About Thunderstang

Welcome to Thunderstang.com — the digital garage and documentation hub for one seriously unique build.

This project started with a humble 1987 Mustang LX convertible — born with a naturally aspirated 2.3L engine and dreams too big for its stock block. Most people would’ve written it off. I saw a blank canvas.

The heart transplant comes courtesy of a 1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe — a donor car packing the legendary 2.3L turbocharged inline-4, the same beast found in the Mustang SVO. With its factory 5-speed T5 manual transmission and a solid turbo pedigree, it was the perfect match for what I had in mind: a street-legal sleeper that punches way above its weight.

To handle the newfound fury, I sourced a rear end from a 1990 Mustang Cobra — a proven setup that can take a beating. The engine is being rebuilt from the crank up with one goal: 400+ horsepower. That’s right — four cylinders, one turbo, and zero apologies.

And here’s a bit of obscure Mustang trivia for the die-hards: in 1987, you could special-order a Mustang LX convertible with the 2.3L turbo and a manual transmission. Fewer than 150 were ever built. While mine wasn’t one of those unicorns from the factory — it’s about to become something even rarer.

This site is where I’ll share the full build process, lessons learned, performance mods, and maybe a few wrench-flinging frustrations. Whether you’re a fellow Fox Body fanatic, a turbo junkie, or just love watching underdogs evolve into monsters — you’re in the right place.

Thunderstang is coming. And it’s going to howl.

Tech Specs for you Gear Heads

Thunderstang is a restomod fusion of two Ford platforms: a 1987 Mustang LX convertible and a 1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. What began life as a naturally aspirated 2.3L Fox Body convertible is now undergoing a full drivetrain and performance overhaul — leveraging some of Ford’s most underrated factory gear from the late ’80s.

The Platform

  • Base chassis: 1987 Mustang LX convertible (originally 2.3L NA, automatic)

  • Donor vehicle: 1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

  • Engine: 2.3L Lima SOHC turbocharged inline-4 (same block as the Mustang SVO)

  • Transmission: Borg-Warner T5 (from Turbo Coupe)

  • Rear end: 8.8″ 3.90:1 limited-slip from a 1990 Mustang GT (Cobra-spec housing with forged axles)

Engine Build Goals The stock 2.3T is being completely rebuilt for 400+ horsepower at the crank, with a focus on durability and street-driven boost performance. Upgrades will include:

  • Forged pistons and rods (likely CP/Manley)

  • ARP hardware throughout

  • Boport 2.3L Stage 3 Ported Turbo Hydraulic Roller Head

  • Ported E6 header

  • Garrett turbo GT3076R Gen II Turbocharger

  • Large front-mount intercooler

  • Stinger Performance PIMPxs Engine Management

  • 75 lb/hr injectors + Walbro 255

  • Full 3” turbo-back exhaust

  • High-flow aluminum radiator + electric fan conversion

Drivetrain Mods

  • Spec Stage 2+ clutch

  • Driveshaft safety loop

  • Aluminum driveshaft

  • Custom trans mount + short-throw shifter

  • Subframe connectors (weld-in)

  • Poly bushings throughout

Brakes & Suspension

  • 5-lug conversion

  • SN95 front brakes

  • Rear disc upgrade to match

  • Bilstein dampers

  • Caster Camber Plates

  • Coil Over Front Struts

  • Bumpsteer Kit

  • Lowering springs (~1.5”)

  • Maximum Motorsports Tubular K-member

A Note on Rarity

While this build isn’t an attempt to clone one of the ultra-rare factory 1987 2.3T/manual convertibles (approx. <150 built, all special order), it is a nod to that obscure bit of Fox Body trivia. Ford technically offered the combo, but almost nobody checked the box.

Thunderstang aims to do what Ford didn’t: combine the SVO/Turbo Coupe’s underrated 2.3T powerplant with the style and open-air attitude of a convertible, minus the V8 weight and cliché. It’s not about being faster than a Coyote — it’s about doing more with less, and proving the Lima motor still has plenty of teeth when built right.