So I think im going to be driving a rwd thunderbird this winter so i figured i would get some good snow tires, probably studded. Anyone have any good suggestions?
Dude that thing is FWD :umm
i think firebirds are back wheel drive?
yeah but this is a '95 Ford Thunderbird…def. FWD :lol
whoops. thought it was a firebird. still a byrd so you should be able to fly thru da snow.
uhh no… its not
talk to cazwrx. he just got a good deal on 4 studded snows from tire rack.
Thunderbird was restyled in 1989 and became trimmer in its overall dimensions but rides on a wheelbase nine inches longer than before. Also new at that time was a fully independent suspension. Mercury’s Cougar is similar, but with different appearance touches. Base and LX editions had a 3.8-liter V6 and 4-speed overdrive automatic. Performance fans had a particularly tempting choice: a supercharged, intercooled variant of the V6 that churned out 210 horsepower in the Super Coupe (SC), which featured dual exhausts, 16-inch tires, and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. Four-wheel disc brakes came standard on the SC, but were optional on the LX.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Thunderbird: For 1991, a V8 option was back: a 5.0-liter engine rated at 200 horsepower.
1992 Ford Thunderbird: Sport models had a standard V8, making four models in all: base, Sport, LX, and SC. LX/Sport front ends got the SC’s faired air intakes and aero skirting. All models wore new full-width taillights.
1993 Ford Thunderbird: Base and Sport models were gone, leaving only the LX and Super Coupe. Thunderbirds still had no airbag at all.
1994 Ford Thunderbird: An overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 arrived for '94, along with driver- and passenger-side airbags and optional traction control. T-Birds featured new front/rear fascias, a new hood, and headlights. Motorized seatbelts were gone.
1995 Ford Thunderbird: Variable-assist power steering no longer was standard on the LX, except with V8 power.
1996 Ford Thunderbird: No more Super Coupes went to dealerships, but Thunderbird continued in LX guise. Extensive styling changes included new fascias, clear-lens headlights, and a new grille with larger opening. Color-keyed body moldings were integrated with door panels.
1997 Ford Thunderbird: Revisions to the dash and interior layout were the major change for '97. The simplified instrument cluster featured new gauges with orange needles, while warning lights replaced the oil pressure gauge and ammeter. The center console was redesigned to provide dual cupholders, a coin holder, and larger storage bin. Ford also made four-wheel disc brakes standard. At the end of the model year, Ford announced the end of Thunderbird production.
1990-1997 Ford Thunderbird Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (SC and V8) Acceleration (V6)
Ride Fuel economy (SC and V8)
Handling/roadholding Entry/exit
Antilock brakes (optional)
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Substantially heavier than prior T-Birds, the stylish but portly '90s edition is roomier inside. Three can fit into the rear, but head room is limited and the center occupant straddles a wide driveline tunnel. Controls are clear and easy to reach, analog gauges easy to read on a cockpit-style dash. The optional electronic dashboard isn’t so easy. As with most coupes of this size, the big, heavy doors are a chore to open and demand a lot of room. Though smooth-running and capable, the base V6 sets no acceleration records. The Super Coupe, on the other hand, is one swift cruiser. Unfortunately, the 5-speed manual gearshift gets balky, making automatic the better choice for an SC. A V8 engine is the sensible choice for those who like performance, but don’t need the all-out muscle of the Super Coupe. The V8 delivers a smooth power flow, not neck-snapping takeoffs. A V8 Thunderbird reached 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. The 4.6-liter V6 is quieter, smoother than the older 5.0-liter, but yields unimpressive throttle response in the 30-50-mph range. Fuel economy is tempting only on base (V6) models. A late LX V8 got 18.2 mpg (just 15 in urban commuting). An automatic-transmission SC averaged 15.2 mpg. All Thunderbirds have competent road manners. Base and LX models handle well and ride comfortably, but do tend to float and bound over dips as speed rises. SCs hug the road tightly, but heavy weight keeps even that Thunderbird from feeling truly agile, and the Super Coupe suffers from an overly firm ride. Even in its softest mode, the SC’s standard adjustable suspension is on the harsh side. The Sport model (available only briefly) gives you V8 power and a tauter ride than the base car. Thunderbirds can suffer poor traction on wet/slick pavement even with traction control.
Value for the Money
Standard Thunderbirds are pretty and pleasant compared to front-drive GM coupes, such as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix. You get a solid feel, quiet ride, and modern appearance.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Ford Thunderbird LX 4.6-liter Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 6
Total: 49
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle’s standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, “1” is the lowest rating and “10” is the highest rating.
