What is somethings I could do to increase power and fuel efficiency on a 1986 Thunderbird at low cost?

Question

I am not very skilled in auto repairs but i am trying to learn, so I can't do a lot of complicated stuff, just the same, any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

I don't know about that 15 hp. On my 04 accord a CAI from k&n only added 3.8hp. If you buy a filter by itself you'll prolly gain like 0.8 to 1hp. But if K&N intake is what you really wanna go with, make sure you get the FIPK, not the typhoon (69 series), as it is more efficient, it's cheaper and it's easier to install.
Like he said check the tire pressure weekly because that makes a big difference. Make sure the seal on your fuel cap is not cracked. If it is the cap has to be reaplced. A minor tune up is a good mileage improver which consists of spark plugs, wires, ignition cap and rotor, air filter and pcv valve. Also, you might wanna try one of those octane boosters they sell at Auto Zone. Be careful though if your engine is not in the best condition, don't use a strong one with a 91 octane gasoline as it may result in connecting rod breakage.

Answer 2

enzed's fuel advice is BAD. Engines that don't require high octane fuel WILL NOT BENEFIT from high octane fuel!!! Use the fuel Ford recommends.

Best thing of all for increased power and efficiency is a good tune-up and regular maintenance. Many of these aftermarket parts = junk and money out the window! Many aftermarket parts performance claims = lies and marketing "fluff"!

Run clean fluids and filters, air the tires, make sure the brakes don't drag, run proper wheel alignment, service sparkplugs and wires as needed... that's 99% of it right there. More than that and you are re-engineering the car, which you indicated you don't really want to do. Things like 5-speed trans swaps (if it has an automatic), turbos, superchargers, chips, etc., are for those who are capable of PROPERLY tuning it in!

Answer 3

The first thing (although u may be doing this already) would be to only run hi-grade fuel. The higher the octane, the more power your engine will generate,and the more MPG you will get. Bizarre, but the more expensive fuel is usually cheaper to use on a cents per mile basis. You may need to adjust the timing/ tune, but on many cars this is unneccesary. All the other options given here so far are very good too, although this is by far the easiest to achieve!

Answer 4

fuel efficiency for starters is to ensure you have the proper air pressure in your tires, check them once a week.

Ensure your air filter is clean or buy yourself a K&N filter or CAI (cold air intake) system or similar brand air filter where you can recharge them. Intervals of changing and cleaning will depend on the road conditions you drive your car in (dusty roads) you will be changing your air filter more regularly than just highway and city driving.
As well, K&N and other similar brand filters claim you can gain up to 15HP with this install....which I still have a hard time believing.

as suggested a new exhaust system may improve your HP and sometimes MPG. Some good CAT back systems Borla, Zoomers, Flowmaster....before you do this ask the installer which brand he suggests as sometimes you can get a dreaded Drone from the exhaust at cruising speeds.

I am not sure about powerchips for your year of T-bird but they may have them and this will increase your HP and MPG depending on which settings you place them on.

Just some suggestions to your questions.

Answer 5

The suggestions above are all pretty good - especially the easier ones like tire pressure, though I didn't read them all. I clean my air cleaner every month, too. I have also been told that really dirty rear end oil is bad for mileage - I changed mine recently in my truck. A buddy of mine manages a fleet of delivery trucks and he got me started using synthetic oil (Amsoil) and Engine Sentry in my oil filters. Now I don't change oil nearly as often. He says the Engine Sentry increases the fleet mileage by about 3%, but I can't see it in one vehicle. I just do everything I can and figure I save a few bucks at the end of the day.

Answer 6

Things that will make a difference:
well-inflated tires, clean air filter (or new, freer-flowing air filter), freer-flowing exhaust system, fluids(oil, transmission fluid) replaced regularly, driving conservatively.

Things that really won't:
spark plug wires, just about any product that is sold on TV (like that thing that claims to create a wind vortex that mixes oxygen and fuel better - what a crock).

Answer 7

exhaust system is probably your best bet. Get a high flow muffler and get bigger diameter tubing. Probably need to go to a muffler shop, or check ebay for bolt up kits. You'll probably drop a few hundred bucks, but all other options will do little to nothing. Aftermarket intake will help and be cheaper, but do little. Replacing your spark plugs and wires with better ones will help too and spark plugs are dirt cheap.

Answer 8

put on a factory supercharger