1966 FORD THUNDERBIRD

1966 FORD THUNDERBIRD

Model Designations:

Ford Thunderbird V-8

Ford Thunderbird, Body Styles:

2 Door Hardtop, 4 Passenger, Body #63A

Factory Price: $4,395; Shipping Weight: 4,386 Pounds

Production Total: 13,389

2 Door Hardtop Town Sedan, 4 Passenger, Body #63B

Factory Price: $4,451; Shipping Weight: 4,359 Pounds

Production Total: 15,633

2 Door Landau, 4 Passenger, Body #63D

Factory Price: $4,552; Shipping Weight: 4,367 Pounds

Production Total: 35,105

2 Door Convertible, 4 Passenger, Body #76A

Factory Price: $4,845; Shipping Weight: 4,496 Pounds

Production Total: 5.049

Chassis:

Wheelbase: 113.2"

Tire Size: 8.15 X 15"

Engine Availability:

V-8 390 Cubic Inch 315 H.P. Standard Engine.

V-8 428 Cubic Inch 345 H.P. Optional Engine

General Engine Specifications:

V-8 Engine, 390 Cubic Inches, 315 H.P.:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 4.0468" x 3.781"

Engine Displacement: 390 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 10.50 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.96

Horsepower: 315 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 427 Ft. Lbs @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-55 PSI

Carburetor: 4 Barrel

V-8 Engine, 428 Cubic Inches, 345 H.P.:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 4.1300" x 3.984"

Engine Displacement: 428 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 10.50 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 54.58

Horsepower: 345 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 462 Ft. Lbs @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-55 PSI

Carburetor: 4 Barrel

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, 390 Cubic Inch, with Conventional Ignition, without Thermactor System:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 575 RPM, with A/C "Full On"

Automatic Transmission: 475 RPM, in Drive, with A/C "Full On"

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 190 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 6-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, 390 Cubic Inch, with Conventional Ignition, with Thermactor System:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 610 RPM, with A/C "Full On"

Automatic Transmission: 525 RPM, in Drive, with A/C "Full On"

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 190 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 6-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, 390 Cubic Inch, with Transistorized Ignition, without Thermactor System:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .020"

Distributor Cam Angle: 22-24 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 575 RPM, with A/C "Full On"

Automatic Transmission: 475 RPM in Drive, with A/C "Full On"

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 190 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 6-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, 390 Cubic Inch, with Transistorized Ignition, with Thermactor System:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .020"

Distributor Cam Angle: 22-24 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 610 RPM, with A/C "Full On"

Automatic Transmission: 525 RPM in Drive, with A/C "Full On"

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 190 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4-1/2 to 6-1/2 PSI

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, 390 & 428 Cu. In. Engines:

Valve Lash:

Intake: .050"-.150"

Exhaust: .050"-.150"

Valve Angles:

Seat: 45 Degrees

Face: 44 Degrees

Valve Spring Height, Installed: 1-13/16"

Valve Spring Pressure: 80 Lbs @ 1.82 inches

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.0024";

Exhaust .001"-.0024"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3711"-.3718"

Exhaust: .3711"-.3718"

Piston, Rings, Pins, Crankshaft & Bearing Data:

8 Cylinder Engine, 390 & 428 Cubic Inches:

Piston Clearance: .0015"-.0023"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9752"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.4380"-2.4388"

Bearing Clearance: .0008"-.0026"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.7484"-2.7492"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0025"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.010"

Engine Tightening Specifications:

8 Cylinder 390 Cubic Inch Engine:

Spark Plugs: 15-20 Ft. Lbs.

Cylinder Head Bolts: 80-90 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 32-35 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 18-24 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 40-45 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 4-7 Ft. Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 95-105 Ft. Lbs.

Flywheel to Crankshaft: 75-85 Ft. Lbs.

Vibration Damper or Pulley: 70-90 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder 428 Cubic Inch Engine:

Spark Plugs: 15-20 Ft. Lbs.

Cylinder Head Bolts: 80-90 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 32-35 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 18-24 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 40-45 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 4-7 Ft. Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 95-105 Ft. Lbs.

Flywheel to Crankshaft: 75-85 Ft. Lbs.

Vibration Damper or Pulley: 70-90 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities:

All:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 19-1/2 Quarts

With Heater: 20-1/2 Quarts

With Air Conditioning: 20-1/2 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure:

With Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Without Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Thermostat Opening: 195 Degrees

Fuel Tank: 22 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Automatic Transmission:

C6 Transmission: 13 Quarts

Others: 10 Quarts

Rear Axle: 5 Pints

* With New Oil Filter

Starting Motor Specifications:

8 Cylinder:

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 40 Ounces

No Load Test: 70 Amperes, 12 Volts

Torque Test: 670 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 15.5 Ft. Lbs.

