New Member, New Owner

[2002 SR-71]

Hey Gang!

I just purchased a beautiful 2002 Black Premium / Black Gloss Accent Interior / Black hardtop, just over 3 weeks ago. The car was a one-owner trade-in to a Ford dealer here in Texas. I'm very proud of my car!

My car was ordered in August 2001, but wasn't built and delivered until late August 2002, and it has some interesting options. For instance, it has the SelectShift automatic transmission, which I thought was only available on the 2003 models. I'm also trying to confirm the horsepower on my motor, since I suspect it's the 280 hp engine. Any other late-year 2002 owners with similar stories?

I had no idea there was such a fan base for the Thunderbirds here online, and I really appreciate the wealth of information in your site. I'm hoping I can hook up with other members in the Texas area for a Thunderbird rally soon, and I'll definitely be attending the upcoming VTCI convention in Dallas.

I'm probably an atypical Thunderbird owner, since I'm still in my late 30's. I've loved the old Thunderbirds all my life, and my best friend's father is still the proud owner of a black 1957 T-bird that he bought brand new. I've wanted one ever since I took a ride in his decades ago.

The modern 'bird definitely captured that ethereal quality and class of the original 2 seater. I remember the reactions from people seeing his '57, and the reactions to my '02 are strikingly similar. Both cars just radiate a positive energy, and you see that in people's reactions.

Looking forward to good times!
Jack / 2002 SR-71

[Mark501]

Welcome Jack!

501

[taflocks]

take a picture of the engine so we can tell if you have 252 or 280 hp

[2002 SR-71]

Originally posted by taflocks
take a picture of the engine so we can tell if you have 252 or 280 hp

I'll get one up as soon as I can, probably tomorrow. You can tell just by the cowling and covers over the engine?

Thanks in advance.
Jack / SR-71

[MATBird]

Welcome Jack:
I'm glad you found us. Lot's great people as well as good info to read at your leisure. And, you'll get answers to your questions.
My car is Triple Black as well.
Happy T Birding and Enjoy,
MATBird

[BLUNBIRD]

Welcome Sr-71! You will be very happy here. We can feel your excitement and remember when................:lol:

You need to join up with your other Texas birds and plan to come over to GA for our Thunder Isle in May. That is where you will really begin to feel the value and companionship of this forum.

:smokin: :smokin: :smokin:

[Gobird]

2002 SR-71, Very interesting about your select shift option. We have not heard of this being on any 02 before. I think it might have been added by the prevous owner and not a factory option. Aug. 02 is still an early delivery date for an 02. That's why I think this might have been an add on. Sounds a little strange.

[FUN X 3]

Welcome SR71 to the coolest site for new Bird owners on the Internet. That's an interesting story about the SST...there are other '02 owners here that have mentioned wanting to upgrade to SST, you may hold the key to their puzzle.

[2002 SR-71]

Originally posted by Gobird
2002 SR-71, Very interesting about your select shift option. We have not heard of this being on any 02 before. I think it might have been added by the prevous owner and not a factory option. Aug. 02 is still an early delivery date for an 02. That's why I think this might have been an add on. Sounds a little strange.

I agree... my car is strange, or maybe just unique. :thumbsup:

Generally model year production ENDS in August/September, so that the following year model cars are in the showroom before the end of the year. It was unusual that production of the 2002 Thunderbirds continued through August, September, October, and up to November 11, 2002.

My car was ordered 08/02/2001, built on 08/19/2002, delivered to the dealer on 08/28/2002, and sold to the original owner on 10/01/2002. Curious that it took over a year to build, unless the original owner or dealer kept changing the order and pushing it back in the build sequence.

As far as the transmission, I'll track down the original owner. I clearly need to investigate further. Given that the car is bone stock otherwise, I doubt that this was an aftermarket or dealer alteration. Perhaps they can also shed light on the horsepower of the motor. I test drove an '04 at the dealer where I purchased my car, and I couldn't discern any difference in the acceleration / power.

I also have the variable speed intermittent wipers, which I think is also a 2003 model option (please correct me if I'm wrong). I have a three position rotary switch for high, low, and intermittent (which has a secondary seven position rotary switch to control the intermittent speed). I'll post some pictures of the wiper controls, shifter, and engine compartment as soon as I can.

Best Regards,
Jack / 2002 SR-71

[TBIRDY]

Hey Jack, WELCOME! I too had a ride in my Dad's best friends 57 TBird decades ago and that single day memory stayed with me. Now I own my own 2003 MSG and hope to make and live many more great memories in such a beautiful machine.
Today I rode around Boston with the sun shining, a spankin new shiny wax job, thumbs up of people I past, and a Beach Boys CD blaring! Life IS Good.

