Hi, new to the boards here.

[sumners_26]

I would just like to say hi and a few questions.
My parents grew up wishing they had the money for the origional 55-57 birds. They are beautifull! One day my dad surprised my mom for her birthday with the kinda light, almost sky blue color 2002 bird. It wasn't long and I convinced her to let me drive it every once in a while. Sure I love the way it's V-8 sounds @ 7000rpm, and that for a 4000+lbs car, it's pretty quick but not quick enough. My 02 VW GTI 1.8t can take out the T-bird @ the track. I ran a respectable 15.2624@91.5mph. While the T-bird only ran 15.31@92mph. I noticed also, it's better to let the ecu controll shifting. It may bark the 1-2 shift but quarter mile times dropped into the 15.7's when maunally shifting. With all that said.
I searched for performance parts for a while and didn't come up with much. I need some info for my mom's t-bird.
Are Jet performance modules any good? I am an auto technitian and I know bad things can happen to the auto tranny with chips. If the chip firms shifts with ignition timing. If it boosts line pressure I see no problems.
I did see that most of you like the borla exhaust. Is it a cat back and is there an option to get the y-pipe with it. Are there aftermarket headers? Intake manifold? Injectors? Cams? Pistons? Stroker kit? T-body? Supercharger? Turbo(like my car 😀 )?
Then are there little things like a CAI. Or is it better to buy a K@N and modify the airbox for more flow. And are there MAF issues like my car with K@N filters? Lowering springs, rims? "Tastefull" body kits? How about a ram air setup since the factory only made a non-functional one. 🙄
Anyone who knows websites where I can find any of these parts, just post a link. My moms car needs some go fast parts.
Thanks in advance for any help.

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[Quickdraw]

Welcome!
First of all your mom has a 2003 Thunderbird (Sky Blue was only made in 2003 and the select shift was not an option in 2002) The 2003 has 280 HP and is the same engine as used in the Lincoln LS - (it may be easier to find performance parts for the LS). You can get that 280 to over 300HP with the Borlas and a CAI. Don't know what you mean by a "Y" pipe option - the borlas are the same routing as the stock exhaust system. If you are prepared to spend $6 to $10 thousand you can probably get a supercharger - Jaguar also has the same basic engine with a SC option. Forget a modified "chip" - the existing one has to be reflashed and those that have had it done report no siginificant improvement. I have also heard that Ford Techs can no longer read the engine error codes from a chip that has been reflashed. There are firms that make continental kits and other body mods.... Thunderbird Concepts is one such company - see their banner ads on this site.

 

[sumners_26]

2003 also have the VVT? That would be interesting because the 2002 don't. And isn't VVT good for 30hp difference between 2002 an 2003?
Does anyone have links to some performance parts.

 

[sumners_26]

It's not the pastel color. It is the sparkley light blue.

It is this color and it has that stick shifter.
252hp? or still 280? I think it's a 2002.

 

[Quickdraw]

It's not the pastel color. It is the sparkley light blue.

http://www.carword.com/special/ford100/2002%20Ford%20Thunderbird.jpg[/IMG]
It is this color and it has that stick shifter.
252hp? or still 280? I think it's a 2002.

That photo is a 2002.... the '02 blue is called Thunderbird Blue and is closer to a teal, aqua, or blue-green.... the '02 does not have a V8 badge on the front fenders... the '02 does not have VVT and it is 252 HP. The console photo you show is not the '03 select shift option I thought you were describing... to be sure you can check the VIN, the year is the number just before the "Y".... 2Y is an '02.. 3Y is an '03.

 

[sumners_26]

Quickdraw, It's clear as glass now huh? I know what a select shift is now. The one with the gate that says + and -

 

[George]

Quickdraw is correct, that pic is a 2002, 252HP, which has 30 HP less than the 2003/2004 models do.
I didn't see where the CAI was addressed for you. There is a CAI system available from the Lincoln Owners Club that fits the 2002 Lincoln and TBirds. Try their site for more info 😎
As it relates to CAI for 2003/2004, I believe they're getting close, but none available yet that I know of.