Ford Alternator Specifications:

Alternator: 42 Ampere

Make: Autolite

Current Rating @ 15 Volts: 42 Ampres

Field Current: 2.8 to 3.3 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Voltage Regulator:

Make: Autolite

Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 14.1 to 14.9 Volts

Contact Gap: .017"-.022"

Armature Air Gap: .049"-.056"

Field Relay:

Armature Air Gap: .015"-.022"

Closing Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 2.5 to 4.0 Volts

Alternator: 45 Ampere

Make: Autolite

Current Rating @ 15 Volts: 45 Ampres

Field Current: 2.8 to 3.3 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Voltage Regulator:

Make: Autolite

Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 14.1 to 14.9 Volts

Contact Gap: .017"-.022"

Armature Air Gap: .049"-.056"

Field Relay:

Armature Air Gap: .015"-.022"

Closing Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 2.5 to 4.0 Volts

Alternator: 55 Ampere

Make: Autolite

Current Rating @ 15 Volts: 55 Ampres

Field Current: 2.8 to 3.3 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Voltage Regulator:

Make: Autolite

Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 14.1 to 14.9 Volts

Contact Gap: .017"-.022"

Armature Air Gap: .049"-.056"

Field Relay:

Armature Air Gap: .015"-.022"

Closing Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 2.5 to 4.0 Volts

Distributor Specifications:

8 Cylinder, 390 Cu. In. Engine with Conventional Ignition:

Part #C6AF-D

Breaker Point Gap: .017

Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 6" Vacuum

Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 18" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 390 & 428 Cu. In. Engines with Conventional Ignition, with Thermactor System:

Part #C6AF-L

Breaker Point Gap: .017

Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 6" Vacuum

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 15" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 428 Cu. In. Engine with Conventional Ignition:

Part #C6AF-E

Breaker Point Gap: .017

Cam Angle: 26-31 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 6" Vacuum

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 15" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 428 Cu. In. Engine with Transistorized Ignition:

Part #C6SF-B

Breaker Point Gap: .020

Cam Angle: 22-24 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 6" Vacuum

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 15" Vacuum

8 Cylinder, 428 Cu. In. Engine with Transistorized Ignition, with Thermactor System:

Part #C6SF-D

Breaker Point Gap: .020

Cam Angle: 22-24 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 6" Vacuum

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 15" Vacuum

Rear Axle Specifications:

Carrier Type: Removable

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .008"-.012"

Nominal Pinion Locating Shim: .020"

Pinion Bearing Preload:

Method: Spacer

Adjustment:

New Bearings & New Seal with Collapsible Spacer:: 17-32 Inch Lbs.

New Bearings & New Seal with Solid Spacer: 12-1/2 to 32-1/2 Inch Lbs. New Bearings & New Seal without Spacer, with Seal in Place: 17-32 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings & New Seal with Collapsible Spacer: 10-14 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings & New Seal with Solid Spacer: 12-1/2 to 32-1/2 Inch Lbs. Used Bearings & New Seal without Spacer, with Seal in Place: 17-32 Inch Lbs.

New Bearings & New Seal with Solid Spacer: 12-1/2 to 32-1/2 Inch Lbs. New Bearings & New Seal without Spacer, with Seal in Place: 17-32 Inch Lbs.

Differential Bearing Preload:

Adjustment:

New Bearings: .008"-.012"

Used Bearings: .005"-.008"

Pinion Nut Torque:

9" Ring Gear: 175 Ft. Lbs

9-3/8" Ring Gear: 200 Ft. Lbs.

If torque is not possible, install new spacer.

Brake Specifications

Brake Drum Diameter: 11.03"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front Disc: 15/16"

Rear: 15/16"

Master Cylinder Bore: 15/16"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

All Models:

Caster: - 1-1/2 Degree

Camber:

Left: + 1/2 Degree

Right: + 1/2 Degree

Toe-In: 3/16"

Toe-Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 19-1/2 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees

Ford Carburetor Adjustments:

Note: See 1966 Ford Motor Company Carburetor Data File

Popular Options:

AM-FM Radio & Antenna; Air Conditioning; Tinted Glass; White Sidewall Tires; Power Steering; Power Brakes; Power Windows; Power Drivers Seat; Left & Right Outside Mirrors; Back Up Lamps; Windshield Washers; Vacuum Trunk Release; White Sidewall Tires; Leather Seats; Heavy Duty Battery; Two Tone Paint; DeLuxe Wheel Covers; Undercoating; Sliding Roof for Hardtops; Equa-Lock Differential; & More.

1966 Ford Thunderbird Historical Data:

Introduction date of the 1966 Ford Thunderbird was on October 1, 1965.

Total Ford Production for the1966 Model Year was 2,093,832, including 66,176 Thunderbirds.

1966 Ford Thunderbird Colors &Codes:

A Raven Black

B Sundust Beige

E Silver Mink

F Arcadian Blue

G Sapphire Blue

H Sahara Beige

K Nightmist Blue

L Honeydew Yellow

M Wimbledon White

N Diamond Blue

O Silver Rose

P Antique Bronze

Q Brittany Blue

R Ivy Green

T Candyapple Red

U Tahoe Turquoise

V Emberglo

X Vintage Burdundy

Y Silver Blue

Z Sauterne Gold

2 Mariner Turquoise

5 Signal Flare Red

8 Springtime Yellow

Promotional Models Available:

Plastic: Galaxie 2 Door Hardtop; Galaxie Convertible; Thunderbird 2 Door Hardtop; Thunderbird Convertible; Falcon Futura 2 Door Sedan; Fairlane 2 Door Hardtop; Mustang 2 Door Hardtop; Mustang 2+2 2 Door Fastback.