Recently purchased a '02 T-bird which, I believe, has a lot in common with my LS, in particular, suspension, drive train, interior, etc. It doesn't take bumps well as the LS; maybe it's cowl shake or the 17" tires. Question is whether the suspension is the same for both cars or should I have the suspension checked on the 'bird. Thoughts?
LS vs T-bird
- Thread starter azlsv6
- Start date
NickT88LSC
Dedicated LVC Member
t-bird is convetible, more rigid frame and braces I believe to start
gcwimmer
Dedicated LVC Member
It has a X brace to compensate for the loss of a roof. The T-Bird is a 2nd gen engine and electronics.
cammerfe
Dedicated LVC Member
Neat Car!!!
KS
KS
hite337
Hite Performance
The T-Bird does have alot in common with the LS. The 2002 'bird has the same engine as the 1st gen LS's. The 03+ 'birds have the same engine as the 2nd gen LS's. The suspension is very similar but I believe the springs and/or struts are softer. There was someone on the Thunderbirdnest forums who switch to LS springs for a stiffer and more stable ride. Basically T-Bird owners say LS's are the four door T-Birds. The T-Bird owner demographic is a bit older as well. Most of them are not concerned about performance mods, they are more concerned about making their retro 'Birds look like a classic car with white wall tires etc. and most do not use their 'birds as daily drivers.
The Saleen T-Bird concept shouldve gone into production. Its pretty nice IMO. It could have helped save the car form being discontinued...
The Saleen T-Bird concept shouldve gone into production. Its pretty nice IMO. It could have helped save the car form being discontinued...
oddball
Dedicated LVC Member
The mechanics of the suspension are the same, other than the Tbird has shocks that are softer than the standard LS shocks. LS came in three grades - Standard, Sport and Euro. Euro's are the hardest, and quite difficult to find.
Depending on what you mean by "doesn't take the bumps well".... It will be different since it's a convertible.
gcwimmer
Dedicated LVC Member
Will not add to the handling of the LS just weight, will lighten your wallet, IIRC, about $350 new.
hite337
Hite Performance
A cool 'Bird
Shredicus
Dedicated LVC Member
The T bird is a bit too eclectic for my tastes but I always look when I see them now just because I know they share so much in common with my car. That Saleen Tbird is sweet the front kinda looks like a stretched out porsche
hite337
Hite Performance
Nice drop
hite337
Hite Performance
'Bird by Chip Foose
hite337
Hite Performance
SVC 'Bird
hite337
Hite Performance
Supercharged Jag motor in a 'Bird
Brad
Active LVC Member
Now why isn't that 4.2 in a LS yet? Since they are almost the same car....
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
They're not very close when it comes to the electronics.
So the T-bird electronics are different?
If its the same electronics then a swap should work the same way.
oddball
Dedicated LVC Member
The 4.2 electronics are different. Whoever did that supercharger swap put a ton of work into it.
I know they are but the t-bird and ls should be the same. So it can be done as we just saw with the picture.
joegr
Dedicated LVC Member
The pictures don't show if the instruments and climate control still functioned correctly. However, I suggest you prove us wrong, do the upgrade, and show us how.