2003 Engine and Transmission Differences

[HKS]

The 2003 engine makes 28 more horsepower at 6000rpm (2002 has 252HP at 6100rpm). Torque is 286 lb/ft at 4000 rpm (2002 is 267 at 4300 rpm).

The 2003 also gets better gas mileage. I first thought that it was all due to the Variable Valve Timing.

I noticed transmission differences also.
Second gear is now 2.29-1 (2002 is 2.41-1). More zip in second gear.

Fift gear (overdrive) is now .71-1(2002 is .75-1) giving more overdrive and helping fuel economy.

The engine actually produces more horsepower and torque at a lower RPM and is able to meet stringent California 2003 emission standards. Nice touch. The 2003 takes a great leap into the future of engine design.

HKS



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[KYbluebird]

The 2003 also has an electronic throttle, that helps the mileage since the computer operates the engine instead of the drivers foot. I heard that this needs a little more work and is causing the delayed start of 2003 LS and t-bird production.

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Ron

VIN #7729, seq.#7505, blue premium,
partial blue interior, no top, Louisville Ky.

 

[HKS]

In airplanes that is called FLY-BY-WIRE.

The airplanes I worked on(A4C)had 2 hydraulic systems plus cables used to control the plane. You have to have faith when you fly-by-wire.

HKS

Originally posted by KYbluebird:
The 2003 also has an electronic throttle, that helps the mileage since the computer operates the engine instead of the drivers foot. I heard that this needs a little more work and is causing the delayed start of 2003 LS and t-bird production.

 

[leisha]

It Wixon on a T-Bird line tour we saw a 03 prototype with the new engine and transmission outside the plant. The driver a yung engineer with 'drive line group' sait it felt much faster than the 02 and the 28 HP was conservative. The transmission has a + and minus gate next to the main N..R..Drive 5 Drive 4 gate. If you use this gate it will upshift or downshift by pushing the shift lever slightly to the + or minus. Really neat!
Looking under the hood the air intake is different and the plastic cover has a larger TBird and V8 logo than the 02.