1973 FORD THUNDERBIRD

Model Designations:

Ford Thunderbird V-8

Ford Thunderbird, Body Styles:

2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #65K

Factory Price: $5,577; Shipping Weight: 4,572 Pounds

Production Total: 87,269

Chassis:

Wheelbase: 120.4"

Tire Size: 215R X 15" Radial

Engine Availability:

V-8 429 Cubic Inch 208 H.P. Standard Engine

V-8 460 Cubic Inch 208 H.P. Optional Engine

General Engine Specifications:

V-8 Engine, 429 Cubic Inches, 208 H.P.:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 4.36" x 3.59"

Engine Displacement: 429 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 60.83

Horsepower: 208 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 327 Ft. Lbs @ 2,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-65 PSI

Carburetor: 4 Barrel

V-8 Engine, 460 Cubic Inches, 208 H.P.:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 4.36" x 3.85"

Engine Displacement: 460 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 60.83

Horsepower: 208 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 338 Ft. Lbs @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-65 PSI

Carburetor: 4 Barrel

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder 429 Cubic Inch Engines:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BRF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-30 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed:

Automatic Transmission: 600 RPM, in Drive

Idle CO: 0.5% (California Cars: 0.2%)

8 Cylinder 460 Cubic Inch Engines:

Spark Plug Type: Autolite BRF-42

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .017"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-30 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing: 14 Degrees BTDC

Engine Idle Speed:

Automatic Transmission: 600 RPM, in Drive

Idle CO: 0.4% (California Cars: 0.2%)

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, 429 Cu. In. Engines:

Valve Lash:

Intake: .075"-.125"

Exhaust: .075"-.125"

Valve Angles:

Seat: 45 Degrees

Face: 45 Degrees

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

Valve Spring Pressure: 169 Lbs @ 1.39 inches

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0010"-.0027";

Exhaust .0010"-.0027"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3416"-.3423"

Exhaust: .3416"-.3423"

8 Cylinder Engine, 460 Cu. In. Engines:

Valve Lash:

Intake: .105"-.155"

Exhaust: .105"-.155"

Valve Angles:

Seat: 45 Degrees

Face: 44 Degrees

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

Valve Spring Pressure: 169 Lbs @ 1.39 inches

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0010"-.0027";

Exhaust .0010"-.0027"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3416"-.3423"

Exhaust: .3416"-.3423"

Piston, Rings, Pins, Crankshaft & Bearing Data:

8 Cylinder Engine, 429 Cubic Inches:

Piston Clearance: .0014"-.0022"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: 1.0400"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.4992"-2.5000"

Bearing Clearance: .0008"-.0028"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.9994"-3.0002"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

8 Cylinder Engine, 460 Cubic Inches:

Piston Clearance: .0014"-.0022"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: 1.0400"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.4992"-2.5000"

Bearing Clearance: .0008"-.0028"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.9994"-3.0002"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0025"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Engine Tightening Specifications:

8 Cylinder 429 Cubic Inch Engine:

Spark Plugs: 15-20 Ft. Lbs.

Cylinder Head Bolts: 130-140 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 25-30 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 28-33 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Stud to Cylinder Head: 18-25 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 5 to 6 Ft. Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 40-45 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 460 Cubic Inch Engine:

Spark Plugs: 15-20 Ft. Lbs.

Cylinder Head Bolts: 130-140 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 25-30 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 28-33 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Stud to Cylinder Head: 18-25 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 5 to 6 Ft. Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 40-45 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:

With All Engines:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 18-1/2 Quarts

With Heater: 19-1/2 Quarts

With Air Conditioning: 19-1/2 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure:

With Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Without Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI

Thermostat Opening: 188 Degrees

Fuel Tank: 22-1/2 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Automatic Transmission: 12-1/2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 5 Pints

* With New Oil Filter

Starting Motor Specifications:

8 Cylinder 429 Cubic Inch Engine:

Part #D0VF-A

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 40 Ounces

No Load Test: 70 Amperes, 12 Volts @ 10,000 RPM

Torque Test: 700 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 15.5 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder 460 Cubic Inch Engine:

Part #D2VF-AA

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 40 Ounces

No Load Test: 70 Amperes, 12 Volts @ 10,000 RPM

Torque Test: 700 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 15.5 Ft. Lbs.

