Admit it, if you’re a car person remotely interested in Fords, you’ve wondered about this swap at some point. The seller has combined a nicely modified 1980s 2.3 turbo with a 1966 Mustang and seems to have done all the right suspension, brake and other mods to keep up.
This engine came from a Cougar turbo (which was cancelled after the 1986 model year), but was upgraded to 1987-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe specs and then some. Steering and brakes are manual, with front disc brakes from a later Mustang. The interior features later buckets with harnesses and matching cloth front and rear. The overall effect matches the mechanical bits – keep the overall look, but upgrade with more modern technology and materials. Thankfully, the engine sends power through a T-5 manual, as it should.
We love the end result here and imagine the shifting of weight rearward results in a very different handling experience. Also, it must be a bit strange to drive a 1966 Mustang that has good power and torque, but without the V8 rumble. It must be strangely fun. Finally, we wonder if the seller is getting rid of this project in order to try a swap involving the new Mustang 2.3L Ecoboost four cylinder turbo and an older Mustang.
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Austin, CO, USA
$3,050 with two bids, reserve not met and nine days to go
Paint is custom paint and the car sits a little low, but this has an overall sleeper look. The stock hubcaps are perfect.
Lack of dual exhaust actually stands out here, but matches the lack of a 289 badge to give the impression that this is a basic, inline six-powered Mustang.
Interior appears mostly stock, minus the seats, auxiliary gauges and kick panel speaker pods.
Front this angle, the seats clearly pop as aftermarket. They look supportive and we like the harnesses and color choice, as well as the matching rear seat.
Battery has been relocated to the trunk and new fuel tank is obvious. We might consider better mounting for the fuel pump and pre-filter.
Here’s what you wanted to see – the 2.3-liter four cylinder with its turbo. This sits way back and should weight less overall vs. any original I6 or V8.
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1966 mustang turbo coupe. This is a one off Awesome mustang, it has a 2.3 Liter EFI Turbo engine, out of 1986 cougar turbo. Up dated to All 1988 turbo T bird specs, with larger intercooler, large air vain meter, brown top Injectors,LA3 computer, an air sensor added. With extensive porting in the intake manifold Both upper and lower halves. Extensive porting in the exhaust manifold and turbo housing. also installed Manual boost valve, A Saab by bass valve, K and N air filter, ranger timing belt and gears, MSD 6 Ignition,2 1/2″ exhaust pipe out the back. Stainless steel gas tank with all fuel lines insulated. A 3 row all aluminum radiator, with 16″ electric fan, keeps it cool.
Transmission is a T5 5 speed, it has a B and M Ripper shifter, Installed with a new Luke clutch assembly, clutch cable kit and rear cross member kit from M.D.L. 5 speed conversions parts.
Rear end is a 8″ ford with 3.00 to 1 gears, Rear springs are Urethane bushed, with coil over gas shocks. Drive shaft: new built by Drive line services.
Front end: Manual steering, Front upper control arms were relocated as per Shelby America Specs. Late model spindles with disk brakes were installed, with OEM inside air scoops, new upper and lower ball joints, and Urethane bushing, gas shocks, Most important, I installed a Pro motor sports Anti bump steer steering arm relocation kit. Drives and handles Excellent!
Manual brakes with Dual master cylinder with proportioning valve, installed, rear brakes are later model drum brakes. and 195/70/R14 tiers. Stops Extremely well!
Exterior: Professionally stripped, prepped, sprayed and finished, by Fender and son’s in Eckert, CO: with PPG B/C DBC base W/20 21 clear. Metallic silver and saffier blue paint. Bumpers are the original ones, The front one was just re chromed with blue triple platting, rear bumper is original, but has one scratch on it (I can not get it to show in photos sorry). Fit and finish is excellent!
Windshield is new with blue tinting and banded, All other glass is original. All exterior trim is original except for the letters on hood and, hood trim, and side mirrors. new window regulator in left door.
Interior: OEM dash with Auto gage tachometer and VDO boost gage, has new Aluminum heater core, day/night mirror, leather steering wheel cover, Panasonic AM FM CD player, is in dash, 2- 6″speakers in front mounted in new molded kick panel housings. and 2- 6″X9″ speaker in rear window. New headliner with extra insulation in roof area, new ACC carpeting and floor mats, Front seats are GP reclining high back with, 4 point seat belts, rear seat original with new lap belts. Seats were professionally covered by: BK”s Upholstery in Cedaredge, CO.
The car has Halogen head lights for safety, All rubber, and window fusses are new, All new door and window gaskets were installed, new trunk gasket. Trunk has been detailed, new battery is in trunk and fuel pumps and filters are in there also, See trunk photos. The car has NO RUST!!! the under side of car has been undercoated and extra has been sprayed under front fenders,
This car is a FUN DRIVER!!!. It drives, stops, handles Extremely well! EZ driving, shifting steering even for manual steering. It gets great mileage, I have seen as high as 34mpg, driving here in the mountains I average around 27 MPG. It will spin the rear tiers with no problem.
It is a little harder getting in and out of with the new seat, But Extra comfortable when seated No fatigue after long drive an a 100% more comfortable than origin seats! there is 64,600.6 miles on speedometer the car has been driven 5,420.2 since built. Engine and trans. have 25,000.0 on them.
The car has had a Certified Appraisal by: Seals Appraisal services. Gerald Seals Eckert, CO 970-xxx-xxxx E-mail xxxxxx It appraised for quite a bit more than I am asking.
Look the pictures over, ask your Questions, bid high and often! Buyer responsible for picking the car up, within 10 days or have arrangements made by then. I will work with your shipper for pick up, If you are not driving it home.