From the model year 1980 to 2005, the Ford Thunderbird has various engines with either a timing belt or a timing chain. It also has both interference and non-interference engines.
Scroll down to see specific data for your model year below.
The timing belt (or chain) maintains the proper synchronization between the various engine components in a combustion engine.
If the belt or chain stretches or breaks, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
Timing belts have a recommended replacement interval, while timing chains are generally rated for the engines lifetime, although they need to be inspected occasionally.
Year | Engine | Belt Or Chain | Interference | Service Interval |
---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | 3.9L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
2004 | 3.9L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
2003 | 3.9L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
2002 | 3.9L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1997 | 4.6L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1997 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1996 | 4.6L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1996 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1995 | 4.6L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1995 | 3.8L V6 Supercharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1995 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1994 | 4.6L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1994 | 3.8L V6 Supercharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1994 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1993 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1993 | 3.8L V6 Supercharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1993 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1992 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1992 | 3.8L V6 Supercharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1992 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1991 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1991 | 3.8L V6 Supercharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1991 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1990 | 3.8L V6 Supercharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1990 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1989 | 3.8L V6 Supercharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1989 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1988 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1988 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1988 | 2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbo | Timing Belt | Non-Interference | 60k miles |
1987 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1987 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1987 | 2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbo | Timing Belt | Non-Interference | 60k miles |
1986 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1986 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1986 | 2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbo | Timing Belt | Non-Interference | 60k miles |
1985 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1985 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1985 | 2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbo | Timing Belt | Non-Interference | 60k miles |
1984 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1984 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1984 | 2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbo | Timing Belt | Non-Interference | 60k miles |
1983 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1983 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1983 | 2.3L 4 Cyl. Turbo | Timing Belt | Non-Interference | 60k miles |
1982 | 4.2L V 8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1982 | 3.8L V6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1982 | 3.3L I6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1981 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1981 | 4.2L V 8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1981 | 3.3L I6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1980 | 5.0L V8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1980 | 4.2L V 8 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
1980 | 3.3L I6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
TimingBeltInfo.com is a website designed to quickly find the timing belt (or chain) information for your vehicle.
Understanding the timing system in your vehicle or a possible purchase can save you money and headaches in the long run.
When in doubt, always consult with a professional mechanic.
Also, you can consult the vehicle's owner's manual.