[Gobird]

SR-71, The wiper thing is on all Birds from 02 to present. There was a delay on the 03's because of the select shift trans. and some motor mods done to the 03's. The build time for your Bird is normal for any 02. I ordered mine in Jan. 01 and it came in on Jan.02.

It sounds to me like you have an 03 and not an 02. Pics of the engine bay will tell us if it is an 02 or 03. Also, the Vin# of your car can also tell us when it was built.

[Red]

Position 10 in the VIN tells you the model year - 2=2002, 3=2003.

One other major difference - the 2002 has a hydraulic fan and the 2003 (280 hp engine) has an electric fan.

[CHRIS]

Hi Jack,

Welcome to TBN! I hope you'll enjoy all the folks and information here as much as I do. I also have a 2002 and it was built in Nov 2002. I bought it in March 2003 as a "left over" new 2002. I also thought that since mine was built so late, that it might have the 280 HP engine, but it doesn't. I've added alot of extras on mine to personalize it and make it even more unique. Now it feels like a member of the family--I don't even think about trading it for a newer model T-bird or anything else. I think most of us here at TBN have a genuine attachment to their T-birds--which might sound "strange" to many folks--but now that you're an owner, you know exactly what I mean.

[JBest]

Welcome Jack.... have a good time!!!! It's reallllly fun having that new one!!!:bestwish:

[K.P.]

Welcome, Jack! And I second Blunbird's invitation to ThunderIsle in May. You won't believe how awesome a caravan is with nearly 50 TBirds in it ! Come find out!

[redbirdsal]

Hi Jack,
Looks like I'm one of the first of the DFW members to welcome you to TBN! I'm sure we'll meet at the convention in Richardson, and hope you'll be able to join in on some local day trips with some other owners in the area. And Brenda's right...you need to sign up for ThunderIsle.
See you soon,
Sally

[CHIEFSRULE4U]

Hello jack
Big D is in the house!
I to will be going to the convention. We need to all hook up and caravan, showing up in mass would be great.
Michael

[LuvHisBird]

Welcome Jack.....hope to see you at an event soon........:pbj: :pbj: :pbj:

[2002 SR-71]

Originally posted by Red
Position 10 in the VIN tells you the model year - 2=2002, 3=2003.

One other major difference - the 2002 has a hydraulic fan and the 2003 (280 hp engine) has an electric fan.

Thanks for the warm welcome from everybody!

GoBird, thanks also for the correction on the wiper issue.

I definitely have an '02, VIN and Title confirm that. Based on the Hydraulic vs. Electric fan criteria, looks I have the 252 hp motor... well I was hopeful.

Here's the engine compartment, as requested.

Jack / 2002 SR-71

[Alan Goodman]

Definitely an image of an 02 engine. Cowling and air intake different on the 03.

Refer to Dot's web site (portholeauthority.com) for comparison pictures. Alan

[TexAggieTBird]

Howdy from Houston!

Welcome to the nest. You are lucky to live in a 12 month a year top down state. I cant imagine how those yankees can bear to lock up their birds 3 or 4 months a year!
You will find that just about any and all topics and problems T-Bird have been discussed on this site, it is a lot of fun and very helpful. Hope we can have a South Texas gathering sometimes, I can't make it up to Ft.Worth/Dallas for the vintage meet. We don't seem to have many organized events down here. Maybe as we grow that can change.
Again welcome!

[Red]

Jack, if you would post your VIN, someone may be able to check it out on the Ford system for the "bill of materials". They may give us insight as to how it wound up with SST. I suspect you have only one of a very few - maybe one of a kind.

[2002 SR-71]

Red,

Nevermind! Overzealous T-bird owner error!

I followed Alan's suggestion and checked Dot's website. I have the standard automatic transmission... (runs off in shame to hide)

At least I'm learning!

Best Regards,
Jack 2002 SR-71

[CHIEFSRULE4U]

It's OK, we understand. It's better for you anyway, otherwise I'd be out there this weekend taking your car apart to figure it out. ha ha
michael

[Bryan Sloop]

Welcome to the nest Jack.:thumbsup:

Congradulations on your new Thunderbird as well.

[Joe Varey]

:wavey:

Weclome to he Nest you'll find lots of info and meet some great people to.

All the 02's had the lower horse power. In 03 they up'd to the present 280. All the wipers in 02's thru to date are the same.

:thumbsup: Congrats on your Bird and don't worry about the rain with the top off you got bucket seats.

[5bird7]

280 is the correct hp for the 03 but we love to add in a few :wink:
direct quote from Ford's website:
....with a 280-HP, 32-Valve DOHC engine.

Be sure to check out the VTCI meet that will be in Richardson at the end of April. Check this events forum for more info.
http://thunderbirdnest.com/vb/showthread.php?threadid=4463

I'm going to try to be there for a couple of the days