Chasing the Ghosts of LeMans - Thunder - Project 487 Super Snake

[Ripped]

Hi Guys

So to start off the theme of this thread, Thunder is not just a pretty face. It is driven, and driven on the track. There are some more chassis upgrades on the radar, but with a hurt engine, I'm starting the thread there.

Without getting into too much history, this engine has already been in and out of the 'stang several times.

1st, the good 'used' engine, was not so good, bad bearings, and 60 grams out of balance. That was toast. The only things saved from that engine were the block, crank and timing cover.

The first rendition of the 428 looked good. Not for long though.
*

Next we had a bad camshaft grind, leaking intake gasket, and valve seals.

Next we had an oiling problem on the rear main (oil starvation)

*

All was going well for a while. Quite a while. A great, relaible street engine, with lots of torque.

I took it to track day in 2011, and melted the rear tires on the track. It was a lot of fun. The suspension was not great, and neither was cornering.

Then I took it to the drag strip last year. Snapped the pinion 30 feet off the line, on the first run.



Time for a rear suspension upgrade. Caltracs on, specially designed for the lowered suspension.



They were great.

Then getting ready for track day 2012, I stretched the front fenders and added wider front tires. Completed the cooling ducts to the rear brakes.

*

Track day was great. Handling was much better. Cornering was awesome.

Unfortunately I spun out, while trying to push my trail braking later and later. Probably the tires grabbed and the engine ran backwards, after the spin, until I got my foot into the clutch.

----
[I've updated the thread with some more historic photos of the build from early on]

[Ripped]

Post track day Diagnosis

Cut open the filter; Copper coloured flakes, and some tiny metal fragments. = Could be bearing

Running the engine, was rough increasing after 2000 rpm and up.

Checked the flywheel inspection cover, for clutch debris, or evidence of pilot bushing wear = none
No oil leaks from the rear main bearing seal = maybe the rear main bearing is okay.

Pulled the valve covers, spun the pushrods = some look bent.
Removed the pushrods = at least 5 were bent.

Got a leakdown tester, and bore scope.

Bore scope = doesn't look like any valves kissed the pistons, but pistons look ugly.

Leakdown = not good the cylinders which had the bent pushrods, are 10-18%, the good cylinders are 4-5%

Next step; pull the engine and remove the heads.

-----
[A few more of the ealy project photos]

[Ripped]

Plan;
Send the heads out to a builder specializing in the porting of FE heads.
The head work should net 30-40 hp depending on cam.
Springs = go for a stiffer spring compatable with road racing upshifting & downshifting

Camshaft, might stay with the solid cam I have now. Might go custom grind.

Block = if the pistons, bores and bearings look good, then leave it alone.
If the pistons look bad = forged stroker kit
If the bearings look bad, switch the block for a 427 side oiler aluminum, 100 - 150 pounds lighter, with a better oiling system, suitable for road racing.

---
[Another set of early project photos]

[FETorino]

Plan;
Send the heads out to a builder specializing in the porting of FE heads.
The head work should net 30-40 hp depending on cam.
Springs = go for a stiffer spring compatable with road racing upshifting & downshifting

Camshaft, might stay with the solid cam I have now. Might go custom grind.

Block = if the pistons, bores and bearings look good, then leave it alone.
If the pistons look bad = forged stroker kit
If the bearings look bad, switch the block for a 427 side oiler aluminum, 100 - 150 pounds lighter, with a better oiling system, suitable for road racing.

I always liked your car on the FE forum. I think it fits better here.:thumbsup:

Send your heads to Blair Patrick you won't regret it. I would also have him spec a cam for you. He is a true gentleman in addition to building some of the baddest FEs out there.

The Pond block is a work of art and weighs less than 115 lbs. When I bought mine it shipped regular UPS. Stop messing around buy the Pond block and put a 4.375 crank in it.:D

[Ripped]

I always liked your car on the FE forum. I think it fits better here.:thumbsup:

Send your heads to Blair Patrick you won't regret it. I would also have him spec a cam for you. He is a true gentleman in addition to building some of the baddest FEs out there.

The Pond block is a work of art and weighs less than 115 lbs. When I bought mine it shipped regular UPS. Stop messing around buy the Pond block and put a 4.375 crank in it.:D

Thanks Rob, I've been checking out your build too. I hit the 1st page of your build, and was already drooling :thumbsup:

Yes the aluminum block would be much better on the track. I'll have to cash in a few empties before I can order one, though ;)

[Rybar]

Keep us posted Doug, and remember we need pics! I know your not shy in that dept. :thumbsup:

[glassman]

Yep. Definately belongs here too!!!

[Flash68]

Man what a saga... you keep pluggin holes.... great documentation... and thanks for sharing... I like these threads. :thumbsup:

Maybe you can make it down to a track event with us one of these years. :cheers:

[Ripped]

Hi Guys, thanks for the feedback.

Pictures are coming

For now here are a couple of the online magazine links'

Street Legal TV;

http://www.streetlegaltv.com/news/pacific-thunder-a-1967-shelby-gt500-pro-touring-tribute-car/


I'm pretty overwhelmed by the responses. Makes me want to get it roadworthy as soon as I can.

It will be quite another evolution going from pro-street, to a really stellar track car. Lots of little tweaks on the suspension. An alumiunm 427 blockk would help with the weight on the front end ;-)

[Another set of pre-paint pics]

[FETorino]

Hi Guys, thanks for the feedback.

Pictures are coming:ttiwop:


Makes me want to get it roadworthy as soon as I can.

It will be quite another evolution going from pro-street, to a really stellar track car. Lots of little tweaks on the suspension. An alumiunm 427 blockk would help with the weight on the front end ;-)

Take your time and get that motor right. And yes every FE lover needs a Pond block. :cheers:

Maybe top it off with this.
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/FEpolished.jpg

[Track Junky]

Welcome to the site Doug. Sorry to hear of your engine woes but I'm glad to hear your having a little more fun with the car.
Keep plugging brother. :thumbsup:

[Ripped]

I was on vacation for 1 week.
When I got back, I decided to try and fix the front forks on my old mountain bike. That was a mistake. The front forks collapsed while I was riding at about 3-4mph, and I ended up doing a sideways face plant on the asphalt.



20 stitches later, I was back from the emerg with wounded pride and blood to clean up everywhere. It actually looks nastier today, with all the swelling around the eye and gunky looking road rash.

But on the car front, I could not wait, even though I am pretty sore everywhere from the bike incident.

Got the car jacked up and started pulling the exhaust and drivetrain.
Maybe tomorrow, I'll start prepping the engine for pull out, depending how I feel.



oh yeah, I'm never going to try and fix stupid bikes ever again!

[Track Junky]

Damn, you look like **** dude :lol:

[FETorino]

Damn, you look like **** dude :lol:

Well at least he can fix the car :rofl: Wait who put those forks together? :rolleyes:

[Ripped]

Damn, you look like **** dude :lol:

Yeah you should have seen me yesterday, when my eye was black and blue, swollen shut LOL I looked like a half eaten pizza

Well at least he can fix the car :rofl: Wait who put those forks together? :rolleyes:

Well we'll see if I can fix the car.

I guess I can take it apart some more ;)

[fleetus macmullitz]

Hopefully while in the ER you didn't run into any wisearse gearheads who said...'Yeah, that'll buff out.'

:D

[Ripped]

Hopefully while in the ER you didn't run into any wisearse gearheads who said...'Yeah, that'll buff out.'

:D

LOL, yeah one guy lied and said I looked good! What a liar ;)


I've been in a low motivation mood, for getting things done on the car, so I thought that I would motivate myself by revisiting aome of the pics from the past car events, and cruises over the past 2-3 years. The car is such a blast to drive!



Already I am feeling more motivated to get going. So maybe it will work, and I'll get my ass in gear!

Celebration of road trips

http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a427/kerstynm/Mustang%20Pics/STP80101.jpg


http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/westcoastmustangs/2010%20manning%20cruise/DSC02039.jpg





http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9347/dscn0170r.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5131/dscn0174wk.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3485/dscn0192l.jpg

Manning
http://www.venommustangs.com/pics/cpg1410/albums/Manning2011/mini-IMG_3633.JPG

http://www.venommustangs.com/pics/cpg1410/albums/Manning2011/mini-IMG_3650.JPG

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/westcoastmustangs1/Manning%20Park%20cruise%202012/DSC00955.jpg


Hells gate


http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu165/placiddavid/bbf15486.jpg

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/westcoastmustangs1/Hells%20gate%202012/DSC02409.jpg

http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/westcoastmustangs1/Hells%20gate%202012/DSC02368.jpg

[FETorino]

LOL, yeah one guy lied and said I looked good! What a liar ;)


I've been in a low motivation mood, for getting things done on the car, so I thought that I would motivate myself by revisiting aome of the pics from the past car events, and cruises over the past 2-3 years. The car is such a blast to drive!



Already I am feeling more motivated to get going. So maybe it will work, and I'll get my ass in gear!


How about this. If you don't get to work on that pretty little Mustang my Torino is going to put an FE to FE wooping on it. :wow:

Pictures look like a lot of fun. :thumbsup: :cheers:

[Ripped]

Okay engine is out.

Clutch looks a little worn but okay. Pilot bushing and flywheel look okay. No oil leaks from the rear main seal (which there was when the bearing failed a year or so ago)

So a good start.

Going to try and get all the crap off of the front of the engine tonight

[Ripped]

Well the heads are off.

I have not tested the intake valves, but checked all of the exhaust valves, for leakage.

As you can see, they very much correspond with the bent pushrods.

and the previous leakdown test;

Leakdown

#1 16% retest 18%
#2 5%
#3 26% retest 14% (could have been a leaking fitting 1st time)
#4 8%

#5 5% retest 4% (this was the last cylinder to be retested, just to verify the numbers were meaningful)
#6 18% retest 12% retest 10% (could have been a leaking fitting 1st time)
#7 5%
#8 12% retest 9%

As you can see by the photos;



Number 6 and 8 exhaust valves are pissing

and on the other side;



Number 1 and number 3 exhaust. Number 3 seems to be the worst, on this test.

Sorry about the shadow, some close ups;




The test is supposed to be done with brake cleaner or kerosene. I had paint thinner which is close enough to kerosene.

So decision Monday, if I send the heads out to be CNC'd or just fixed.

Pistons look fine. Nothing kissed any of them, so I am assuming not stiff enough valve springs on the stock edelbrock heads.

It'd be awesome to get this all back together soon, but I know the summer everyone is damn busy, but we'll see after I phone around.

[Ripped]

Port Matching, on the intake.

Despite reading and re reading, posts saying "there is little or no significant gain in power, by doing intake port matching"

I decided to ignore it, and check out my port alignment.

Check it out;



I think, there are one or two horsepower there.

I have very noticable marks on the intake manifold, from the gaskets, so it makes it pretty easy, to mark up the manifold.

Took me one hour to do one side, the other side tomorrow night.

[Ripped]

I have 7 of 8 of the intake manifold ports done. One more to go, and then I'll do a detail on the ports.

I took the heads by my engine shop, and got them disassembled, washed and brought them back home.

The intention is to do my own port and polish, along with a combustion chamber detail. I've done a lot of research on porting these heads, and what to be careful of.

I also picked up a couple of BBC (used) valves, to protect the seats, while I am doing the combustion chambers.

It should not be too bad, as it is just detailing. I'm not planning on removing a lot of material. Emphasis will be on the bowls. Smoothing the rough spots. Nice radiuses. Polishing the exhaust ports, and unshrouding the valves in the combustion chambers.

[Rybar]

Doug, sorry to hear about your face!! Hope you get better and get the car back on the road soon.

[Ripped]

Doug, sorry to hear about your face!! Hope you get better and get the car back on the road soon.
Thanks :)

Face looks beautiful, now. I am entering myself in one of those "top model" shows next year (haha)

NOT!:lol:

Pretty much healed up now.

Ports on the intake are complete. I smoothed out (not polished) the roof of the ports (long radius) and I am using a coarse file to rough up the shorter (bottom radius), inside the intake manifold.

I started on the heads, beginning with an exhaust port.

A little smaller than the intake, but more forgiving.
I think it looks good so far. I got most of it roughed out in 30 minutes.

I picked up one of these too, but havent really used it yet;


Pics soon

[Flash68]

Doug, sorry to hear about your face!!

Now that is hilarious right there. :lol: (Sorry Doug :D)

[Ripped]

Now that is hilarious right there. :lol: (Sorry Doug :D)

I am laughing too, what else can you do? I just wonder what part of my body, I'm going to f-up next ;)

---
Porting work so far;

Intake is pretty much done, unless I change the shape of the ports on the head.



The last thing, I am going to do is hit the ports with a coarse file, to texture them a little.

Heads;

I started with an exhaust port, because it's smaller, and a little more forgiving, if I F-it up. I have a pretty good understanding of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, so used that in shaping the exhaust port, and bowl.

I took into consideration, the shape of the header opening, and raised the port slightly. Next I ovaled the port slightly, again to match the header port, since they are a little taller than the heads.

The bowl is quite a bit deeper on the exit side of the port.



(Head is upside down, in pic below) I didn't do much with the short radius, other than a slight polish. I did turn down the port exit, into the header, as the header pipes all turn down



Once I'm done, the exhaust will get a nice polish, then I can replicate on the other 7 exhaust ports

[Ripped]

So I am thinking, that with the improved ports, I might need a few more cubic inches, or a more agressive cam. I like my existing cam, though.

