle car stance. I still think Its cool, and most people tell me they think the same.Jul 19, 2009
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jul 15, 2013
I'm still working on this car. Going to convert over with the help of a 87 Lincoln which has five lug disc brakes all around. Still want too paint it just haven't decided on what color and I still need too put a transmission in it. It still drivable just don't have overdrive working. Jul 15, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2011
I bought this little "wunderkar" on 2/21/2011
from a young man recently back from service to
his country - a Marine who was made partially
deaf from all the ordinance. A 1983 4-cyl turbo
coupe with pristine interior, no tears or
cracks, it sets on 4 fat 60s. Presently, it
suffers a little from turbo lag that will soon
be cured via cool air intake. Needs a new, grey
paint job or maybe black, new tail lenses, and
that's about all she needs. Everything works
except the gas gauge. The price? $700, with new
clutch assembly, alternator, cat conv, fuel
pump. What a blessing this young man was to me!Feb 23, 2011
by Anonymous
Jul 19, 2009
This was my first car 10 years ago, and I still have it. In highschool I built a carberated 302, and got rid of the 3.8. This small change really woke my car up. Then I added a limited slip rear end, and BF Goodrich 275/60/R15's out back. That gave it a muscle car stance. I still think Its cool, and most people tell me they think the same.Jul 19, 2009
by Alex B
Jul 10, 2008
it handles great and his it own personality looks good and soundspretty cool and it is very soft seats inside but not alot of room in the back seat but who cares your driveing !!! and fun to driveJul 10, 2008
by Shannon S
Feb 29, 2008
Cool for a 18 year oldFeb 29, 2008
by Carl S
Feb 24, 2008
Car was a Turbo Coupe with the Koni suspension. Comfortable, fast, nimble, great on gas, very reliable.Feb 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Nov 03, 2007
I have a 1983 Thunderbird with the 3.8 liter V6 and C5 automatic. It has alot the regular options commonly found on T-Birds: Cruise Control, AC, Tilt Wheel, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Power Driver Seat, Rear Defroster, map lights. The interior trim is identical to the 'Heritage' edition Thunderbirds but without the decal trim. I believe 1983 was the only year for the vent windows, as I have seen many thunderbirds in the wrecking yards but rarely ever see the vent window that my Bird has. Also, after 1983 ford went to Central Fuel Injection on the 3.8 V6, so finding some parts for my 3.8 carbureted V6 are hard to come by. My T-Bird also came equipped with a vacuum assisted parking brake. I haven't seen it on any other thunderbird, so I think it is also a 1983 only item. Another perculiar item on my Bird is the intake manifold. It is an open plenum (single plane) manifold, not the standard dual plenum manifold found on so many Vee type engines. Because of this, my factory cold start idle is set to 2200 rpms according to the emissions sticker. I have never owned a car that revved so high at startup, and can take up to 10 minutes before the choke relaxes the engine down to 600 rpms. I own a mustang with the CFI equipped 3.8 and recommend the CFI setup over the carbureted version. However, aside from the quirky engine parts, the T-Bird rides so much nicer and is quieter than my mustang. They both share the same FOX body frame and parts, but you can tell Ford spent more time refining the Thunderbird than they did the mustang. The quality of the interior trim, seating, ride quality, and noise reduction make the Thunderbird a much nicer car to drive around in. Nov 03, 2007
What users have asked
I have an 83 t-bird swapped the 3.8 auto for a 302 auto,starter stays engaged.
I repalced the 6 with a 302 auto,the starter wanted to stay going even after the key was off.I replaced the lock cyl and ignition switch nothing changed so I replaced the solenoid tore the dash apart looked at all the wires and fuse panel nothing, replaced the starter even put an in line100amp kill switch between the solenoid and the only wire to the starter still does it.I tried both points on the noid also".HELP" out of ideas
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How many versions of the 1983 Thunderbird were there? (Such as V6 and V8 engines) .
I used to own an 83 T-bird and loved it...want another one someday .....would like to know all the options that were available. The 83 is the only one I know of that had the "smokers windows "...I really liked that cause I didn't have to run the air conditioner ...had Mustang GT wheels on it so it hugged the ground and ate up the curves ...
133 views
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1983 Ford Thunderbird Pricing
Original MSRP
$9,629 to $12,660Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent