Hey all, this will be the build thread to my 85 Thunderbird, AKA Project Thunderturd.

This is my first build thread I've ever made, so I hope I do well here. One thing I'm doing is documenting every dollar spent so you guys will know exactly what it would take to replicate a build like this. This is 100% Sloppy Mechanics inspired, so economy and power (dollar per hp) is going to be maximized, with an added bit of reliability.

Once the build is finished, I'll post a spreadsheet of everything that was used to put the car together.
I purchased a 2003 Tahoe Z71 from Copart.com. It was a flawless transaction. Scrapped what I didn't sell off the truck. I kept the motor, harness, pedal, and TAC, and ended up being a $115 for it all.

Here is the gem I bought from a buddy of mine for $500. She's red on red, wire spoke hubcaps, TB injected 3.8L V-6 and a C3 trans, what a gem:



Next up was Springs, cam, LS7 Lifters, hardened push rods, all from Martin Smallwood, formerly of Tick Performance.

Pretty clean, had 130k on the clock





Ready to yank the cam.



My machine shop (Apple's Machine in Yorktown, VA made me clean up the heads.

New valve seals, old ones were shot and BTR springs getting installed.







Martin Spec'd cam from Tick going home.



I degree'd the cam just to check it out. Matched the cam card perfectly with the stock original timing gears and chain.



Bottom end looked good. Left it untouched.



Alper Motorsports studs.




Heads on, torqued to 70 ft lbs with new stock multilayer gaskets.





I bought a CTS-V oil pan with windage tray, pickup, and dipstick tube from eBay.



Oil pan with AJE K-member on to check clearance.



Installing the harmonic balancer, the Sloppy way.




All accessories back on. I'm using Corvette LS3 manifolds, flipped to retain AC since I'm fat and it's hot and humid as **** in VA in the summer.





For the transmission, it's a 4L80E out of a diesel van, maybe a 2001-ish. eBay find for $500, including shipping. Installed a TransGo HD2 shift kit.



Pretty clean inside. Turns out, someone had put a TransGo kit in it prior to, just not the HD 2.



Torque converter is a Circle D single disc lockup billet converter.



Custom, made to order.




Turbo is an On3 Performance 7875. I have seen these things on Denmah's 6.0 in his Colorado, so I expect great things from it.

 

First up was swapping out the 7.5" rear that came factory. I also changed gears before I installed the 8.8".

Ford 3.27 gears



FYI, this isn't a direct swap from a Mustang. The brake hard lines and the e-brake cables must be swapped over, but will bolt right in.



Next was getting out the original 3.8L and C3. 56k Original miles.







Next was removing the old K-member and swapping over the suspension. New struts came with the car, so I slapped those in as well as some V8 springs.





AJE K-member getting ready to go in.



Bolted in with AJE spring perches.




Suspension changed over and back on the ground.



Test fitting the motor for the first time. This is where the car sits now.



Intake and alt are going to definitely hit the stock hood. Looks like I need a different accessory and intake route.

I'm thinking possibly a LS1 intake. As far as alternator though, I'm not sure. I want to keep AC and PS, so that will be an obstacle. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

ICT billet for drive accessory brackets. Most affordable option on the planet if you are starting from scratch. Tons of options and configurations. Google them or look at their store on ebay.

 

Sub'd. Love unusual builds!

 

Wow that's great progress, love the build's name hahahahh

 

thunderTURD!

 

looking good but that tunnel looks like its gonna be tight

 

Oh yeah. There will be some BFH action going on there. It should be identical to a fox mustang so some "gentle" massaging should do the trick.

 

VERY cool project!!!!

I purchased this alt/ps bracket for my Mustang and its working great, and was priced right. It reuses the stock alt and ps pump, even the belt. Gotta love it for $120.00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS-Truck-Car...JVVV8O&vxp=mtr

It drops the alt way low and tucks the ps pump in tighter.

 

I like it.

I am now strongly considering a 78/75...

 

I like "Turd-Burd" better lol!!!

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I might try the eBay option first since it retains a stock belt and I don't have to keep up with which belt if I need to get another one down the road. Anyone have an LS1 intake laying around they want to let go?

 

Sure the hood wont close? What if you cut all the bosses off the top of the intake?

If you use the bracket that I used and then a different intake, you will need a longer belt and install your idler pulley. Good thing about the Speed Engineering bracket is that you can use the existing alt and PS pump. Other brackets require you to purchase a F-Body or Vette alt and/or ps pump. There goes the budget.

 

Forgot to mention my parents had one of these when I was a kid. I think it was an 84, even had an 8-track. You don't know fun until you have been on a road trip in a T-bird with a family of 4 from FL to NY & back...

Agh, the memories.

 

Awesome build! My first car was 87 with all the luxuries. Still remember "the door is ajar" chime lol.

 

cool build

 

Yeah I'm positive the hood won't shut. The TB and Alt stick out maybe 3-4 inches higher than the fenders. Even with all the supports removed, I'm pretty sure I'd have to cut a hole in the hood. Such is life with one of these builds. I believe this is the first Fox Thunderbird to have an LS swap done.

Thanks for all the positive comments guys! Tomorrow will be installing the Walbro 450 pump in the tank and possibly start pounding out the tunnel for the transmission. Pics to follow.

 

Too bad you couldn't find a blown up TurboCoupe or something, I think those have factory 8.8s, bigger brakes, etc. I like the looks of 87/88 better than the other Aero Birds too.

I'd be very surprised if nobody else has put an LS in an Aero Bird, https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...bird-swap.html he appears to have started but I don't know if he ever finished.

Most Fox Mustang parts should fit but not everything.

 

Another name alternative: Sloppy Bird. Almost sounds like a smartphone game.

 

So not much to update really. Been working disgusting hours lately at work.

LS1 Intake fits great and it will fit below the hood. I can't believe how much lower this intake sits. Thanks to member EarlyZ28! for the intake!



Also set the new radiator in place. Fits perfect. Just need to modify the top hold downs and it will be good to go.




New water pump will be in tomorrow. Went with a F body pump with the wide pulley. From what I've read, I shouldn't have to shim it out at all and the belt will be fine. Also I have an alt and ps relocation brackets. Need to paint the steel bracket so it doesn't rust and then bolt it on. Hopefully it puts the alternator below the hood as well.