Checking out one of these;
http://www.survivalmotorsports.com/images/Scat_FE_Crank_edited.jpg

Which will bump me up about 30 cu, to 462

I should reach a conclusion, over the weekend.

[FETorino]

You could run one of Dougs POP 4.375 steel cranks and a hydro roller and make a bunch of hp and torque all below 6k rpm.

The Ports are one piece but don't forget the valve job that can make an even bigger difference in flow especially at low lift numbers.

[Ripped]

You could run one of Dougs POP 4.375 steel cranks and a hydro roller and make a bunch of hp and torque all below 6k rpm.

The Ports are one piece but don't forget the valve job that can make an even bigger difference in flow especially at low lift numbers.

Hmmm yeah checked out the 4 3/8" crank, but a lot more issues, including camshaft clearance.

I have all the ports pretty well roughed out. I started unshrouding the valves, tonight. Once the valves are unshrouded, then the plugs, chambers, and bowls.

Lastly I polish the exhausts, and chambers.

[FETorino]

Hmmm yeah checked out the 4 3/8" crank, but a lot more issues, including camshaft clearance.

I have all the ports pretty well roughed out. I started unshrouding the valves, tonight. Once the valves are unshrouded, then the plugs, chambers, and bowls.

Lastly I polish the exhausts, and chambers.

Don't know who's selling you the story of cam clearance with that size crank. I'm running a solid roller that is bigger than any usable hydro and no issue there, no real issues with the 4.375 stroke period except the upcomming traction problems. :D Now 4.5 like Jay Brown originally went to run in his HR that's a different story.

[Ripped]

Don't know who's selling you the story of cam clearance with that size crank. I'm running a solid roller that is bigger than any usable hydro and no issue there, no real issues with the 4.375 stroke period except the upcomming traction problems. :D Now 4.5 like Jay Brown originally went to run in his HR that's a different story.

Well, maybe I'll have to do more research.

For now I got another few hours of porting and polishing done. I decided to work on the combustion chambers. UNshrouding the valves, spark plugs, and chamber.
I have one head roughed out, and a system now, for what I want to do.

After the chambers, I'll tackle the bowls.

[Ripped]

A few pics of the combustion chamber work (whew this takes a long time) Work on the chambers, unshrouding the valves, a little radius work around the spark plug relief, and a polish to 800. Once the chambers are all done, I'll CC them, and after that they get a final polish.

[Ripped]

Well back to the grind, or should I say grinding.
House renovation project is finished.
I think I have the intakes on one head done, on to the next head, and then the exhausts.

[Ripped]

A few more pics, of the head work. Close to 2/3 of the way through, I think.

Sometimes I get the idea to do things a little different,as the heads progress.

Generally pretty close. A little more polishing of the exhausts and chambers.

[FETorino]

Are you going to flow the heads when you are done?
Who is doing the valve job?

[Ripped]

Are you going to flow the heads when you are done?
Who is doing the valve job?

Yeah I'd like to flow the heads, if I can find someone local, who does this.
I'm actually being pretty conservative. Port match the intakes. I opened up and ovaled the exhaust ports slightly. Widened the bowls around the valve stems, and unshrouded the valves and spark plugs slightly.

Spent a little time on the long turns, and roof of the ports. I didn't want to lose any velocity on the intake side or create any dead spots. I'll probably leave the intake surface rough

I did very little on the short turn radiuses, smoothed edges, cleaned up the flash, and gave a polish on the exhaust side

I'd be curious to see what difference there is.

I am going to CC them, as a last step. Lots of work, esp on the exhaust.

Yeah, because of the bent pushrods, the valves and seats must be redone.

[Ripped]

Well the block is mostly apart, except for the cam.

I have a few more micrometers to get, and a dial bore set, and then I should have all the tools I need.

Tonight I was working on some basic oiling improvements;

Deflashing the oil drainbacks in the block.


Enlarging the feed from the pump to the oil filter adaptor to 7/16 (same size as the main gallery)


Chamfering the mains supply very slightly


Increasing the size of the drainback hole in the heads, chamfering, and polishing the "gutters" for faster drainback, less oil pooling

[Ripped]

Well, I think that I have the intake ports pretty much, where I want them, on one head at least.

I should qualify that a little I was mapping the air flow, with compressed air, and "think" the ports are good.



More later

[Ripped]

A few things are happening on the engine front.
Hopefully I'll have something to talk about in a week or two.

Lots of decisions.

[Ripped]

Well, I am deciding cubic inches, this weekend. Hope to weigh all the options this weekend.
465 (428 block), or 482 cubic inches. (427 block)

Most of all the other parameters will be about the same. Maybe a slight cam difference with the cubic inch diff.

[FETorino]

Well, I am deciding cubic inches, this weekend. Hope to weigh all the options this weekend.
465 (428 block), or 482 cubic inches. (427 block)

Most of all the other parameters will be about the same. Maybe a slight cam difference with the cubic inch diff.

No comparison there. A crossbolted sideoiler block is a way better piece. Better add a steel crank for the road race use.

[Ripped]

Yeah, weight of the steel crank adds to the rotating mass, so I am not sure on this one. Wish I didn't have to fix the roof this year, and my budget was better ;)

[Ripped]

Okay a bit of a decision was made on the engine, last week.

I killed the idea of getting a used sideoiler or topoiler block.

Probably going to be this Shelby block;
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0109/4742/products/fe.block_medium.png

or

this Pond aluminum block;

http://www.robertpondmotorsports.com/images/SOHC-block-1.jpg

Plan is to go .040+ making the cubic inches about 487.

First I was going to go 482 but that's a common FE stroker size. Then I was thinking 489, which is + .050, and call it an 8 litre. BUT the 7 Litre was a 428 designation.

The Pond block will go a max of 4.310 so a +080 over. I figure If it ever needs a rebuild I can go custom pistons in +.010 steps and still have 4 small overbores, left in the block before a resleeve.

Plus 487 sounds nice... different.

Then this build theme, starting with the engine, will continue along the lines of the (one only) 1967 Shelby Super Snake, which was tested on Goodyear's Texas test facility, at a reported speed of +170 mph using a light-weight 427 high riser engine.

This engine featured a remote oil filter and oil cooler. We will see if those features make an appearance on the upcoming engine. I like the KISS philosophy for reliability, less things to break or go wrong. ;)

There were a reported, unknown number (likely less than 50) of specially built 1967 Shelbys made with the 427 medium riser engine, shipped to select dealers and customers.

Using an aftermarket aluminum block the front end will get a 75# diet which should be good for the road course.

The bad part is it's a big budget impact, so may take a while longer to put together

[FETorino]

One of those blocks looks familiar.:D

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/Pondfeblock005-1.jpg

The Pond block is

Cheaper
Lighter
Looks like an original sideoiler
Is strong enough to support 1000hp

Nothing wrong with the Shelby block if you can find a deal on one but if buying new I don't see the value for the extra $$$$$.

[Ripped]

One of those blocks looks familiar.:D

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/Pondfeblock005-1.jpg

The Pond block is

Cheaper
Lighter
Looks like an original sideoiler
Is strong enough to support 1000hp

Nothing wrong with the Shelby block if you can find a deal on one but if buying new I don't see the value for the extra $$$$$.

Quite the eye candy.
How are you going to finish your block? Paint? Leave it aluminum?

[FETorino]

Quite the eye candy.
How are you going to finish your block? Paint? Leave it aluminum?

It will be on the dyno on Nov 9th. I'll snap some pictures of the final finish for sure when we load it in the truck the previous tues. :D

No matter what the finish the underside will have the most bling.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/dailey2.jpg

[Matt@BOS]

Go aluminum block, getting that weight off the nose will off will help the car. What do I know though, I'm the guys everyone is worried about putting an LS in a fastback.

[Flash68]

This thread just got a lot juicier. :unibrow:

[FETorino]

Go aluminum block, getting that weight off the nose will off will help the car. What do I know though, I'm the guys everyone is worried about putting an LS in a fastback.

I'm not worried. you'll do the right thing.:thumbsup:

Now let's talk Doug into spending all his extra $$ on this motor.

[Matt@BOS]

Rob, he is a car guy and the way I see it, the car is going to get what it wants. If the money is already sitting in the bank, as gear heads all we get to do is decide how long we want to hold on to it for. If we're saving up for parts then we have a little pile of money we get to watch grow for a while until one day the wife/gf finds it and steals it, or it goes poof when parts get ordered.

Matt

[FETorino]

Rob, he is a car guy and the way I see it, the car is going to get what it wants. If the money is already sitting in the bank, as gear heads all we get to do is decide how long we want to hold on to it for. If we're saving up for parts then we have a little pile of money we get to watch grow for a while until one day the wife/gf finds it and steals it, or it goes poof when parts get ordered.

Matt

I don't know Matt, did you see this pic of him after his wife looked behind the TV? :rofl:


http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/misc/20120806_223137s.jpg

[Ripped]

hahaha, smart alec :rofl: :rofl:

I only looked like 1/2 a pizza there :D


Anyhow... I worked the exhaust ports, mostly working on the bowls, on one head.

Started preliminary polishing.

I'm fairly happy, with how they are shaping up.

[Ripped]

Okay, the decision has been made.

The Robert Pond, aluminum side oiler block is being ordered through Brent, at B2 Motorsports.
I've dealt with Brent before, on the TKO for my mustang. He really knows his stuff, and is always available to answer questions.

The engine planned is a 4.25 stroker x 4.270 bore, which is +.037 over for a 427.

The pistons will be Diamond, instead of Mahle, as they are available in the 4.270 bore.

That gets me to the target 489 cu

[FETorino]

Stepping up your game. Is Brent doing the machine work on the block?

Do you want me to add you to DG and my dyno shootout?:unibrow:

[Ripped]

Stepping up your game. Is Brent doing the machine work on the block?

Do you want me to add you to DG and my dyno shootout?:unibrow:

Yeah Brent is going to do the shortblock for me. If I was closer, I might ship everything to him, but we'll see how that goes, as we get further down the road.

Oh yeah, please add me to the dyno shootout, you're going to have to wait a good long while, maybe late spring early summer, for my results. I don't think Brent has a good way of dynoing the shortblock, unless he can spin the crank real fast with a torque wrench.

While I port the heads, I'm putting this picture of the king cobra Torino on my wall, in the garage, for inspiration ;)

http://documents.clubexpress.com/clubs/363066/photos/screen/1695741309.jpg

[Ripped]

Exhaust are pretty much where I want them. Size wise I cannot go much bigger, based on the header opening, but I did radius the roof a little, incorporating a turn down, in the head itself.



Next I am revisiting the combustion chambers

[Ripped]

A chunk of aluminum arrived.

[FETorino]

Nothing like being able to lift your sideoiler block over your head.:D
It looks like Robert changed some of the casting around the lifter bores.

Did you order your crank yet?

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/tpswap.jpg

[Ripped]

Nothing like being able to lift your sideoiler block over your head.:D
It looks like Robert changed some of the casting around the lifter bores.

Did you order your crank yet?

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/tpswap.jpg

Hmmm, yeah appears so, but I haven't had the luxury of seeing many Pond blocks.

Thos intake ports of yours look "holy cow massive!" :D

I did not order any of the rotating assembly yet. Probably in a month or two, depending on how things go.

[FETorino]

Hmmm, yeah appears so, but I haven't had the luxury of seeing many Pond blocks.

Thos intake ports of yours look "holy cow massive!" :D

I did not order any of the rotating assembly yet. Probably in a month or two, depending on how things go.

4.375 steel stroke and Crower rods don't skimp:D


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/tp1.jpg

[medbali76]

I am getting jealous :D
What are your valve sizes in your Ebrock head?
What solid cam did you use?

[Ripped]

I am getting jealous :D
What are your valve sizes in your Ebrock head?
What solid cam did you use?

Right now I am at the stock edelbrock head valve size. The cam selection (the most important part) has not been finalized yet, but have some ideas on what I want to do.

It will be a hydraulic roller, I had not considered larger valves, but am not sure that is necessary for an engine that will spend most of it's life under 5500 rpm.

As it progresses, I will post more.

Here's one Brent did for another European customer. Certainly discussions will revolve around that package.

630 lb ft FE stroker (http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/thread/1337989141/Recipe+for+630+lb-ft+of+torque...)

Pretty nice, by my books

[Ripped]

Not too much happening, I still am dealing with this annoying year, health wise.
Now I have a flu to deal with... sheesh. My wife suggested maybe she should just put me out of my misery :_paranoid
I'm thinking, it's good I don't have a massive life insurance policy :wow: :wow:

Back to the engine. Pressure test came back good. Started talking to Brent a bit about the upcoming build. Nice thing is, he knows that I throw it around corners, and have a tendency to wound old engines.

So I have also been doing a little more research on the 67 Shelby Super Snake

Some of the things which made an appearance on that car were;
Underrider traction bars, and Koni shocks
http://www.nvsaac.com/photogallery/images/1967/500/67_500_544_b.JPG

A remote oil filter and oil cooler;
http://www.nvsaac.com/photogallery/images/1967/500/67_500_544_w.JPG
http://www.nvsaac.com/photogallery/images/1967/500/67_500_544_z.jpg
Decent sized lines and fittings

Deeper oil pan
http://www.nvsaac.com/photogallery/images/1967/500/67_500_544_f.JPG

And LIGHTWEIGHT engine :D
http://www.nvsaac.com/photogallery/images/1967/500/67_500_544_Zn.JPG

[Ripped]

Wow, a month, since I updated.

