🔧 BUILD 1984 Ford LTD Wagon 4.8L 78/75 Turbo 4L80E Build

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It didn't just feel right, not having an 80s shitbox. There has just been a void in my heart that I couldn't fill with new cars. Since my recent mishap with my Mustang, there was an open spot in the stable. I do have a new DD, but that's another thread for another day.

Saw this gem of a vehicle on the BookFace, only a short 4.5 hour drive up in Wisconsin. Thing looked pretty clean in the pictures so I figured I'd check it out. Talked the fiance into the drive, somehow.

I got up there and it was even cleaner than in the pictures. The interior is like a time capsule. It's just about Mint, no cracks, no breaks, 100% original and unharmed. Only downside is that it is red. Although, the ugly color kind of fits the ugly (read: awesome) car.

It's a 1984 Ford LTD Wagon. It's basically a Mustang Wagon. It sits in the fox chassis, and pretty much all the parts are interchangeable. It had a little bit of surface rust here and there, and then some rust on the bottom of the driver side doors. Nothing that really concerned me.The paint seems like it may be original. Can't totally tell, but looks like it.

It has a 3.8L V6 which makes a blistering 120HP (new, this one probably makes considerably less). It has a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The car runs surprisingly well, and transmission shifts silky smooth. It felt like it ran a little bit choppy on decel, but nothing that really concerned me. The car made thr 4.5 hour drive from middle of nowhere Wisconsin no problem.

I took one picture myself, the rest are from the ad. Will add more pictures tomorrow when the sun comes up.

Mook Mook already made the "how long til you sell it after doing nothing with it joke" so save yourself the time :rofl:

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Mook

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Car made 430hp despite sounding like it makes 900hp. This is the only car that's ever been on that dyno (it's brand new and at a High School), I think it's reading low. It had 17psi and runs solid. I need to bring it somewhere for a professional tune and dyno.
Excuse GIF by MOODMAN
 

Sprayin

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So he strapped it down on the dyno better after working out some kinks and asking around on some forums. And it made 491hp. But it was pushing pressure into the coolant. Did a test and it either blew a head gasket or lifted the head. So new gaskets and ARP head studs on the way.
 

Sprayin

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Meh it's a teachable moment. Glad it banged out straight.
Those were my thoughts too. You messed up? Okay no problem, but you gotta fix it. Kid forgot to bleed the brakes on a brake job. I guarantee he will never do that again :rofl:

Glad it's on this thing and not my Mustang or something that I'd actually want to call insurance about. No harm no foul.
 

Sprayin

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Not sure how I missed this build thread, nice job.

What size turbo and is it intercooled?

Good to see someone detailed their engine base less than me.
78/75. Just an on3 kit. Nothing fancy.

Shit if the truck intake would have fit it would still be on there and look even more junky :rofl:
 
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