"EVEN AT QUITE PRODIGIOUS PACE IT NEVER STEPPED OUT OF LINE"
BODY & CHASSIS
TX3s that have been crashed, left to go rusty or just neglected are rarely going to justify the cost of restoring them or even having poor quality work redone. With the car on jack stands or a hoist, look for repairs to the chassis rails, dents under the floor and sills. Also check the rear suspension mounting points for rust and cracking. From there move to checking the doors for sagging or poor fit and the skins for rust. Close inspection is needed for the outer sills, lower mudguards and hatch. In addition to showing rust bubbles it can be misaligned and suffering damage to the rubber seal or supporting struts. New strut replacements are still available. The plastic bumpers need to be properly attached, straight and not cracked. Look at the front one from underneath as they are vulnerable to being belted by gutters.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Excessive boost and abuse are the reasons TX3 engines often wind up in landfill. That said, there seem to be plenty of replacement twincam Mazda turbo engines available for $1200-2000. You might need to hunt though for the proper ‘Ford’ cam covers. Stock boost was set at conservative levels to cope with standard 91 Octane ULP so the engines will stand a decent increase
- up to 14psi some sources say - without breakage. Check with a turbocharging specialist before fiddling. Smoke of any colour from a turbo exhaust is sending a message that big spending will soon be required. Overheating is deadly to these cars so installing a new water pump, hoses and having the radiator flushed immediately after purchase can be worthwhile.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Here’s where a lot of money can be spent if you choose a car that hasn’t been kept up to the mark by its previous owner. The suspension isn’t especially complex but there are a lot of bits under there that have been working hard for nigh on 30 years and will need replacement. Everything needed seems to be available and from several sources; strut replacements from $400 per pair, or suppliers for around $4000 will supply packages comprising springs, adjustable struts and new bushings. Brake rotors can be upgraded to suit performance applications but stick with standard if the car isn’t worth a great deal. These start at around $120 per pair. While the engine is running and car stationary maintain constant pressure on the pedal to check for hydraulic problems.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Unless the car has been kept away from summer heat and sunlight there is every chance a lot of interior plastics will be warped, cracked or crumbling. First place to look is the dash-top, then the console, heater control surround, door handles and control levers. If the inside is factory fresh then you have found a true TX3 gem. If not, a lot of internet scouring and calls to wrecking yards awaits. Interior components specific to the TX3 are scarce however we did find a decentlooking steering wheel for $150. Electrical components seem plentiful and cheap, including brand new starter motors at under $150.