Looks like the flu is history, but the delay put me in the middle of Christmas, so family stuff took priority.

I did try a few times to get grinding on the other head.
For some reason on the second head my cutters kept clogging up. I was doing everything exactly the same.
Finally after four more cutter heads, I googled "head porting for dummies" and got the tips I needed for keeping the cutters cool.

Had a good run on head grinding tonight, and everything went okay.

[Ripped]

Starting to get in the working on the car mood, again.

So I was looking for another wheel, that I want to get for my car.

I was thinking about 18" wheels, because it might allow me to run a deeper backspacing on the front, clearing the upper control arms -tie rod ends, and a wider tire.

Off the shelf wheels do not have enough backspace to work on my car.
Most cobra wheels are max 17" diameter

I found these;
http://www.imagewheels.co.uk/wheels/large%20cast/gtd5_15inch.jpg

Almost exactly what I am looking for, vintage but modern twist and chrome to satisfy the girls (daughter and wife)
Made in England, will do custom backspacing etc. 18" dia avail.

Expensive, but sounded good.
Checked the reviews, and bad news. Seem like the customer service is not the bbest and a few guys report wheels shipped with incorrect backspacing.

Oh well back to the drawing board

[fleetus macmullitz]

I liked seeing that invoice. What a slice of ultra rare musclecar history the Super Snake is.:cool:

Have you thought about posting that wheel you have to take a pass on... in the wheel/tire section of lat-g?

Perhaps someone here knows of a quality alternative.

[Matt@BOS]

Bummer about those wheels. They would have looked right at home on your car. There's got to be another company out there making something similar.

[FETorino]

You can get a quality wheel that looks like that but it will cost you.

http://www.forgeline.com/products/grip-equipped-series/grudge.html?seo_category_name=grip-equipped-series&seo_product_name=grudge&large=1&asdf=0

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/grudge_zps581418a1.jpg

[TimeWarpF100]

Pictures are coming:ttiwop:



Take your time and get that motor right. And yes every FE lover needs a Pond block. :cheers:

Maybe top it off with this.
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/FEpolished.jpg

Rob, Who makes that induction system for FE? That would look good on my FE Pickup project. (Dual Quad Tunnel Wedge now)

[FETorino]

Rob, Who makes that induction system for FE? That would look good on my FE Pickup project. (Dual Quad Tunnel Wedge now)

That stuff for you regular wedge head guys is everywhere.

It would look cool and run great but I don't know about the price. :willy:

Then again one for a TP is unobtainium:unibrow:

http://www.eightstack.com/427%20428%20FE%20Systems.html

http://www.borlainduction.com/v8_kits/427.html

http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IN&Product_Code=NG4068E&Category_Code=EZ-EFIEightStackSystems

[Ripped]

Yeah I want one of those MPI's or webbers, BUT not convinced they are easy to tune and to keep them set up properly.

No doubt, they make the engine look like a work of art.

[TimeWarpF100]

Yeah I want one of those MPI's or webbers, BUT not convinced they are easy to tune and to keep them set up properly.

No doubt, they make the engine look like a work of art.

The one pictured is EFI so tuning should not be an issue.

Rob, thanks for the link. Just build one for that TP version! Unobtanium for sure

[TimeWarpF100]

That stuff for you regular wedge head guys is everywhere.

It would look cool and run great but I don't know about the price. :willy:

Then again one for a TP is unobtainium:unibrow:

http://www.eightstack.com/427%20428%20FE%20Systems.html

http://www.borlainduction.com/v8_kits/427.html

http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IN&Product_Code=NG4068E&Category_Code=EZ-EFIEightStackSystems

The engine combo they tested is very very close to mine!

482" 427 with CNC'd Edel Heads etc I may inquire. I do like my Tunnel Wedge with QFT Carbs but that looks awesome!

[Ripped]

Here you go;

QR1E92NUsTU

Although according to Barry the owner had some control box issues and has replaced the electronics once.

Still badass looking


More MPEFI
PvZASWFSddM

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/fe-talk/95675-i-had-kinda-cool-engine-dyno-week.html

Webbers;

R4MYmJJaJwc

This is NOT on the above engine,
however is an indication of the carnage that can happen with the instant throttle response of a webber-ized engine;

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/fe-talk/112983-eagle-4-250-cast-crank-broken-4.html
.
.
.

[Ripped]

Okay, I have come up with an idea.
Maybe some of the fabricators can chime in.

Whether it was the two glasses of wine before I went to bed, or something hit me on the head, I don't know, but anyway here it is;

I don't know if it is do-able, but am proceeding with the idea anyway, and we'll see what happens.

I have a 13 year old nephew who has Muscular Dystrophy.
I had thought - Wouldn't it be cool if he could ride around the race track with me in my car?

Okay so what would I need to make that possible?

Unfortunately MD makes the muscles weaker and weaker, year by year, so he is in a state now, where his arms and neck muscles are getting pretty weak also.

So using a wheelchair, such as this as a model;
http://www.mobilityaids.in/images/products/customized%20wheelchair.jpg

What I think I could do, is construct a complete chair, that would bolt in, in-place of the existing passenger seat, with the appropriate body supports.

It would definitely need a horseshoe type cushion, around the head, to support the head position, and then a tether to the helmet, to prevent too much fore and aft movement.

I'm thinking of a cushioned version of a merge between the nascar type seat and the wheelchair show above.

Simply using the existing mustang seat bolt pattern as a mount. I think this is doable.

Now this is not a go, just yet.

First I am not a seat fabricator, so I might need some design help, and then find a local fabricator who will do this.

Second I have to get his (divorced - strained relationship) parent's approval
- I decided I am not going to let any ex spousal animosity bother me

Third, my nephew would have to want to do this - But I want it to be a surprise. I think he would like this ;)

Fourth Doctor or physiotherpist approval (I am not planning any high G turns)

The hopefully get the engine together, and get the seat constructed, and get track approval etc.

Yeah a ride on the street would be nice too, but I think a careful roar around the track would be that much more fun, for him.

So what do you guys think, before I embark on this mission?

[FETorino]

Sounds like a worthwhile endevour. What about a full containment road race seat, hans devices and 5 point harness.

http://www.kirkeyracing.com/index.php?link=browse&code=Series45

[syborg tt]

Ripped that is awesome that you want to do this for your nephew. Sounds like your a great uncle.

I did a little research trying to see if there was anything out there. I couldn't find anything. But i did find a great article that may help you a little

Life in the Fast Lane

http://alsn.mda.org/article/life-fast-lane

Seating Goals

http://www.mdas.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&catid=7&Itemid=25


I'll make you a deal if you start this project i will be happy to donate a few hundred dollars to help you get it started.

I will try to talk with one of my chassis fab guy that build track cars & drag cars and see if he has any advise.

[Ripped]

Sounds like a worthwhile endevour. What about a full containment road race seat, hans devices and 5 point harness.

http://www.kirkeyracing.com/index.php?link=browse&code=Series45

Thanks Rob :) , that looks like a good design.

Ripped that is awesome that you want to do this for your nephew. Sounds like your a great uncle.

I did a little research trying to see if there was anything out there. I couldn't find anything. But i did find a great article that may help you a little

Life in the Fast Lane

http://alsn.mda.org/article/life-fast-lane

Seating Goals

http://www.mdas.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&catid=7&Itemid=25


I'll make you a deal if you start this project i will be happy to donate a few hundred dollars to help you get it started.

I will try to talk with one of my chassis fab guy that build track cars & drag cars and see if he has any advise.

Thanks for the links, it makes me realize that it is possible.
And wow I'm flabbergasted, Marty.
I am going to check around and see if anyone local does this kind of fabrication too.

I'm going to talk to his dad, this week, and see what he says. I know that he has a surgery scheduled to relieve some muscle issues, in his legs, pretty soon. Once I have the approval and timing, from that point I can sort of get things rolling along.

These were a couple pics I found, from this summer

http://sunpeaksnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Tanner-Bawn-140x140.jpg

http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=GK&Date=20120604&Category=KAMLOOPS0107&ArtNo=120609968&Ref=AR&maxw=288

It's going to be a challenge to try and keep this as a surprise.

I guess I am thinking back to when I was very young, and got a ride in my late uncle's red Super Bee, with the Hurst shifter. It was so cool! I hope that he might find it just as much fun.

[syborg tt]

I talked to my chassis guy and he said it wouldn't be hard all you need is the right stuff. Correct Helmet with clips to help with movement. Same thing on arms (if needed).

The other suggestion is to make the back adjustable so as he grows you can adjust it up to fit him.

Keep us posted on the car and te seat project.

Thanks Rob :) , that looks like a good design.

Thanks for the links, it makes me realize that it is possible.
And wow I'm flabbergasted, Marty.
I am going to check around and see if anyone local does this kind of fabrication too.

I'm going to talk to his dad, this week, and see what he says. I know that he has a surgery scheduled to relieve some muscle issues, in his legs, pretty soon. Once I have the approval and timing, from that point I can sort of get things rolling along.

These were a couple pics I found, from this summer

http://sunpeaksnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Tanner-Bawn-140x140.jpg

http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=GK&Date=20120604&Category=KAMLOOPS0107&ArtNo=120609968&Ref=AR&maxw=288

It's going to be a challenge to try and keep this as a surprise.

I guess I am thinking back to when I was very young, and got a ride in my late uncle's red Super Bee, with the Hurst shifter. It was so cool! I hope that he might find it just as much fun.

[RussMurco]

I'll make you a deal if you start this project i will be happy to donate a few hundred dollars to help you get it started.
Count me in too, I'd be happy to help... :thumbsup:

[Ripped]

I talked to my chassis guy and he said it wouldn't be hard all you need is the right stuff. Correct Helmet with clips to help with movement. Same thing on arms (if needed).

The other suggestion is to make the back adjustable so as he grows you can adjust it up to fit him.

Keep us posted on the car and te seat project.

Yes he is already growing a lot. I don't know anything about helmet clips. Do you have any information on those or links?

Count me in too, I'd be happy to help... :thumbsup:

Thanks so kindly, guys. I am very appreciative.

I was away for a week and a half, for my daughter's destination wedding.

I talked to my brother tonight, and he said it would be fine, and his son would be likely very enthusiastic about doing this. He plays a lot of x-box car racing games and is very good at it apparently.
(don't ask me which ones, I don't do video games haha)

So the next week or so I am going to do some planning.

We agreed that he will likely need a tether of some sort, on the helmet, just in case of a fast braking maneuver.
I don't plan on doing anything extreme, just having fun, but want to make sure that he is safe.

I will get some body measurments from my brother then am going to make a wood mock up within a month or so.

Going to try and time it so I can have a good working plan, by the time Brent is finished with the engine.

It's going to be a fun project

[syborg tt]

Please keep me posted and I will send you some money

[Ripped]

Please keep me posted and I will send you some money

Absolutely.

I am feeling like I am over the flu/cold, so am back at work creating aluminum shavings (grinding the heads) and trying to hurry up and get the engine parts ready to ship to Brent.

Once the engine parts are completed and ready to ship, I'll get to work on the seat. Should take a couple weeks to get the engine parts ready (less time I hope)

Cheers

[syborg tt]

Keep us posted


Absolutely.

I am feeling like I am over the flu/cold, so am back at work creating aluminum shavings (grinding the heads) and trying to hurry up and get the engine parts ready to ship to Brent.

Once the engine parts are completed and ready to ship, I'll get to work on the seat. Should take a couple weeks to get the engine parts ready (less time I hope)

Cheers

[Ripped]

Keep us posted

I certainly will!!

It's been super crazy at work, so not as much car work going on.

BUT the block is out for machining. Hoping to select the cam profile within a few days and get that ordered up.

[Rybar]

Doug, you think you will have it back together for late april?

[Ripped]

Doug, you think you will have it back together for late april?

Hi Ryan

I am hoping I will. I asked Brent, today how fast he can get the engine ready.

Let's see what he says.

[Ripped]

Some progress news

I almost have the heads done.

Crank and rods arrived at the engine shop.

More news soon, I hope.

[FETorino]

Some progress news

I almost have the heads done.

Crank and rods arrived at the engine shop.

More news soon, I hope.

Do you have pistons and a cam yet? Is that thing going on the Dyno?

[Ripped]

Do you have pistons and a cam yet? Is that thing going on the Dyno?

Yes Brent is going to set it up on the engine dyno, for me.

I think we have a cam selected. Brent wants to see the heads.

Brent wants to get the heads set up, valves, and CC, etc. before ordering the pistons, Then order the pistons to suit.

[Ripped]

Heads are pretty much done as of tonight.

Just going to double check everything and get the parts ready to ship to the engine shop

[FETorino]

Heads are pretty much done as of tonight.

Just going to double check everything and get the parts ready to ship to the engine shop

Time for engine intermission. Let's see some more pictures and details about your car and the building of it.:thumbsup:

[Ripped]

Time for engine intermission. Let's see some more pictures and details about your car and the building of it.:thumbsup:

Okay Rob, I will try. Within a day or so.

The engine itself is being built to meet my overall needs, and road racing hard driving component is a part of it.
That being said, I am looking for a broad torque band and reasonable behaviour, with air conditioning etc.

The heads are done and ready to ship out with a lot of the other engine components. Not an all out porting job, but looking at the before and after pics, should allow a real decent gain in power.

Before;



A close up of some of the port work before the final polish.



After:

[Ripped]

Time for engine intermission. Let's see some more pictures and details about your car and the building of it.:thumbsup:

Rob, you asked for it, AND Be Careful What You ASK FOR because I am LONG WINDED, but I'll bring everyone up to speed.


