Milage on Your Bird "2011"

[keithwand]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Clearly, Spence needs a refresher course, so here goes ...

There is more horsepower in the '03-'05 cars, but less torque than the '02's. THe 2002 will certainly beat the later cars off the line and probably in a 1/8 mile drag race, but the later cars should win a 1/4 miler.

I have driven many Thunderbirds and must say without wuestion, that Ron McLoud's Inca Gold 2005 is the fastest one of all that have NOT been modified or chipped. As soon as I got out of his driveway, I could feel the difference ... it's simply amazing.

I once bought a new 1965 GTO that was identical to a friends. We ordered them the same day, they were 1 serial number apart and the keys were the same. The only difference was mine was a bit faster. Clearly Ron's car is one of those "different" cars.

Unfortunately it rained when we went to the drag strip so we couldn't get an official result, but anyone who drives that car will feel the difference immediately.

Back when my car was newer, it was put on a dyno and used as a benchmark when several Atlanta Group members had their 2002's chipped. My car Dyno'ed more than anhy of the others before they were chipped. It showed more 5-10 HP more and about 15 lb/ft of torque more than any of the other '02's tested. None of those cars tested the same as any of the others so clearly no 2 engines are alike.

As for Spence's car, it is a turtle. I can't name the number of times I've beaten him with my car.

So its true the Inca Golds are the fastest?

[bostewart]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

66k miles and never have seen the inside of a shop for a problem. Only change the oil and filters. It does however need new tires. It was driven 150 miles a day they parked most of the time when I retired. People are still amazed at the way it looks and I'm amazed at the way I feel when I drive it top down or up It just feels good all over. I just put a hoist in the garage to make the top easier to take on and off, so I use it a lot more now that its a one man job.

[ibjeff]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

I'm at 5500 even though I drive it to work everyday. Its definitely not a garage queen......I just live close to work!

[bostewart]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Now I'm jealous IBJeff, I worked in Washington DC My wife worked In Fredrick. She is also a horse person We had to be pretty far out. I can honestly say I loved my job and hated getting there on trains etc. The last few years I had the Thunderbird and my whole attitude changed. but wow can those miles rack up. I decided to make it a late blooming garage queen. Just to get the miles below normal. I want it to last Through my retirement. It just started showing a ABS warning light which comes and goes. I bought a Code reader so I know what is going on.

[Skip]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Now I'm jealous IBJeff, I worked in Washington DC My wife worked In Fredrick. She is also a horse person We had to be pretty far out. I can honestly say I loved my job and hated getting there on trains etc. The last few years I had the Thunderbird and my whole attitude changed. but wow can those miles rack up. I decided to make it a late blooming garage queen. Just to get the miles below normal. I want it to last Through my retirement. It just started showing a ABS warning light which comes and goes. I bought a Code reader so I know what is going on.

Bo:

We certainly would like to see this beauty at a Mid-Atlantic gathering. We hope to have one soon. Keep an eye on the Mid-Atlantic Forum.

Skip

[Gobird]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Skip, Set this up reallllll soon. We'll be up in York the week after Labor Day for Judy's class reunion. But we'll be driving the Focus.

[qruml23]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

02 purchased last year in mid-summer near 19,000 mi.

I am expecting to reach 23,000 or 24,000 mi this year.

[bostewart]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Skip, I sure will. Mid atlantic souds not so far from me. I'll look up th forum.

[Skip]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Skip, I sure will. Mid atlantic souds not so far from me. I'll look up th forum.

Bo:

Our gatherings are often in the Frederick/Thurmont area. It is kind of central for our group. We did a long weekend event (Keystone Thunder) in Gettysburg last September.

Skip

[Skip]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Skip, Set this up reallllll soon. We'll be up in York the week after Labor Day for Judy's class reunion. But we'll be driving the Focus.

Spence:

I'll see what I can do, but I'm not certain I can get the group together that quickly. What dates will you be in the area?

Skip

[bostewart]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Bo:

Our gatherings are often in the Frederick/Thurmont area. It is kind of central for our group. We did a long weekend event (Keystone Thunder) in Gettysburg last September.

Skip

I hope you all do another one in this area Frederick and Thurmont ore are very close.
I live in MD near Harpers Ferry.

[Welker]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Here's a thought...approved by the many who are enjoying their cars. Drive these babies. Mine has 95k on it, bought it new and have kept it like an old 737....new shocks, new soft top, new pads, three sets of tires, one auto dim mirror replacement, two new sets of floor mats, one cop, one set of struts and whatever it takes to keep it looking new. Look at the Kelley or any other agency pricing these cars.....they are all about $18-20k...and not selling for much less, even the beaters, so drive 'em. That's what they were made for. They are Ford V8's and meant to run.

[bostewart]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

Absolutely the only reason mine sat still was while I was recovering from two heart attacks and forced retirement. Now I can afford to take my sweet time and enjoy it. I use it as my driver but I don't drive 150miles a day any more thank God. Just don't beat the heck out of it mine has never given me a bit of greif . I just bought a code book and workshop manuals. I think I'll start doing some minor stuff like brakes my self. I wish I had the guts to do a top myself.

[qruml23]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

It would have been very interesting to know this result by year 02-05.

Thanks,
Alain

[JPLO1]

Re: Milage on Your Bird "2011"

my 2002 bird has 903 miles .I bought it new in march of 2002.