1990-1997 Ford Thunderbird Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide’s® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner: Water drips onto the floor when the air conditioner is operated and may be due to over a half-dozen potential leak sources, including seals and bad seams in the evaporator case or heater core. (1990-96)
Alternator belt: The drive belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)
Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission is notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed and that only Mercon fluid be used. (1994)
Automatic transmission: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when shifting into fourth gear. This can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1994-95)
Blower motor: Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1993-94)
Coolant leak: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-97))
Heater core: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1990-97)
Oil leak: The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil pump relief valve sticks. Higher than recommended viscosity oils cause wear to the valve bore. (1992-94)
Vehicle noise: A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1990-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $365
Alternator $445
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $810
Brakes $235
Exhaust System $275
Radiator $405
Shocks and/or Struts $285
Timing Chain or Belt $340
Universal Joints $265
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91: Nuts that hold windshield-wiper motor may loosen or come off.
1990-93: Ignition switch could suffer short circuit, which can cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in steering-column area.
1991: Park-rod assembly of automatic overdrive transmission may contain a cam with inadequate surface hardness, which could lead to disengagement or nonengagement when lever is placed in “Park” position.
1992-93 cars in specified states: Movement of fuel lines can result in leakage.
1992-93 w/foglights: Headlights may go out for various intervals as a result of circuit breaker opening.
1996 w/semiautomatic temperature-control: Under certain conditions, blower does not operate as intended.
1996: Driver’s door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain the specified 1000-pound transverse load.
1990-1997 Ford Thunderbird Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1990
Super Coupe $1,300-1,700 $800-1,100 $200
Thunderbird $1,000-1,400 $600-800 $100
1991
Super Coupe $1,400-1,800 $900-1,200 $200
Thunderbird $1,100-1,600 $700-1,000 $100-200
1992
Super Coupe $1,500-2,000 $1,000-1,300 $200-300
Thunderbird $1,200-1,700 $700-1,000 $100-200
1993
Super Coupe $1,700-2,200 $1,100-1,500 $300
Thunderbird $1,300-1,800 $800-1,100 $200
1994
Super Coupe $1,900-2,500 $1,300-1,700 $300-400
Thunderbird $1,500-2,000 $1,000-1,300 $200-300
1995
Super Coupe $2,100-2,700 $1,500-1,900 $400-500
Thunderbird $1,700-2,200 $1,100-1,500 $300
1996
Thunderbird $2,000-2,500 $1,400-1,800 $300-400
1997
Thunderbird $2,300-2,900 $1,700-2,100 $400-600
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment–usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1990-1997 Ford Thunderbird Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 113.0
Overall Length, in. 200.3
Overall Width, in. 72.7
Overall Height, in. 52.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3536
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.1
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.5
Rear Head Room, in. 37.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; “–” = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine for 1990 Thunderbirds was a 3.8-liter V6 that developed 140 horsepower. The supercharged, intercooled V6 engine in the Super Coupe could mate with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission, but all other T-Birds were automatic-only. For 1994, a two-valve-per-cylinder version of Ford’s overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 replaced the 5.0-liter. In 1996, the supercharged engine was gone, the substantially revised V6 gained 5 horsepower, and engines adopted platinum-tipped plugs.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.8 / 232 140-145 215 4-speed automatic: 19/26 4-speed automatic: –
Supercharged ohv V6 3.8 / 232 210-230 315-330 5-speed manual: 18/26
4-speed automatic: 18/24 5-speed manual: 15.8
4-speed automatic: 15.2
ohc V8 4.6 / 281 203-205 265-280 5-speed manual: 17/25
4-speed automatic: 17/24 5-speed manual: 18.2
4-speed automatic: 15.1
ohv V8 5.0 / 302 200 275 4-speed automatic: 17/24 4-speed automatic: 15.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; “–” = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1997 Thunderbird
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle’s worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
^What the fuckkkkkkkk
The last 10 words were all you needed :rofl
Don’t open your mouth unless you know what you’re talking about. Some of those cars came with 302’s, later models came with 4.6’s, there was the Earlier Turbo V6’s, and later S/C V6’s. I believe the base models were all V6’s. They had 4R70W Transmission in them from 94-97. The car is definately rear wheel drive.
thanks for statin the obv. :lol
DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT FUCKING SNOW TIRES… FUCK :wtf
bitch. ;D
^^^Incase anyone missed it^^^
the only form of forced induction was on 2 models the s/c and the t/c the s/c was a supercharged v6 and the t/c was a turbo 2.3 lt not a 6 cyl
I was typing it while everyone else was typing too. I’m eating taco bell, so it took me a while to click post.
RWD in the winter ftw!!!
i have run blizzaks every yr since i started driving i stand by them ive had them on fwd and a rwd mustang never had any problems i would recommend them to anyone!
ive also heard good things about pirelli snows not sure of the model though
I stand corrected. I haven’t seen a T/C in like 10 years, lol
hankook i pikes and nokian hakapalitians ftw :nod
I got a set of four studded firestone winterforce tires for my wrx for $404.57 shipped to my house in 2 days :thumb