BTW I did everything on the car myself, except for the paint, and engine assembly

Original GT500 We owned, could not afford to keep her, sold for $11,500



So after owning a couple mustangs, including the 68 shelby, I knew what I liked and didn't like about the cars.

Since I didn't have to stay original, I could take steps to improve the car, and build it the way that it should have been done. I tried to stay with the theme, that I wanted to look as if all the upgrades and changes, were something that looked like the car came that way from the factory.

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of modifications to the car, and every single one I considered that I wanted to try and make the mods stealthy, unseen, or period correct.
My pet peeve is the wheels I still am searching for something that has more of a "period-correct" look. If I find some, I'll let you guys know. Obiously the big brakes stick out, but the calipers do say "shelby"

Anyway, the first part of the car I'll talk about is the ASS END.

Now this is important, because this is the part you see, when the beast flys by you ;)

The Shelby had a nice overall concept and nice lines, but the fiberglass and metal work were terrible, from the factory.

Some examples;




Notice the spot welds under the rocker;


Notice the fit of the trunk and extensions, and gap between the bumper and extensions, gravel pan where it meets the bottom of the quarters;


So I embarked on a mission to make it the way that it should have been.

Literally, there is about 9 months of body work, metal work and fiberglass work into the trunk, extensions and rear quarters alone.

Changes;
It's hard to see, but there is a body line that is in the lower portion behind the rear wheelhouse. This was made razor sharp, but with the number of coats of clear, it's hard to see in the photos.

There is a spine, that runs from the center of the car, on the hood, cowl, roof, then there is a line down the center of the back glass.

This spine was built up and now runs from the center of the backglass, all the way across the trunk and up the inside of the rear spoiler (not stock, and most people don't notice it - but it should have been there IMO)

There are three body lines that come down the C Pillar. I enhanced/sharpened these lines, and then carried all three on to the trunk, where they all converge in a point.

So see if you can spot some of the differences?



Yes the extensions. I spent a long time making them fit better. First to the body, then gapped the bumper 3/16" and contoured the extensions so that the shape flowed right around the spoiler from one side to the other.

While I was doing that, I thought; I wonder what the spoiler would look like, if it was taller?



Yeah, I thought it did deserve more height. So I added an inch to the rear spoiler, and about a half inch to the extensions.
I spent a long time making sure that everything flowed together nice, including blocking the back of the spoiler all evenly, for a nice fit.

Yeah I definitely wanted this to look good, as it rumbled by.

Part way through, I decided the spoiler needed a little bit of a kick, so I leaned the upper lip of the spoiler back, just a bit more, and gave it a nice sharp edge.


Whew, I get tired just writing all this down.

Yes the rear valance, got the edges welded and ground, welded and ground, until it fit nice against the rear quarters.

Oh yeah, the pinch welds at the bottom of the car.

My car wasn't going to have an "eleanor" style fiberglass rocker/skirt, so with my crappy welder a shrinking disk, and sanding block, I went to work.
Again it's not noticed by many people, just me. But all the ugly pinch welds at the bottom of the car, are gone. Nice and smooth. I even block sanded under the rocker.

This makes it simple to wipe off road debris. The paint is nice and smooth, under there.

Okay, thats enough.



Oh yeah, the metal on the rear quarters was also stretched. Most people can't tell that either, but I think the car looks sexier the way it is now.
Months with the shrinking disk and long block to make it look nice.

I'll never do that again LOL

[Ripped]

I got to spend some time with my nephew Tanner (who we are going to be building the seat for) yesterday, during my daughter's cerimony.




The first question he asked me, was "Is the mustang fixed yet?" ;)

So I told him, we are about a month or so away. I have some work to do on my mom's place this coming 2 weeks, but I am also going to place some calls out to a few manufacturers.

He is a super bright, and otherwise pretty normal boy for 13 years old. In some ways a lot brighter.

I'll keep the updates coming on the seat and engine progress.

[Ripped]

I was advise the Holley 770 Avenger was going to cost me some HP, so I am going to A Quick Fuel Carb.

Yes I like the bling but know that the bling on carbs can go away after you do hard driving for a while.

Then I saw this one;

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/qft-bd-650.jpg

I like the idea of the black finish, for ease of maintenance.

[Ripped]

Diamond pistons are ordered, but a few weeks out :(

[FETorino]

Diamond pistons are ordered, but a few weeks out :(

That gives you time to work on that seat project. :thumbsup:

[Rybar]

Doug the car looks killer, nice touches on the body work mods. Hope you get the engine together soon would like to see this car in person. :thumbsup:

[Ripped]

That gives you time to work on that seat project. :thumbsup:

Thanks I will be working on it shortly

Doug the car looks killer, nice touches on the body work mods. Hope you get the engine together soon would like to see this car in person. :thumbsup:

I hope so. Going to try hard to get it ready

[syborg tt]

Keep posting picks and don't forget to tell us when you start the seat project

[tones2SS]

Great work on that car. Looks killer.

[Ripped]

http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/I/C/IC867.jpg

Can't wait until I get the pistons, a few more weeks, tho

[Ripped]

Some pics that Brent sent me yesterday;

[syborg tt]

I just noticed your ? about the clips on the helmet. It's a poor mans version of a HANS Devise. Just metal restaining clips that are attached to neck restraint.

http://www.saferacer.com/evs-r4-race-collar

[Ripped]

I just noticed your ? about the clips on the helmet. It's a poor mans version of a HANS Devise. Just metal restaining clips that are attached to neck restraint.

http://www.saferacer.com/evs-r4-race-collar

Thats excellent, thankt a lot! :D

[Ripped]

Sounds like the pistons are about a week away from being shipped.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
(plus the weather is getting nicer out as of late)

[FETorino]

Doug

Do you have something to tell us?:warning:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/75943/thread/1367649640/Total+Control+Mustang+Suspension+68-70

:stirthepot:

[Ripped]

Doug

Do you have something to tell us?:warning:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/75943/thread/1367649640/Total+Control+Mustang+Suspension+68-70

:stirthepot:

MAYBE....

What do you think of this offering from Shaun?

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/coilover6_small.jpg

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/coilover5_small.jpg

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/coilover4_small.jpg

[syborg tt]

works for me

[Ripped]

works for me

Thanks. One of the good features of Shaun's system, is that I do not have to cut off the coil spring support, and he is easy to get a hold of on the phone.

He also custom ordered my brake system, a couple years ago, and it's awesome.

Should be deciding in a day or so.

I also heard news that the pistons arrived and the crank has already been sent out for balancing

[Ripped]

With the upgraded electronic sequential LED brake lights and turn signals, the old style turn signal clicker is not used.
Not that I could hear it anyway, but I have found myself driving down the road, with the turn signal left on.
I always feel a little dumb:goofy: when that happens.

So I had always wanted to update this, and make an electronic (sound) indicator, which is loud enough to hear over the engine.

Well I bought a cheap flasher housing.

Gutted it.

Filled it with a piezo buzzer, capcitor, some resistors, a couple diodes and a bit of heat shrink.

Voila, an electronic turn signal indicator, that won't mess up the led flasher.
It should mount on the stock dash location.

The tiny hole is where the sound comes out.

The capacitor makes the buzzer sound a little more like a fading bell sound

diodes make sure the current does not come back out of the new chime and f-up the rest of the system

Once the car is running, we shall see how it works, and sounds.

[Ripped]

I guess I am finally getting into the spirit of getting the car, finally back on the road again.

I wired in the new signal indicator, and confirmed the coilover order yesterday.

After reading the instructions this morning, the assembly is integrated with the export brace. This means it's a little more work to re&re the engine with the coilover system.

But after a little thought I decide to get the billet shock tower brace. That way I can mount the coilovers permanently and just remove the braces, for popping the engine in and out.

It's a pretty nice piece and the right decision, I think.

Shaun's cowl bracket is one of the nicer pieces out there.

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/export-brace8.jpg

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/export-brace.jpg

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/export-brace2.jpg

[FETorino]

MAYBE....

What do you think of this offering from Shaun?



I think a lot of vintage racers cut some fast laps on leaf springs and modified OEM mustang front ends. As long as the upper mounting point is lowered to get some camber gain and the shock dampening is dialed in it should work well.
With that kit you get better bushings and less flex in the control arms along with a longer shock body with the ability to revalve as needed.

The drawbacks are the old Mustang spindle and the retention of the shock towers and stock frame rails which limit your ability to stuff a large tire up front.

In your case you have a nice front brake package for that spindle so that drawback is a plus of sorts.

You also have a nice set of wheels and a decent sized front tire so the kit makes sense.

I think you will be happy with it overall. :thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

^ Spoken like a true Ford guy ;)

[Ripped]

Ha ha :)

I should see the suspension parts just after the weekend :ups:

Next I got an email from Brent saying the crankshaft will be ready shortly. Possibly going to freshen up the polish on the chrome, aluminum and engine bling, before reassembly.

definitely I miss driving the car, now that we are getting out of the rainy weather, finally. I'm jealous of all the guys with the nice vintage muscle cars roaring around

[GrabberGT]

I think you'll like the kit. Im using the Total Control Products front suspension on mine and think it handles great. (Virtually the same thing) I did however go to a Fatman dropped spindle to get my ride height. I currently run a 265/35-18 and have plans to change to 275 soon enough. There is enough room under there, you just have to NAIL the backspacing.

The export brace setup is awesome. I almost purchased it for my mav but there were too many differences between the Mustang and Mav firewalls to make it work. I might go back and purchase the shock tower plate and rods later if he'll break up a kit though.

[Ripped]

I think you'll like the kit. Im using the Total Control Products front suspension on mine and think it handles great. (Virtually the same thing) I did however go to a Fatman dropped spindle to get my ride height. I currently run a 265/35-18 and have plans to change to 275 soon enough. There is enough room under there, you just have to NAIL the backspacing.

The export brace setup is awesome. I almost purchased it for my mav but there were too many differences between the Mustang and Mav firewalls to make it work. I might go back and purchase the shock tower plate and rods later if he'll break up a kit though.

Too bad the Maverick is not as similar in dimensions, to the mustang. That'd make it a lot easier.

I like your Maverick BTW !

For backspace, I used a 95-98 mustang wheel with a cut and weld on the inner rim, and machining on the hub face of the wheel, to go as deep as I could.
I'm not sure how that wheel fits on the maverick.

I did a lot of calculation, with wheel and backspace combinations, before cutting the wheels.

After I got it all together, I ended up pulling the wheel in a little tighter with the hub face machining. I'm maxed out with the 17's and the UCA's now. I'd have to go 20's to go deeper. Honestly I don't want to go 20's on the car. 18's max, and that doesn't gain me enough to switch.

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/wheels/DSCN0768.jpg

I'm pretty happy with where I am now, but I run a race camber spec to make it all work and not rub anywhere

[Ripped]

While I am waiting for the engine;

My new high horsepower wheels.

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/bike/DSC02102_zpsfba03d75.jpg

A little quieter than the Mustang, but easier on gas

[syborg tt]

While I am waiting for the engine;

My new high horsepower wheels.

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/bike/DSC02102_zpsfba03d75.jpg

A little quieter than the Mustang, but easier on gas

A Kona Mountain Bike - Man it's hard to find a Kona dealer around here.

Nice to see a fellow rider into cars.

[Ripped]

A Kona Mountain Bike - Man it's hard to find a Kona dealer around here.

Nice to see a fellow rider into cars.

Where abouts do you ride?

Well I ride and I also CrAsH (see earlier posts - haha)

I'm thinking about welding a real redneck bike rack to the back of my Mustang, when we go on long cruises ;)

[syborg tt]

Where abouts do you ride?

Well I ride and I also CrAsH (see earlier posts - haha)

I'm thinking about welding a real redneck bike rack to the back of my Mustang, when we go on long cruises ;)

Local Trails are pretty Awesome for being so close to Chicago
Palos, Saw Wee Kee, V-Tree, Ricks Trail & the Bomb.

If I head up to Wisconsin and hit Kettle and Blue Mounds.

A Hidden Gem that most people don't know about is "Brown County" in Nashville Indiana very well built network.

IN 2011 we rode in Colorado at the last US Crankworks contest. I took 4th place in the intergalletic pond crossing.


http://vimeo.com/27121152

The cover shot is me falling into the 30 degree water


Can't get much more Redneck then what I did to my 70

http://garagescene.net/gallery3/var/resizes/Builders/Sportmachines/702ndChance/2012%2004-26%202nd%20Chance%20Camaro%20005.JPG

[Ripped]

Local Trails are pretty Awesome for being so close to Chicago
Palos, Saw Wee Kee, V-Tree, Ricks Trail & the Bomb.

If I head up to Wisconsin and hit Kettle and Blue Mounds.

A Hidden Gem that most people don't know about is "Brown County" in Nashville Indiana very well built network.

IN 2011 we rode in Colorado at the last US Crankworks contest. I took 4th place in the intergalletic pond crossing.


http://vimeo.com/27121152

The cover shot is me falling into the 30 degree water


Can't get much more Redneck then what I did to my 70

http://garagescene.net/gallery3/var/resizes/Builders/Sportmachines/702ndChance/2012%2004-26%202nd%20Chance%20Camaro%20005.JPG

:thumbsup: That's awesome, congratulations on the "cool" landing. Not a bad idea on the bike rack either ;)

[syborg tt]

:thumbsup: That's awesome, congratulations on the "cool" landing. Not a bad idea on the bike rack either ;)

My 2nd attempt was much better. Out of the 85 people only 8 of us made it.

