The 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was that year's Motor Trend 'Car of the Year'. Quite an honor for a model line that had looked dead in the water at the start of the '80s! The award was certainly deserved: Ford had poured plenty of engineering know-how into their revamp of the '87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe.
Its 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was now offered with the air-to-air intercooler also seen in the Ford Mustang SVO; this reengineering brought the Turbo Coupe's output up to a whopping 190 horsepower when combined with 5-speed manual transmission. The Turbo Coupe was also available with a new 4-speed automatic transmission, with a maximum output of 150 horsepower. In addition, the flagship Turbo Coupe came with performance extras like anti-lock disc brakes and Automatic Ride control.
The rest of the 1987 Thunderbird line got a slight shakeup in terms of its trim offerings. The Elan model was discontinued; it was replaced by new LX and Sport models. The Sport trim came standard with the 5.0 liter fuel-injected V-8 engine; the LX shipped with the Essex V-6.
A new swept-back aerodynamic redesign made the '87 Ford Thunderbird sleeker than ever. With its newly flush-mounted headlights and narrower grille, the '87 T-Bird had a sharp, forward-looking appeal. Fuel efficiency remained solid, with maximum highway mileage ranging from 24 to 30 miles per gallon.
When I start the engine on my 1987 T-Bird the engine goes dead if the key is not in the exact position after I release it after the car starts running. The instrument panel gauges and lights go out also. I have replaced the ignition switch and key cylinder and that did not fix it. Can the sterring column be taken apart, or is there an electrical problem somewhere?
after driving for about an hour the headlight and dash lights go out. has anyone else had this problem. changed the fuse.
I have a 87'T-Bird,that can't be drivin at night,I've replaced,the bulbs,had lamp buckets restored,new adjusters,still,can't see at night,has anyone else,come across this problem? And what can be done about it?I have already spent hundreds of $$$, Still hard to see, Thank-You
My wife was riding down the interstate the other day and said her bird started stalling out. She attempted to crank multiple times with no response. She was actually out of gas. When someone tried to jump her off. from setting on side of road with caution lights plus multiple attempts to crank, they connected a battery backwards while trying to start the bird. Then they did it correctly. When she tried to pull back on to the interstate the car would not come out of first gear.she had to manually shift into second eventually. We have parked the car and checked the fuses in fuse panel but are still not sure what has happened. There were no previous trans problems and the car is in great shape. Can anyone please help me get her back in her Baby Blue Bird?
I have replaced the battery and alternator and postive and negetive wires and the battery is still charging I have been told there is a voltage regulator on it but i cannot find it anyone know where it is
Audio System
Equalizer: graphic · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Audio System
Equalizer: graphic · 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
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Audio System
Equalizer: graphic · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
Equalizer: graphic · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent