You seem to be having issues - let me help:

I drove cross country in a 99ish Escort. It drove alright, and with a manual could get out of its way as well as most econoboxes of the era. At least until we hit the continental divide. We were floored in 2nd to make it over 10k. Not sure if it was inherently the car, or the 85 octane we filled it with (a novelty!)

That one is easy. Take all the bolts out of the engine mounts put a 2x4 against the back for the engine and force engine to tilt forward. Then just replace plugs.

Dear Everyone Who Now Thinks That They Want An Old MG,

I know it’s a t-bird, but I just think LTD and Quinn Martin Productions go together.

Same. We honestly hate this. We hate politics encroaching on cars. We seriously want to do nothain’t but get back to cars. At the moment, politics are getting involved with what we love.

I would NOT recommend this in a manual car. At least, not MY car. With no synchro for reverse, my car makes an absolutely atrocious sound if you are moving forward at all and shift into reverse.

Try manuals:

They never really cared to sell it. They are required by Australia’s Auto Union to export a certain number of cars per year. Its the reason why Ford Australia is no more.

Offer car people want. Raise price so nobody wants it. Kill car due to lack of demand. Genius.

Give it a rest, Turbos last just fine these days. They’ve been in use on Diesels for so long the technology is more than matured.