[Ripped]

My 2nd attempt was much better. Out of the 85 people only 8 of us made it.

Well you're a braver and more skilled rider than me!

A couple long nights work. As with anything on an old car, what is supposed to be easy, is often harder than anticipated.

But it's all installed and the coilover springs definitely have a much better feel than the old springs, perch and shocks.

[Ripped]

Well it's time to "wake up" the car. Maybe the crankshaft balancer will hear it (3000 miles away) and get the thing balanced and send it to Brent so the engine can be put together! haha

Anyway the Ipod adaptor was not working.
The big problem with that, is the stereo system is completely hidden, so it's kind of cool and looks vintage/stock, but that means I have to take a lot of the interior trim apart to service any components that are not working.
Looks like just a loose wire. So the stereo and ipod adaptor are working good now.

Unfortunately I had to nearly completely take out the rear trim and fold down seat to get at it.


Checked my new turn signal tone. That works also, but may need some tweaking.

Battery is in good condition, but the charger is on it now, as I want to trickle it up to full capacity now.

I have to fix the power door lock on the drivers side (tricky) next.

New chrome trim around the lights, looks good.

[FETorino]

It's time for a motivational FE Mustang clip.

nSYHrqrHDw0

[Ripped]

It's time for a motivational FE Mustang clip.

nSYHrqrHDw0

That's a great video! I watched the whole thing the other day. I think I'd have to upgrade my seats and harness to have a chance with that one! ;)
(plus a better driver ;) )

NEWS;
Crank is back from the balancer
Long block assembly is taking place, over the next little bit.

And...

I got a new butt rest for the garage;


Hoping to have the new 8 Litre FE engine in by the end of this month.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[Ripped]

Redid some of the suspension/ shock tower reinforcement tonight, with new stainless fasteners.

Got an email from Brent.
Engine assembly starts tomorrow.

:excited:

Pretty soon, I'll be able to stop pushing the hotwheels cars around the living room, making vroom vroom noises.

For some reason, it annoys my wife :headscratch: (not sure why)

[FETorino]

Nice a couple more weeks till Dyno time.:D

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/bike.jpg[/URL]

[Ripped]

Nice a couple more weeks till Dyno time.:D

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/bike.jpg[/URL]

Nice bike

[syborg tt]

Dang there are a bunch of Mountain Bikers on the board.

[Ripped]

Dang there are a bunch of Mountain Bikers on the board.

Most of them better than me ;)

Some assembly pics;

[Rick D]

Dang there are a bunch of Mountain Bikers on the board.

Yup now if I can just decide on my new bike :bang:

By the way love the Mustang!!

[FETorino]

Nice bike

Thanks

Dang there are a bunch of Mountain Bikers on the board.

Yes sir we all have to have something to do when the swell drops :)

Most of them better than me ;)

Some assembly pics;

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/track/reassembly/photo3_zpsef7dabb8.jpg

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/track/reassembly/photo1_zps00560cd8.jpg

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/track/reassembly/photo2_zpsfc9069b5.jpg

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/track/reassembly/photo_zps3821914b.jpg

Looks like you're getting there. :thumbsup: Those ports look funny. They are so small and the wrong shape :underchair:

[Ripped]

Yup now if I can just decide on my new bike :bang:

By the way love the Mustang!!

Thanks. What bike are you thinking of? Of the ones I rode, I really liked the Specialized and Rocky Mountain full suspension bikes. Of the hardtails, I liked the Kona with the 29" wheels. It's really fast and the large wheels help on loose trails.

Thanks



Yes sir we all have to have something to do when the swell drops :)



Looks like you're getting there. :thumbsup: Those ports look funny. They are so small and the wrong shape :underchair:

Some of us are not full of hot air, so don't need the big nascar ports ;)

On the news front, our mustang club has cancelled track day, this year, so I signed up for membership in a sports car club, that is mostly porches, bmws etc. I'll let you know how that goes.

I'm really impressed with the new suspension. Along with the 75# less front end weight, it should make a big difference in handling.

[Zspoiler]

Nice car ! But don`t you notice that cars an such,always seem to want a blood sacrifice.Keep up the good work.

[Ripped]

Nice car ! But don`t you notice that cars an such,always seem to want a blood sacrifice.Keep up the good work.

Yes, it's very true. Besides all the bashed knuckles, my wallet keeps bleeding too!
:G-Dub:

[FETorino]

Is that motor on the dyno yet?:warning: Let's se what that lack of hot air get you. :popcorn2: :popcorn2:

[Ripped]

Is that motor on the dyno yet?:warning: Let's se what that lack of hot air get you. :popcorn2: :popcorn2:

Nope not yet. Brent ordered the pushrods. Hoping they don't take too long.

Fixed the power door lock solenoid on the drivers side tonight. All working good now.

Gotta make certain I keep the riff raff out :stirthepot:

[Ripped]

Let's se what that lack of hot air get you. :popcorn2: :popcorn2:

Also I am planning a pair of custom emblems, I haven't decided on text yet.

I was thinking of;

"faster than a big heavy torino, with a tunnel port FE" :stirthepot:

[FETorino]

Also I am planning a pair of custom emblems, I haven't decided on text yet.

I was thinking of;

"faster than a big heavy torino, with a tunnel port FE" :stirthepot:

It's kinda wordy for an emblem. :badidea:

I'm now planning a trip to your home track.....:cheers:

[Ripped]

It's kinda wordy for an emblem. :badidea:

I'm now planning a trip to your home track.....:cheers:

Cool, I'll take you for a beer or two after I win ;)

On the engine front, the dyno is booked for around the end of the month BUT several of the rockers were NFG (manufactured wrong) excessive wear on the roller tips SO hopefully they can be replaced in time :(

I guess I'm sort of wondering why my previous engine guy never checked any of this, but, maybe it explains the cumulative problems, that I've had before this.

[Ripped]

Made the decision this morning, with Brent' advise, rather than buy 7 replacement rockers, to go with a much heavier duty T&D rocker system.

:G-Dub:

[FETorino]

Made the decision this morning, with Brent' advise, rather than buy 7 replacement rockers, to go with a much heavier duty T&D rocker system.

:G-Dub:

Real T&D or the street version?

[Ripped]

I haven't seen them yet, but am assuming the street version.

[Flash68]

Real T&D ?

As Jack Nicholson said about grave danger...

"is there another kind?"

[390 S code]

I had to wait a while for my T&D rockers finish is great and look strong as . A pity to cover them up.

[Ripped]

I had to wait a while for my T&D rockers finish is great and look strong as . A pity to cover them up.

Looks good, maybe you need a pair of glass valve covers!

[Ripped]

Peekaboo;



Engine reassembly is supposed to start in days

[Ripped]

A couple more;

[FETorino]

I don't see any dyno sheets. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Is there a problem with photobucket? :poke: :cheers:

[Flash68]

Dyno or not.. that is lookin like a bad mamba. :thumbsup:

[FETorino]

Dyno or not.. that is lookin like a bad mamba. :thumbsup:

SHHhhhhh DG don't tell Doug :secret: :secret: ....... but his heads are 43lbs lighter than mine......

[Ripped]

SHHhhhhh DG don't tell Doug :secret: :secret: ....... but his heads are 43lbs lighter than mine......

Don't tell Rob but my Trainer has me on a 2 week cut.
43+10 = 53lbs LOL ;)

All things being on track I expect to see something more from Brent in the way of numbers, next weekend.

[Ripped]

To coincide with the soon to be coming engine, I have 2-3 custom emblems coming, from Jim and his wife at custom billet works. And as I understand it, his wife came up with the design idea.

They do custom badges, so no-one else will have the same design

The artwork looks really good.

I'll post up the pictures, when the badges arrive.

Pretty nice stuff, they do



http://www.custombilletworks.com/products/z28.jpg



For now, I am patiently waiting for news on the engine front
;)

[Ripped]

Got an email tonight, engine is ready;

[FETorino]

Got an email tonight, engine is ready;


http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/engine/brent%20engine%20rebuild/photoas_zpsb5b4e738.jpg

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/engine/brent%20engine%20rebuild/photobs_zps6cf4ebd2.jpg

Ok all I've seen is engine pictures for months. Let's get a moderator in here to move this thread to the engine section.:lmao:

At this point Doug you need to post your specs in the two dyno days one winner thread and join the fun.:poke:

What are your target #s :popcorn2:

[Ripped]

Ok all I've seen is engine pictures for months. Let's get a moderator in here to move this thread to the engine section.:lmao:

At this point Doug you need to post your specs in the two dyno days one winner thread and join the fun.:poke:

What are your target #s :popcorn2:

Hmmm numbers, well I didn't specify a number when we started the build.

I specified what I was using the car for;
Road racing = 5-10%
Drag racing = 1-2%
Long highway driving / twisty roads going through the gears = 30-40% +
Local street driving = balance

Plus I have Power steering & A/C :relax:

And that I wanted reliability, and to say goodbye to my oiling and bearing woes. I also wanted manners. Choppy = okay, surging popping and rowdy, not so much

Broad nice even torque curve, and to be able to run all day at the track

Based on the engine and components, I have a guess at what those numbers might be, but I don't know the camshaft. Trusting Brent on having a good idea on this.

So based on all that I'd hazard a guess that it'll be 10+ hp and 15+torq over one of those funky tunnel ports LOL :animated_bye_bye_em

I'd probably have to pull a couple spark plug wires to make it completely fair, for you ;)

[Flash68]

So based on all that I'd hazard a guess that it'll be 10+ hp and 15+torq over one of those funky tunnel ports LOL :animated_bye_bye_em

I'd probably have to pull a couple spark plug wires to make it completely fair, for you ;)

:ohsnap:

[FETorino]

Hmmm numbers, well I didn't specify a number when we started the build.



So based on all that I'd hazard a guess that it'll be 10+ hp and 15+torq over one of those funky tunnel ports LOL :animated_bye_bye_em

I'd probably have to pull a couple spark plug wires to make it completely fair, for you ;)

:ohsnap:

:rolleyes: Doug that sounds about right :lostmarbles:

[Ripped]

What are your target #s :popcorn2:

I don't want to jinx Brent, so we'll just wait until after the weekend, and see how it goes.

[Flash68]

I don't want to jinx Brent, so we'll just wait until after the weekend, and see how it goes.

Ok no estimates/targets... I didn't see the cam specs..... can you give us a rundown on all the key engine specs?

Bore x stroke
Cam specs
Carb size
Compression
Header size

:thumbsup:

[FETorino]

I don't want to jinx Brent, so we'll just wait until after the weekend, and see how it goes.

Ok no estimates/targets... I didn't see the cam specs..... can you give us a rundown on all the key engine specs?

Bore x stroke
Cam specs
Carb size
Compression
Header size

:thumbsup:

Yea what he said:twak:

Yeah Brent is going to do the shortblock for me. If I was closer, I might ship everything to him, but we'll see how that goes, as we get further down the road.

Oh yeah, please add me to the dyno shootout, you're going to have to wait a good long while, maybe late spring early summer, for my results. I don't think Brent has a good way of dynoing the shortblock, unless he can spin the crank real fast with a torque wrench.

While I port the heads, I'm putting this picture of the king cobra Torino on my wall, in the garage, for inspiration ;)

http://documents.clubexpress.com/clubs/363066/photos/screen/1695741309.jpg

Yea cough up those specs :warning: and what's with the backpeddaling? :mock:

I'll see you over in the dyno shootout corral. :guns:

:cheers:

[Ripped]

Yea what he said:twak:



Yea cough up those specs :warning: and what's with the backpeddaling? :mock:

I'll see you over in the dyno shootout corral. :guns:

:cheers:

Oh man, you are going to use my own posts against me

:lol:

Shoot, I guess I have to man up

850 cfm quick fuel
10.5 -1 Pistons

4.250 stroke
4.270 bore

cam 110 LSA, .634/.634 hydro roller
Hand ported edelbrock heads, polished combustion chambers, exhaust ports, t&d (street)
port matched rpm manifold
Exhaust flowed decently on the bench
FPA tri-Y headers dyno test will be on bigger pipes

I did do a hp guestimate at work today, dunno how accurate it will be, I don't know the cam

[FETorino]

Oh man, you are going to use my own posts against me

:lol:

Shoot, I guess I have to man up

850 cfm quick fuel
10.5 -1 Pistons

4.250 stroke
4.270 bore

cam 110 LSA, .634/.634 hydro roller
Hand ported edelbrock heads, polished combustion chambers, exhaust ports, t&d (street)
port matched rpm manifold
Exhaust flowed decently on the bench
FPA tri-Y headers dyno test will be on bigger pipes

I did do a hp guestimate at work today, dunno how accurate it will be, I don't know the cam

Well there isn't a lot to work with for a guess. What were the head flow #s?

I'll use a Larry Meaux formula to hazard a guess. Based on your max cam lift .643 x .87 he says to look at the closes flow number so I round up to .600 lift flow #s of an ED head. Stock that is about 252 cfm. Barry R and some others advertise a street fluff (not a CNC port) flow number around 270 cfm. A lot of that flow improvement comes from the valve job so I'll give you 270.

Not knowing the real cam specs then Larry Meaux says 270* .257(a factor for a street strip style wet sump build) * 8 (number of cyls) I should have just doubled the flow # and sprinkled 15hp on there for good assembly I would have got the same #.

So I give you 555hp :sieg:

Based on the lift and 110 LS and from what I've seen on FEs with mild hydro rollers I say this peak will be around 5700 rpm.

I'm going to guess Brent used a lobe that was geared to some more torque production since you had such a focus on open road cruising and grocery go getter. So how about 595ft lbs of torque.

There sure is a lot of guess work:bang: going on here but that's what I got.:headscratch:

If he is using a good set of stepped dyno headers with some proper sized merge collectors he may give you another 10-15 hp and some more torque.

Tell Brent to get it on the dyno :gitrdun:

Did you give it a run on desktop dyno with some generic cam numbers and your actual head numbers? And what is your guess?

:cheers:

[Flash68]

Your Ford brother up here is sure on fire... :computer:

Your engine build specs appear very similar to Todd's (Vegas69) first 496 stroker BBC.... and it was just under 600 hp at the crank.

I think Rob's hp number is low.... I am gonna go 580-590 and close to 600 ft lbs. But then again he does know Fords.... presumably.

Let's see if I am closer to the numbers.

Now let er rip... Ripped! :thumbsup:

[Ripped]

Well there isn't a lot to work with for a guess. What were the head flow #s?

I'll use a Larry Meaux formula to hazard a guess. Based on your max cam lift .643 x .87 he says to look at the closes flow number so I round up to .600 lift flow #s of an ED head. Stock that is about 252 cfm. Barry R and some others advertise a street fluff (not a CNC port) flow number around 270 cfm. A lot of that flow improvement comes from the valve job so I'll give you 270.

Not knowing the real cam specs then Larry Meaux says 270* .257(a factor for a street strip style wet sump build) * 8 (number of cyls) I should have just doubled the flow # and sprinkled 15hp on there for good assembly I would have got the same #.

So I give you 555hp :sieg:

Based on the lift and 110 LS and from what I've seen on FEs with mild hydro rollers I say this peak will be around 5700 rpm.

I'm going to guess Brent used a lobe that was geared to some more torque production since you had such a focus on open road cruising and grocery go getter. So how about 595ft lbs of torque.

There sure is a lot of guess work:bang: going on here but that's what I got.:headscratch:

If he is using a good set of stepped dyno headers with some proper sized merge collectors he may give you another 10-15 hp and some more torque.

Tell Brent to get it on the dyno :gitrdun:

Did you give it a run on desktop dyno with some generic cam numbers and your actual head numbers? And what is your guess?

:cheers:

You had a pretty sharp guess on the flow numbers, but I did not do any significant porting on the intakes, more port match and clean lumps and bumps and clean up the valve stem a little.

The exhaust got a lot more attention, but with small headers it was pointless to open them up to a big huge port, then squish them down into the FPA's

I think the unknown is the combustion chamber work. The valves were unshrouded and chamber polished. More than that, I did a little bit of arm chair studying on the "gas swirl" patterns of various heads and tried to use a little logic on how the air fuel mix enters the combustion chamber, and how the exhaust gets "squished" out.

Might not make a whole lot of difference, but maybe it will. Also exhaust at high velocity, intake, less.

Intake

.050 - 39
.100 - 65
.200 - 127
.300 - 185
.400 - 219
.500 - 250
.600 - 271
.700 - 272

Exhaust:

.050 - 36
.100 - 56
.200 - 103
.300 - 138
.400 - 166
.500 - 190
.600 - 202
.700 - 210

Kinda similar to the Barry R stage X heads,

So my (guess) calculation ended up being a little more conservative;

537.5115207
581.0599078


July 2 should be the last dyno day, if all goes well.

[Flash68]

So my (guess) calculation ended up being a little more conservative;

537.5115207
581.0599078


July 2 should be the last dyno day, if all goes well.

Hey, conservative numbers give you a great chance at being happy at the end of the day. :thumbsup:

[Ripped]

Your Ford brother up here is sure on fire... :computer:

Your engine build specs appear very similar to Todd's (Vegas69) first 496 stroker BBC.... and it was just under 600 hp at the crank.

I think Rob's hp number is low.... I am gonna go 580-590 and close to 600 ft lbs. But then again he does know Fords.... presumably.

Let's see if I am closer to the numbers.

Now let er rip... Ripped! :thumbsup:

Yeah, honestly I think 600 is at the high end of what's possible, with this combo, BUT that would be nice.

I think the other unknown, is Brent's tendency to be fussy on the details. I know that will help with the reliability and endurance of the engine, but I'd wager that will also help in the hp dept. just a little.

Right now I am counting down the days, before the car comes alive again ;)

[FETorino]

Yeah, honestly I think 600 is at the high end of what's possible, with this combo, BUT that would be nice.

I think the other unknown, is Brent's tendency to be fussy on the details. I know that will help with the reliability and endurance of the engine, but I'd wager that will also help in the hp dept. just a little.

Right now I am counting down the days, before the car comes alive again ;)


Speaking of reliability since it was a topic of discussion on TrackJunkys thread you should add one of these to your shopping list.:thumbsup:

I think I remember you have a T pan which helps but if your new combo pulls enough Gs with that wet sump this can't hurt.

http://www.accusump.com/accusump_tech.html

[Ripped]

Speaking of reliability since it was a topic of discussion on TrackJunkys thread you should add one of these to your shopping list.:thumbsup:

I think I remember you have a T pan which helps but if your new combo pulls enough Gs with that wet sump this can't hurt.

http://www.accusump.com/accusump_tech.html

A great idea, and I have one that's been sitting in my garage for 2+ years in the box, but had not figured out a place to put the tank, as it won't fit in the engine bay.

On the dyno front, Brent just sent me the numbers;

536 hp at 6000 and 583 lbft of torque at 3900

I'm a decent guesser, I guess

[Flash68]

A great idea, and I have one that's been sitting in my garage for 2+ years in the box, but had not figured out a place to put the tank, as it won't fit in the engine bay.

On the dyno front, Brent just sent me the numbers;

536 hp at 6000 and 583 lbft of torque at 3900

I'm a decent guesser, I guess

You and Rob were pretty close. I was not. :twak:

Either way it will be an absolute tire shredder for sure. :Tomcat:

[Ripped]

You and Rob were pretty close. I was not. :twak:

Either way it will be an absolute tire shredder for sure. :Tomcat:

Yeah, but I like your numbers better.

I had to be honest with Brent though. I wanted the big numbers, but I didn't want an engine that would stall when the a/c kicked in at a stoplight on a hot summer day.

I did one (40 mile) trip to the drag strip, in stop and go cross town traffic, in the heat, no wind, with the heat from the headers wafting into the open windows, with my not-so-happy wife sitting in the passenger seat :fire: :mad:

aaaand... that was the tipping point to get a/c

plus I like to super-cruise on the freeways, at a low rpm, hence the "milder" cam

Still; torque, 545 at 3200

Maybe I should have tried to fit 335's instead of 315's after all ;)

[FETorino]

A great idea, and I have one that's been sitting in my garage for 2+ years in the box, but had not figured out a place to put the tank, as it won't fit in the engine bay.

On the dyno front, Brent just sent me the numbers;

536 hp at 6000 and 583 lbft of torque at 3900

I'm a decent guesser, I guess

Make sure and find a spot for that Accusump before you go out romping on that new motor.

That motor should make a really nice street driver. Post a graph of that dyno run. It will make be more apparent to all why it will run hard with a conservative hp figure when they see the torque shelf.:thumbsup:

Also I am planning a pair of custom emblems, I haven't decided on text yet.

I was thinking of;

"faster than a big heavy torino, with a tunnel port FE" :stirthepot:



You did come up just short of besting the TP though:rolleyes: I hope you have a new idea for the emblems.:action-smiley-027:

When does the motor come home? Are you planning a clutch upgrade?

I forgot, what are you running for a differential? Locker? what gears?

:cheers:

[Ripped]

Make sure and find a spot for that Accusump before you go out romping on that new motor.

That motor should make a really nice street driver. Post a graph of that dyno run. It will make be more apparent to all why it will run hard with a conservative hp figure when they see the torque shelf.:thumbsup:





You did come up just short of besting the TP though:rolleyes: I hope you have a new idea for the emblems.:action-smiley-027:

When does the motor come home? Are you planning a clutch upgrade?

I forgot, what are you running for a differential? Locker? what gears?

:cheers:

Just sent along the information for shipping. Hoping it is sent SOON!
Realistically maybe mid next week, or towards the following weekend.

I can't wait. Had to order a drop base air cleaner, with the carb spacer Brent recommended, stock oval wont fit under the hood.

I have some custom welding to do, on the underside if the oval air cleaner base, in the future.

YES on Brent's recommendation the clutch was changed McLeod disc and PP

I am kicking myself, though, I went to the local speed shop for fuel line, and forgot t get a fuel filter :lostmarbles:

And a few other goodies coming still. Black MSD cap, Shorter 1 wire ford style alternator, different MSD starter (I think the original will be real tight - and it was tough to index)

Some offset dowels to index the bell.

Yeah, I like to supercruise on the HWY, but likely the 2.7 gears will go, even with the stump pulling low first gear.

I have a new set of 3.5's. Honestly I am thinking 3.0-3.2 will be right.

I have a little time to do that.

On the agenda, this week, is to weight the front end of the car, and check on the alignment and ride height. I didn't change the A arm settings but could have a very slightly different strut rod setting and ride height.

[Ripped]

Set up the ride height and wheel alignment today.
It took a little bit of time. One side was way off, and the other, excatly what it should have been.

So all I have to do is set up the toe in. (right now after setting up the caster, camber, I have a toe out LOL)

Added a little weight in the engine bay, to simulate engine/trans.

With the new suspension, and springs it's all completely different, so a necessary step.

That way, when the engine comes, I should be ready to go.
I expect the aluminum engine to weigh a little less than my sample weight, but it's very easy to spin the springs down, if I need to.

Keeping my fingers crossed that everything shows up on time, and it all goes together easily.

[Ripped]

Engine is home! :D

Whew it's been a looong night.

I was working on the billet bracket install and pulley alignment, pretty much the whole night. Nothing is ever a simple bolt in, but I was partially successful.

I have to work on the alternator now.

When I broke the motor last time, I had lost 2 fan belts as well, some time during the track event.

This time, I want the alignment to be perfect.

Time for bed now.

[FETorino]

Cool. One step closer.:gitrdun:

Whose Alt bracket is that?

:cheers:

[Flash68]

Congrats!

Love the motor... but I really dig the vintage fridge in the background. :D

[Ripped]

Cool. One step closer.:gitrdun:

Whose Alt bracket is that?

:cheers:

The pulleys and brackets are from http://www.cvfracing.com/

I am pretty happy with them so far. Some fitment issues, with the head, block and intake manifold position.

Congrats!

Love the motor... but I really dig the vintage fridge in the background. :D

Ha ha, thanks, yeah kinda going for the retro look in the man cave/ garage.

Free beer for help LOL (good Canadian beer!)

[Rybar]

Cool updates Doug, hope you get it together soon!

[Ripped]

Cool updates Doug, hope you get it together soon!

Thanks Ryan.

Things are coming together much more slowly than anticipated.

She's fighting me. I spent a full night with the new pulleys, and I still have one more fan belt to size, and one adjustment sleeve to order.

Tonight was much more productive.
As anticipated the old mini starter would not fit with the aluminum block. The pre-ordering of the MSD starter was a good idea, and pretty much bolted right in. Plus the wiring location is better than the old starter.

So flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, t/o bearing, engine wiring, pressure and temp switches, sending units, rad hoses, water fittings, and mocked up the headers, for a look see.

I am bagged after two long nights, but am thinking, if I have a good night, I could get it all in the car and running tomorrow.

That's the goal.

[FETorino]

I am bagged after two long nights, but am thinking, if I have a good night, I could get it all in the car and running tomorrow.

That's the goal.

Tomorrow is today Doug.

Where's the video of you firing it?

:cheers:

[Ripped]

All the best laid plans ;)

Tonight the carb was fighting me. I was hoping to drop it down and use the cobra oval. All the work for not.

The flip side, is I ended up using the (higher torque) quick fuel 1" spacer, and the special ultra low drop base air cleaner, that I had the foresight to order.

That will get me started anyway.

Finally fitted an a/c fan belt that works. Plugs are wired, swapped out the red msd cap for a black one, fuel lines, & return springs are installed.

Seems like a lot of hours for not much in the way of results.

I have to extend the solenoid trigger wire, and it "should" be ready to drop in the hole.

[Ripped]

Whew

14 hours of work and a big thank you to my wife for putting up with my determination to get her in and running.


Every step of the way was a battle. Considering that I've done this multiple times before, and that I had everything set up, it should have been easy, right?

Wrong!

From motor mounts, headers, spitting out all the needle bearings out of a u joint, to a nice fuel leak plus a multitude of things along the way, it was rough, and tiring.

BUT she fired right up.

I have to adjust the clutch. AND there are a few details to finish up.

Hoping to be road worthy tomorrow.


bZ9SVqZE8Fk

[FETorino]

Great news Doug.:thumbsup:

I'm rooting for you to be driving tomorrow.:rockin:

Even in grocery getter trim she sounds dam good.:P

:cheers:

[Ripped]

Great news Doug.:thumbsup:

I'm rooting for you to be driving tomorrow.:rockin:

Even in grocery getter trim she sounds dam good.:P

:cheers:

Thanks for your support.

It looked dicy this morning. I got the clutch adjusted, and then while driving it up the lane by my house it dies.