Ford Alternator Specifications:

Model #10300

Alternator: All Green, 61 Ampere

Current Rating @ 15 Volts: 61 Ampres

Field Current: 2.9 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Voltage Regulator #C3TZ-A:

Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 13.5-15.3 Volts

Field Relay:

Closting Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 2.5-4.0 Volts

Alternator: All , 70 Ampere

Current Rating @ 15 Volts: 70 Ampres

Field Current: 2.9 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Voltage Regulator #C3TZ-A:

Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 13.5-15.3 Volts

Field Relay:

Closting Voltage @ 75 Degrees: 2.5-4.0 Volts

Distributor Specifications:

Part #D3VF-AA

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 0 to 1 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 0 to 1-1/2 Degrees @ 750 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 3 to 5 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 4 to 6 Degrees @ 1,500 RPM

Full Advance: 7-1/2 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 5" Vacuum

Full Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

Part #D3MF-DA

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 0 to 1 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 1-1/2 to 4 Degrees @ 750 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 5-1/2 to 7-1/2 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 7-1/2 to 9 Degrees @ 1,500 RPM

Full Advance: 10-1/2 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 5" Vacuum

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

Part #D3SF-BA

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 0 to 1 Degree @ 500 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 1/2 to 2-1/2 Degrees @ 750 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 5-1/2 to 8 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 10 to 12 Degrees @ 1,500 RPM

Full Advance: 13-1/2 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 5" Vacuum

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

Part #D3VF-CA

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 0 to 1 Degree @ 500 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 0 to 1-1/2 Degrees @ 750 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 4 to 6 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 6 to 8 Degrees @ 1,500 RPM

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 5" Vacuum

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

Part #D3MF-BA

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 0 to 1 Degree @ 500 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 0 to 1-1/2 Degrees @ 750 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 3-1/2 to 5-1/2 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 7-1/2 to 10 Degrees @ 1,500 RPM

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 5" Vacuum

Full Advance: 7 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

Part #D3VF-BA

Centrifugal Advance:

Advance Starts: 0 to 1 Degrees @ 500 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 0 to 2-1/2 Degrees @ 750 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 5 to 7 Degrees @ 1,000 RPM

Intermediate Advance: 7-1/2 to 10 Degrees @ 1,500 RPM

Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts @ 5" Vacuum

Full Advance: 7 Degrees @ 20" Vacuum

Rear Axle Specifications:

Carrier Type: Removable

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

Nominal Pinion Locating Shim: .015"

Pinion Bearing Preload:

Adjustment:

New Bearings & New Seal with Collapsible Spacer:: 17 to 27 Inch Lbs.

New Bearings & New Seal with Solid Spacer: 13 to 33 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings & New Seal with Collapsible Spacer: 8 to14 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings & New Seal with Solid Spacer: 13 to 33 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: 3.100"

Rear: 1"

Master Cylinder Bore:

With Disc Brakes: 1"

With Power Brakes: 1"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

All Models:

Caster: +1-1/2 Degrees

Camber:

Left: + 3/4 Degree

Right: + 3/4 Degree

Toe-In: 3/16"

Toe-Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 17.74 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees

Ford Carburetor Adjustments:

Note: See 1973 Ford Motor Company Carburetor Data File

Popular Options:

AM-FM Radio & Antenna; AM-FM Mulitplex Stereo Radio; AM Radio with Stereo 8 Track; Air Conditioning; Climate Control Air Conditioning; Tinted Glass; Power Steering; Power Brakes; Power Windows; 6 Way Power Seats; Cruise Control; Left & Right Outside Mirrors; Back Up Lamps; Electric Rear Window Defogger; Windshield Washers; Vacuum Trunk Release; White Sidewall Tires; Leather Seats; Power Sun Roof; Tilt Steering Wheel; Heavy Duty Battery; Two Tone Paint; DeLuxe Wheel Covers; Undercoating; Equa-Lock Differential; & More.

1973 Ford Thunderbird Historical Data:

Introduction date of the 1973 Ford Thunderbird was on September 22, 1972.

Total Ford Production for the1973 Model Year was 3,377,539, including 87,269 Thunderbirds.

1973 Ford Thunderbird Colors &Codes:

1-C Black

2-B Bright Red

2-C Red

2-L Bright Red

3-B Light Blue

3-D Medium Blue

3-K Blue Glow

3-M Silver Blue

3-N,P Light Grabber Blue

3-Q Pastel Blue

4-B Bright Green Gold

4-C Ivy Bronze

4-N Medium Aqua

4-P Medium Green

4-Q Dark Green

4-S Light Green

5-A Light Pewter

5-H Medium Brown

5-J Ginger Glow

5-L Tan

5-M Medium Copper

5-T Saddle Bronze

5-W Orange

6-B Light Goldenrod

6-C Medium Yellow Gold

6-D Yellow

6-E Medium Bright Yellow

6-F Gold Glow

6-L Medium Gold

9-A White

9-C Special White

Promotional Models Available:

None

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