02 engine versus 03.

[wowbird]

Recently I bought My second T-Bird which is an 02. I do not know much about the engines, but I do know that my 02 runs better than my 03. Can anyone tell me if the engines are different in some way?

[rcjohny]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

02 has less horse power ////////////////

[Peterfurlan]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

Recently I bought My second T-Bird which is an 02. I do not know much about the engines, but I do know that my 02 runs better than my 03. Can anyone tell me if the engines are different in some way?

Gobird seems to be pretty sharp on these matters. With his help I can tell
you this much the 2002 takes six quarts of oil and the 03,04 and the 05 take
6.5 quarts due to the latter having a oil cooler. I'm new to the club but I'm
learning every day and from what I have picked up the 02 seems to have less
problems. Excellent question I'm sure we will all learn something.

[wowbird]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

I too had heard that the 02 had fewer problems. I have twice had to have coils replaced on my 03 .

[Borla Babe]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

I too had heard that the 02 had fewer problems. I have twice had to have coils replaced on my 03 .

Not true, I've had 9 coils replaced on my 02. Just be happy Ford is taking care of your car's coil replacement free of charge, 02 owners are not that lucky.

Charles, there is an engine update available for the 02 birds. You might want to check with the previous owner or have your Ford dealership pull up the records on your car to see if it has already been done. If not, I highly recommend it, there is a signicant difference in engine performance after the update is done. It is not free, Ford charges around $100 for the update, but it is well worth it.

[Black Bird]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

Just my observation. I have driven several of my friends 02 TBirds and even though
they have less horse power than the 03 to 05, I feel they are quicker. No delay in
acceleration and my 03 has all the latest updates. Bunny Lou

[00mustng]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

....Hi Charles....some info for you.....The 3.9L (3934cc) AJ30/AJ35 variant is a unique displacement used only by Ford and Lincoln and was built in Ford's Lima OH. engine plant. Bore is 86mm. and stroke is 85mm. The AJ35 vesion was introduced for the 2003 model year added variable valve timing of the intake camshafts and electronic throttle control. While the block,crankshaft,pistons and connecting rods are all unique to this displacement, many other parts are shared with with the AJV8 engines produced in the U.K. by Jaguar. AJ30 252H.P. & 267lb./ft. AJ35 280H.P. & 286lb./ft. cheers!

[jerrym3]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

My mechanic has an 02 Lincoln LS. He drove my wife's 2004 LS. He said he felt a difference in that the 04 was quicker. (Same engines as the TBirds.)

Magazines quoted that the 2003s were stronger running.

[V8 Cat]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

Magazines quoted that the 2003s were stronger running.

There were not many magazine tests on the 03s and later, but all of them had the 03s running 0 to 60 mph in at least .5 to .7 second faster.

[islandtime]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

Just my personal opinion, but '02 or newer - doesn't matter. Each has it's own quirks. Just pick your favorite color and deal with whatever the particular year dishes out to you. Bottom line...enjoy your Bird!

[texasbird]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

Are you sure the faster one isn't painted black? They're faster, regardless of year model you know.

[DavidA]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

The '02 has less horsepower, but more torque. It will be faster than an '03 through the 1/8 mile, but probably will loose in the 1/4 mile run. Out of the hole, the '02 is faster. This is from personal experience on the tracks.

[00mustng]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

....Hi David.....From my post #7......AJ30 267lb/ft AJ35 286lb/ft .....

[Brad]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

"The engine sees a 28-horsepower increase to a more-respectable total of 280. Torque has also been increased to 286 lb.-ft. These figures come from Ford changing to electronic throttle control ("drive by wire") and variable cam timing, both of which improve performance while stretching fuel economy."

From: http://www.automedia.com/2003_Ford_T...ts20021001tb/1

[phantomf4]

Re: 02 engine versus 03.

Not true, I've had 9 coils replaced on my 02. Just be happy Ford is taking care of your car's coil replacement free of charge, 02 owners are not that lucky.

Charles, there is an engine update available for the 02 birds. You might want to check with the previous owner or have your Ford dealership pull up the records on your car to see if it has already been done. If not, I highly recommend it, there is a signicant difference in engine performance after the update is done. It is not free, Ford charges around $100 for the update, but it is well worth it.

Just had my 02 computer loaded with new software at the Lincoln Dealer, engine and transmission performance was improved.