I couldn't get it to start, and there was a puddle of what looked like oil, under the car!:censored:

I was freaking out.

After going through the basic checklist, it turns out I over filled the power steering pump <whew>

And I had spark, so the carb was the next thing.

Rear float was badly out of adjustment, and was flooding the engine.

After an hour or two, of f-ing around, I got it working better.

I was out driving it today. It's a little rough, and honestly should have the carb set up to the car, and dizzy checked but it drove pretty good.

I nailed the alignment and ride height, even centered the steering wheel perfectly ;)

It's F-in LOUD!

I didn't realize when I test drove it yesterday I had the baffles in the exhaust completely closed! When I opened the exahust through the mufflers, holy S#!T! It sounds like... well, I'll put up another video soon. I might as well throw the stereo system in the garbage. Cars were literally trying to avoid being beside me at stop lights!

Anyway cheers and thanks for the support. More driving to do!

[Ripped]

No... no video.

After the 2nd day of driving the car, and getting all the kinks out... this happened;




:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
The brand new edit - was not the MSD starter it was fine - and battery was fine except for the melted terminal /end edit



Lucky I had the foresight to check and disconnect all the VERY HOT smoking terminals before it caught fire.

Wondering if this bad luck is going to stop at some point?:bang:

Going to the gym now to release some frustration! :censored:

[390 S code]

Doug ,sorry to here of your misfortune , your quick actions certainly saved your car . On my car I have a optima as well and I have fitted a 300 amp fuse which sits between the positive threaded post terminal and the cable lug . My brother who has a marine electrical business will not have any circuit not protected I will try and post a photo of it .

[390 S code]

Doug ,the product is made by Blue Seas made in USA .
http://bluesea.com/productline/overview/379

[GrabberGT]

No... no video.

After the 2nd day of driving the car, and getting all the kinks out... this happened;

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii440/67FEfastback/engine/brent%20engine%20rebuild/msd-starter-shorted-out-small_zps73680815.jpg


:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
The brand new 2 day old MSD starter shorted out. (checked the resistance with my multi meter when I got home) Dead short on both the solenoid and the connection post. All the other wiring checks out.

Fried my optima battery.

Lucky I had the foresight to check and disconnect all the VERY HOT smoking terminals before it caught fire.

Wondering if this bad luck is going to stop at some point?:bang:

Going to the gym now to release some frustration! :censored:

Had a similar problem this weekend. My Alt lead grounded out against my alt and started frying my battery. Luckily the car was not running at the time and I could hear the battery sizzling in the trunk. Luckily I got it disconnected in time. In addition to a new battery Im now shopping for a couple kill switches for the car. One for the driver compartment and one for the outside of the trunk.

[Ripped]

Doug ,the product is made by Blue Seas made in USA .
http://bluesea.com/productline/overview/379

Thanks I'll check it out I already have some blue sea stuff on the car.

Had a similar problem this weekend. My Alt lead grounded out against my alt and started frying my battery. Luckily the car was not running at the time and I could hear the battery sizzling in the trunk. Luckily I got it disconnected in time. In addition to a new battery Im now shopping for a couple kill switches for the car. One for the driver compartment and one for the outside of the trunk.

Yeah I want to put another kill switch on the car too.

Just to update. There was no issue with the starter, nor with the battery.

Rather it looks like loose connection from the cables to the terminal.

I have it pretty much fixed and running tonight.

[Ron in SoCal]

Just to update. There was no issue with the starter, nor with the battery.

Rather it looks like loose connection from the cables to the terminal.

I have it pretty much fixed and running tonight.

I have had the same thing happen. Doesn't take much and they melt. Congrats on the new motor :thumbsup:

[Ripped]

I have had the same thing happen. Doesn't take much and they melt. Congrats on the new motor :thumbsup:

Thanks Ron

Did a bit of tuning. I have some more to do.

Got a new battery which was discharged, so didn't start the car.

Went to exchange that one, he says, "oh this is 3 years old" (on the shelf for 3+ years) and the next blue top he came out with was 5 years old.

So anyway, after a long night, I finally have a new battery that starts the car.

Jetting up didn't help, so tonight it's a power valve, to replace. The carb guy says it should work.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

;)

[Rybar]

Sounds awesome Doug, sorry about the wiring issue. Hope to see it out next weekend :D

[Ripped]

Sounds awesome Doug, sorry about the wiring issue. Hope to see it out next weekend :D

Hey Ryan

Wiring seems close. The radio is not working (blown fuse maybe) but I can't hear a thing when I'm driving anyways.

Maybe I should just take the radio out? ha ha ;)

Took it to the local hot rod night last night.

It draws a lot of attention, and now even more since the engine sounds so uncivilized.

Hope to cruise with you guys soon.

Cheers

[Ripped]

Catch up, since Rob broke the forum database ;)

Tuning and jetting. Kind of getting closer now-this time running the exhaust in the less restrictive mode;

CJG_FAXHemQ

Lowereed the volume on my LOUD custom made turn signal beeper (cannot hear it over the engine) by adding a few more resistors.

Making a custom oil filter adaptor to clear the sway bar.

And my emblems are almost done.

They sit in the recess of the billet shock tower brackets.





I am hoping to get the a/c working this weekend. Stil super hot up here.

[Flash68]

Sounds killer! :bigun2:

[Ripped]

Sounds killer! :bigun2:

Thanks, and yeah it does sound nasty.
I didn't think it was possible for this car to get even more attention, but with this motor, she does.

Anyhow, I've been working my @ss off trying to get some of the kinks out.
AND yes the car has been fighting me every step of the way!:bang: ...still

FINALLY after hitting a real low point this morning, :drowninga: I made some real progress tonight.

Just a few of the issues;
-A melted alternator cable (don't ask)
-I turfed the brand new (brand name not mentioned) spark plug cables, because at least one insulator was split right apart on the distributor cap - which explains the frequent misfire. Reinstalled my good old MSD dizzy cables, which work great.
-Fixed the cobra oval air filter, which was interfering with the float adjustment on the back of the quckfuel carb, and then the lid, which wasn't going tight, due to another interference issue.
-Revamped the ground wires to the optima battery
and a myriad of other minor issues.

AND to cap it all off and celebrate a successful weekend, I decided the FRY the palm of my hand on a nice hot engine component. :rolleyes:

I'd like to be out cruising around tonight, to check things out further, but I'm not sure about holding the shifter, in the fried palm of my hand.

Maybe a beer in a chilled glass :cheers: and bad television, is in order, tonight.

and I hope I am finally over a hurdle here LOL

[FETorino]

AND to cap it all off and celebrate a successful weekend, I decided the FRY the palm of my hand on a nice hot engine component. :rolleyes:



I can only dream of burning my hand on a hot engine part.:shakehead:

Congratulations you have that problem.:thumbsup:

:cheers:

[Flash68]

Thanks, and yeah it does sound nasty.
I didn't think it was possible for this car to get even more attention, but with this motor, she does.

Anyhow, I've been working my @ss off trying to get some of the kinks out.
AND yes the car has been fighting me every step of the way!:bang: ...still

FINALLY after hitting a real low point this morning, :drowninga: I made some real progress tonight.

Just a few of the issues;
-A melted alternator cable (don't ask)
-I turfed the brand new (brand name not mentioned) spark plug cables, because at least one insulator was split right apart on the distributor cap - which explains the frequent misfire. Reinstalled my good old MSD dizzy cables, which work great.
-Fixed the cobra oval air filter, which was interfering with the float adjustment on the back of the quckfuel carb, and then the lid, which wasn't going tight, due to another interference issue.
-Revamped the ground wires to the optima battery
and a myriad of other minor issues.

AND to cap it all off and celebrate a successful weekend, I decided the FRY the palm of my hand on a nice hot engine component. :rolleyes:

I'd like to be out cruising around tonight, to check things out further, but I'm not sure about holding the shifter, in the fried palm of my hand.

Maybe a beer in a chilled glass :cheers: and bad television, is in order, tonight.

and I hope I am finally over a hurdle here LOL

Ahhh the fun is just beginning. :walkingdog:

[Ron in SoCal]

Congrats on a successful weekend! :cheers:

[waynieZ]

It looks and sounds awesome!!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Congrats on the progress...sweet lookin' and soundin' FErd. :thumbsup:

[Ripped]

I can only dream of burning my hand on a hot engine part.:shakehead:

Congratulations you have that problem.:thumbsup:

:cheers:

Well if I was nearby, I'd gladly drop by and help speed up the progress!

Hope you're rolling soon!

Ahhh the fun is just beginning. :walkingdog:

Yeah... I know... I know LOL

Congrats on a successful weekend! :cheers:

Thanks, and hoping to keep having more. Next is the tuning.

It looks and sounds awesome!!

Thanks a lot!!

Congrats on the progress...sweet lookin' and soundin' FErd. :thumbsup:

Thanks kindly ;)

Alas... I picked up a whole bunch of electrical supplies, ready to solve all my battery and grounding problems.

Yes checked the resistance on the alternator case, so I thought with an aluminum block, that I would run a dedicated ground to the alternator to the chassis. The resistance was a little higher.

While making up the cables, I noted that the heat shrink was damaged on the starter cable.
Hmmm, what would cause this?

I mega insulated the new #4 gauge alternator wire from possible abrasion.

Then I looked at the steering linkage and drag link.

Hmmm when I do a hard right turn... that linkage would come close to the Positive cables. :idea:

So, after rewiring everything, I did a hard right turn... and yes very close to the wires.

Clearly the wires were hanging down and contacting the drag link, on a hard right turn. Right near the inner tie rod end.

S..T I was shorting the battery with every hard right turn!:bang: :lostmarbles:

Yep I thought back, first time I melted the battery I was backing up doing a hard over. Each other time, I was backing into the garage, yes... doing a hard right turn.

So I adjusted all the cables, made them clear the steering easily in all configurations. Added lots of protection, a few zip ties and clamps.

Just the clocking of the new starter puts the cables down low near the drag link.

One problem solved. Next trying to tune the carb.

:)

[Ripped]

This week, I completed the rewiring and relocation of the starter wires (soleniod and 12v) The soleniod wire and connector were a little fried.

Fixed the oil flter adaptor. The billet piece Brent gave me with teh engine is real nice, but the oil filter smashes against the sway bar.

On the previous incarnation of the engine I had the stock adaptor taken to a machine shop. He milled the adaptor on an angle, and then faced all the bolt faces on the same angle.

The filter is 1/2" clear of the sway bar, in the worst case scenario.

I spent a little time polishing all the Ford blue paint off of the adaptor, to match the aluminum engine, and popped it on.

Some more parts coming this weekend, including another power valve and air/fuel gauge

The drivers door has developed this really bad rattle in the window.
It doesn't help that the engine shakes the car so much

Little bit of rain this weekend.
Tires have brutal traction in the rain ;)

[Ripped]

The test and tune continues.

I dropped in the 10.5 power valve, adjusted the timing. Better again, almost civilized. Civilized but deafening inside ;)
Seriously you need ear plugs to drive this thing.

Next on the agenda, is the failing power steering pump. Bearings are going, so it's making hideous noises, and the pulley is sliding in and out at least 1/2"
I have the air fuel gauge now, just have to make a revised console panel, to hold it, then hook it up.

Existing gauge layout;


The start button is going to be axed.

I'm thinking switches at the bottom (across) and the four gauges side by side in a quad layout at the top 2/3 of the panel.

Next I worked on installing the new emblems.


Some fitting work, but that's done.
Now I have to decide on orientation.

To the side (side facing)


or to the front.




The problem with the side, is that the emblems are a little hard to see, with the shock towers canted towards the inside. It might encourage people to lean in over the car a little too far?

[Ripped]

Replaced the power steering pump tonight.

In keeping with the tradition of the car, it was a %$#@% battle, but it's in. Pulley alignment is great, no squealing and pump and steering feel good.

Why should anything be easy? ;)

[Flash68]

The problem with the side, is that the emblems are a little hard to see, with the shock towers canted towards the inside. It might encourage people to lean in over the car a little too far?

I like them pointing to the sides. I wouldn't be concerned with people leaning over too far.

Keep truckin!

[Ripped]

I like them pointing to the sides. I wouldn't be concerned with people leaning over too far.

Keep truckin!

Yeah I did end up sideways with the emblems. I have one more for a revamp of my floor console.

Fixed a couple areas where the engine was making contact with the chassis. I'm happy with the result.

Planning exhaust changes along with a change to the rear suspension.

[Ripped]

OKAY....

A little news. I think I have planned out my exhaust system modifications, in a preliminary way.

I am going to do a custom set of tubes off my headers, under the transmission brace, to a 3" xpipe.

I think with the power upgrade, I've got to go at least to a 3" from 2.5" on the muffler side.

The custom tubes under the brace are going to be a very oval(ed) set of pipes, because the car is so darn low ;)

I am taking a metal art course starting next week, at night school. So after brushing up on my welding skills, I think I can make the pipes look like a work of art LOL :)

After the x pipe, I am going to probably install some smaller 3" resonators, before the main mufflers, maybe like a low restriction round race muffler.


From there it is all a question mark. If I go to a full 3 link track rear suspension, I am definitely going to need to be custom over the axle. The good part of that, is I can then incorporate a second switchable resonator, in the space left over from removing the leaf springs.

The other good thing about going to 3 link, is I can fit even larger rear tires, quite easily (I think) Probably a 335/35/17 or thereabouts with good clearance.

