Whats The Difference

[86eliminator]

OK, Ive been a fan of the Fox & MN10 T Birds and Cougars since 1980, yes since the "ugly" square birds and cats... Now the 1989 Cougar XR7 and Thunderbird SC are sister ships right? The main differences were in tires, the SC's more aggressive. Why (if memory serves from old Motor Trend and Car and Driver mags) is the SC's top speed about 140 while the XR7's 118-120? I can figure out from the tire differences the 0-60 time difference (6.7 vs 7.1). Did Mercury but a rev or speed limiter on the cat or what?
(I know a lot more about the Fox based cars, this cat is a new breed for me) Thanx
A

[JStudrawa]

Originally Posted by 86eliminator

OK, Ive been a fan of the Fox & MN10 T Birds and Cougars since 1980, yes since the "ugly" square birds and cats... Now the 1989 Cougar XR7 and Thunderbird SC are sister ships right? The main differences were in tires, the SC's more aggressive. Why (if memory serves from old Motor Trend and Car and Driver mags) is the SC's top speed about 140 while the XR7's 118-120? I can figure out from the tire differences the 0-60 time difference (6.7 vs 7.1). Did Mercury but a rev or speed limiter on the cat or what?
(I know a lot more about the Fox based cars, this cat is a new breed for me) Thanx
A

XR7's top-end (5-speed) is 140+ as well. Also, tires on the XR7 were Goodyear Eagle VR60's (225/60/16). I'm thinking the Bird had the exact same tires.

I also don't believe the difference in 0-60 times. I've not read any mag that stated either car going below 7 seconds. I remember this as I'd read everything I could and get pissed because I KNEW my car was faster than that No proof by me of course.

[Jeremy_K]

the cat will do well over 120.

[Darkside]

Originally Posted by NMxr7SC

the cat will do well over 120.

It just takes a long, long, long, time.

[Jeremy_K]

Originally Posted by Darkside

It just takes a long, long, long, time.

are you implying that i have a piece of crap AOD transmission that goes up in smoke over 80MPH? why yes, i do and i won't be happy until it's fried!

[pearl95sc]

The aod cougar will run out at about 130, 5spd is good for 145, just cant see it. I blew out my aod in my xr7 when I was steady hauling about 130 for 10min.

[JStudrawa]

Originally Posted by pearl95sc

The aod cougar will run out at about 130, 5spd is good for 145, just cant see it. I blew out my aod in my xr7 when I was steady hauling about 130 for 10min.

Has anyone actually documented the top ends?

After burying 120 and just hitting 4th gear's stride, it feels like I've got 150+ just waiting to be hit. We don't have enough power to overcome wind resistance in 4th gear?

[68COUGAR]

Originally Posted by Darkside

It just takes a long, long, long, time.

I special ordered my 5-spd '89 XR-7. Even with the 2.73 Autobahn gears, it would reach & excede 120 mph QUICK!!!!!!!!! Factory fresh, it was good for 146 mph

Before I shipped it back from Germany & with a few mods, it went 157 mph. In the 6 yrs. I had it in Germany, I only lost 3 races. If there is One thing that the Germans Can't Stand, it's when an american car passes them on the autobahn. I would get at least 4 races per week, just driving to & from work.

In it's current mod level, it's run 14.250 @ 97.6. That's about to change for the quicker & faster though.

68COUGAR