More soon

[390 S code]

On my car I have 3 inch stainless with x pipe with straight through 3 inch mufflers with the pipes running under the axle due to the 4 link rear , down beside the fuel tank and rear mufflers exiting out dual outlets all of the system was made up of mandrell bends and straight pipe ..

[Ripped]

On my car I have 3 inch stainless with x pipe with straight through 3 inch mufflers with the pipes running under the axle due to the 4 link rear , down beside the fuel tank and rear mufflers exiting out dual outlets all of the system was made up of mandrell bends and straight pipe ..

Wow, that looks really nice. Some great ideas there.

Actually I reviewed your thread and found the sound clips. What type of mufflers are you running?

Thanks

[390 S code]

They are Custom built by a local exhaust shop perforated tube straight through with stainless wool packing . Gave it a bit today it is a weapon broke traction as soon as the outer throttle bodies opened .

[Ripped]

They are Custom built by a local exhaust shop perforated tube straight through with stainless wool packing . Gave it a bit today it is a weapon broke traction as soon as the outer throttle bodies opened .

Sounds respectfully evil to me ;) Nothin' wrong with that! :drive:


I just got all the titantium taken out of my ankle (clutch foot) this past Friday, so as it heals up, I am going to try and get some videos of the "deafening" exhaust, before I change it to something quieter.

[Ripped]

Okay so in conjunction with the exhaust changes, and the fact that I finished my welding night school class,

I am looking at rear suspension, now.

With the upgraded front suspension, lighter front end, the front of the car, badly out corners the rear, despite the big rear tires.

So the plan is to go with the 3 link that Shaun designed to go with his front suspension.

It will be a little tricky getting the exhaust over the suspension and out the back. I think I should be able to make it work.

Some pics of what the set up looks like, and I can get Shaun to match the shocks and springs on the front.

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/3_link3.jpg

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/3_link2.jpg

http://www.streetortrack.com/files/images/st/3_link4.jpg

[Ripped]

Wow I actually did some work on the car today. Trying to solve some electrical charging issues.

Modified the wiring coming off of the alternator tonight. With the battery in the trunk, there are some long routes for the charging system. I ran a third feed from the alternator to see if that helps.

I even took the time to hide the wiring ;)

Should be able to fire it up tomorrow, and see if it has helped or not.

Cheers, spring is around the corner :)

[Rybar]

Good stuff bud hope to see it out soon

[Ripped]

Good stuff bud hope to see it out soon

Thanks Ryan, I plan on making the fundraiser on the 26th :)

Gonna start hitting people up for donations at work :)

Finally finished fiddling around with the electrical mods tonight. I had a hard to access relay under the dash, which would not cooperate for 2 hours lol.

Finally got it dealt with. Fired it up at 10pm tonight, much to the dismay of the neighbourhood (and my wife) lol.
Looks like the improvements in wiring, have helped the charging system. At least a little anyways :)

BUT looks like I lost my key for the lug nut locks... so that will be fun getting those off.
Any tips?

[Ripped]

Some cruise pics courtesy of Ryan. I have a few also, coming up soon!

http://s34.photobucket.com/user/Rybar/library/Cruise%20for%20your%20Cause%202014

[Ripped]

Long time no update. Been busy with a massive home renovation, but hopefully the reno is completed this spring.

In anticipation of the reno being completed, and having the time to play with and drive the car more, I decided to do, what I've always wanted to do and change the transmission.

Out is coming the TKO 5 speed and sometime in the mid to late spring, in will go the T56 magnum.

I want the tall overdrive for the long high speed highways, and I also want the close ratio. Plus I find the 5 speed good, but not smooth enough for the track.

On order pretty quickly will be the scattershield.

http://americanpowertrain.com/images/F63954675.jpg

[Kcrain]

Beautiful car you've got there Ripped. I went through your hole write up again and did not see it but who's headlights are those? Keith

[Ripped]

Those are motorcycle headlights, I think CJ Pony Parts has something similar, but not tribar.

[WSSix]

Glad you're enjoying the car and still making changes. Good luck!

[Rybar]

Cool update Doug hopefully the swap goes as planned!

[Ripped]

Thanks a lot guys!

My plan is to have this all ready for the spring.

I am going to have to re-fabricate the trans tunnel, and then completely redo the center console.

Plans for this year are to;
do the trans swap
console
custom quieter mufflers and resonators (Tired of going deaf driving the car lol)
and get the air conditioning back working.



That should go a long ways to making the car more fun to drive again.

:)

[Ripped]

Along with making plans for my custom low clearance exhaust system, the scatter shield arrived on the weekend.



Instead of doing stainless steel on the first section of the exhaust I may end up doing regular steel tubing and then ceramic coating it.

A few goals; To reduce heat and noise, to make it easier to fabricate, to keep it looking cleaner (my stainless is extremely discouloured from heat right now) and to make the parts cost cheaper.

[Ripped]

I've been hunting around for an exhaust system that will work for the super low chassis I have.
I need 3" pipes to start, with the larger cubic inch engine.

No luck finding anything off the shelf, that will work, so I decided to make one.

The critical area is the X pipe. It hits a lot on speed bumps etc, so the extra clearance is needed. I am going to make up my own custom oval pipe.

Not too sure how I am going to radius the corners yet.
I don't have a TIG either, so I will possibly have someone else TIG it for me, or get my own TIG

This is the start of the mock up. After that is complete I am going to get some more stainless, and bend away :)

Looks like this will gain me a bunch of ground clearance.

[rickpaw]

Contact these guys. They may save you some time building the oval tubings.

http://www.spintechmufflers.com/tubing-oval-round-transitions/oval-tubing/cat_41.html

[WSSix]

Good luck making that exhaust system. I'm going to start making my own soon as well.

[Ripped]

Contact these guys. They may save you some time building the oval tubings.

http://www.spintechmufflers.com/tubing-oval-round-transitions/oval-tubing/cat_41.html

Thanks I looked at theirs also. they had a slightly different shape than what I needed for my clearance.


Good luck making that exhaust system. I'm going to start making my own soon as well.

Thanks

[Ripped]

After an almost endless home renovation, it's time to get back to work on the car.

The alarm system died. I operated the power door and trunk locks, along with the alarm system.
I opted to keep the wiring as simple as possible and upgraded the old compustar system to a new one.
I added the drone GPS locator as well.

In order to make the power door locks work, I needed to construct a relay system (the older compustar had the relays built in)

I used the opportunity to polish the rear folding seat assembly.

An annoying vibration was present in the clutch/flywheel. I decided to get off my butt and find out what was going on.

I made up some cribbing to get the car nice and high, and pulled the trans.

1st the pilot bushing fell out. So that was not good but common with the FE's

So fixed that, and put the dial indicator on the bellhousing. It was perfect, after spinning it several times.

Then decided to send the flywheel and pressure plate out for machining and balancing. More on this later ;)

[Ripped]

So it turns out;
The flywheel was good

The pressure plate was badly out of balance.

It's a good thing that I didn't drive the car much.

So I worked all last night, and put everything back together, dropped the car on the ground.

Wow what a difference. It's like driving a different car. Fresh syncromax fluid in the trans, and I am impressed.

The only thing that has me bothered, is that the starter is making a funny noise now, like it is hitting a small piece of sheet metal or something, or is misaligned.

Not sure what would have happened, same starter same location...

Guess I'll be taking that puppy out again ;)

[Air-bender]

Man, thanks for posting this! I have a small vibration in my car and somewhat certain that it's coming from the clutch/flywheel area. I also have a McLeod clutch, RST twin disk and now you have me guessing I should have done a balancing check before all was put together. Did you send all you parts to a racing shop to be checked?
Thanks,

[Ripped]

Man, thanks for posting this! I have a small vibration in my car and somewhat certain that it's coming from the clutch/flywheel area. I also have a McLeod clutch, RST twin disk and now you have me guessing I should have done a balancing check before all was put together. Did you send all you parts to a racing shop to be checked?
Thanks,

Yes a racing machine shop. I think based on what I've experienced, I'd say yes get it balanced, if you can.

Obviously this one (pressure plate) was bad, but driving around, the engine is smoother, revs quicker, even sounds different.

And thinking about all the trouble engine builders go to when they balance a performance engine, why wouldn't we?

Especially since it it really more or less an assembled series of metal components. There are a lot of variables.

We balance the engines, we balance drive shafts, flywheels, wheels etc... so why not a pressure plate. No matter what anyone suggests, I am always going to go with my gut and balance every one from this point forward.

My starter is still acting up, so I am going to try and figure out what is going on with that, maybe tomorrow. It's a tight fit in there so not an easy job.

[Ripped]

I got the starter working properly again.

When I checked one bolt seemed fairly loose and another slightly loose.

I just backed up all three bolts, juggled the starter and then snugged everything back up.

All back to normal.

Now it's on to the air conditioning system and a revamp of the exhaust.

[WSSix]

Glad you're back to making progress with the car. Good luck!

[Ripped]

Glad you're back to making progress with the car. Good luck!

Thanks :)

Well I ordered the new mufflers that I want to use. Similar to what I have now, except the patriot varaflow mufflers are much too small for the stroker FE.

Too loud in the car, actually deafening at times (I must be getting old lol)

I just have to see if I can find someone that makes a 3" tailpipe set that I can order separately (not a whole kit.)

These will be a 3" in 3" out, with some very custom oval pipes around the trans and x-pipe to work with the low to the ground chassis

http://snailperformanceracing.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/m/vmk41-front_2.png

[Ripped]

Started working on replacing the old 2 1/2" exhaust and too small mufflers, with the 3" exhaust system.

I have demoed the old exhaust, and am mocking up the new mufflers.

I have bought a flex coupling to put inline in the system somewhere, to reduce transmitted vibration. I have to put it up in an area that gives me enough ground clearance.

I'm looking forward to having it done, already and I am just started ;)

[Ripped]

The long winter didn't make it too much fun this year, but I am getting back into the project mode.

1st finished off some mods on the F150 Raptorizing it and then back to the exhaust.

Got some major work done on the tough drivers side. Hoping to get the passenger side done tonight. Needing a few parts though

[jarhead]

Very nice car Doug !

I am curious are/did you using mono leafs for road racing, or do I just see a set of caltracs?

Thanks, Joe

[Ripped]

Hi Joe, thanks for your question

I have not had the car back on the track, since I redid the suspension (including the caltracs) and right now it has the 5 leaf lowering leaf springs.

I was of the understanding a few guys with the 70 Transam mustang had road raced with caltracs. I think the idea is to back off the preload on the caltracs so the suspension has an ability to move more freely while corning.

Last time I was on the road course I had vintage (mustang) under-rider traction bars, with the rubber bushings and rollerized bearing front coil spring perches with cut coils.

Now I am a full coilover front suspension (combination total control products and 'street or track') and caltracs along with the bilstein shocks.

The caltracs went on, after I snapped the pinion at the drag-strip (wheel hop)

I like the caltracs for the street, although if I were to go back to the road course, the car has significant oversteer. (The front suspension really grips) I think for pure track, I will consider an upgraded rear suspension.

I'm sure when I get close I will be asking the experts how to help reduce my oversteer.

I have the other tailpipe almost done, and will snap a few more pics tonight

[Ripped]

Worked today and tonight on the exhaust. Everything is together. Added and O2 bung, and gave everything a bit of a polish.

I have some work on the wiring to do. I think with the 3" pipes, it is louder, I just hope in the closed mode it is quieter ;)

[Ripped]

Well sun is here finally a few months late

Even though I did not finish everything, I dropped the car on the ground and took it on the road.

Muffler change is great so far. Really freed up a whole bunch more HP. The car was bordering on being scary at times before. Now that free HP has made it darn right scary.

Now traction is an issue. As my cheap sumitomo tires are almost at life's end, I have to get something sticker and streetable in the 315/35/17 size.

I have an option of Mickey Thompson, Nitto, and Goodyear. I have heard good things about the MT

Car sound; https://youtu.be/scJlPRBTrDo

Next upgrade is R&P steering

[Try2paz]

Car looks great, I'm not sure M/T makes a sticky road tire.

Have you looked at Bridgestone 71R's or Falken 615+ or bfg rival s?

They are all 200 tread compounds so you can run cam t , or goodguys etc. If you're looking for more but in a street compound the sport cup 2's are amazing when warm.

Or if you're going to just track it slap some Hoosiers on it!

[Ripped]

Car looks great, I'm not sure M/T makes a sticky road tire.

Have you looked at Bridgestone 71R's or Falken 615+ or bfg rival s?

They are all 200 tread compounds so you can run cam t , or goodguys etc. If you're looking for more but in a street compound the sport cup 2's are amazing when warm.

Or if you're going to just track it slap some Hoosiers on it!

Thanks for the suggestions. I was looking but can't seem to find those tires in the 315/35/17 size range. Darn

I'm going to keep looking though

Hopefully I can find something

[Flash68]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was looking but can't seem to find those tires in the 315/35/17 size range. Darn

I'm going to keep looking though

Hopefully I can find something

Nitto NT05 :thumbsup:

Pretty decent tire for the money, and as you know, so few options in 17" anymore.

http://www.nittotire.com/passenger-tires/nt05-max-performance-tire/

[Ripped]

Nitto NT05 :thumbsup:

Pretty decent tire for the money, and as you know, so few options in 17" anymore.

http://www.nittotire.com/passenger-tires/nt05-max-performance-tire/


Cool, thanks for the information, they seem to fit what I am looking for

[Dave Pratt]

I just ran across your build...that's a beautiful car you've built.Hope to see it out and about this year,maybe the Friday Night street legals at Mission?