1993 Fox Body

[Merritt5]

Figured its time to start a thread on this car.

Picked this car up last year for around $1200. The guy before me swapped in the 5.0 and 5 speed, along with a rear from a 98 stang. Had a little brake issue and need to fix a few small issues.

I completed the 5 lug swapped and upgraded the brakes to sn95 components.

Someone added stop leak to the motor :bang:, so I swapped out the heater core and radiator, then flushed it for days!

Here is a few pics from when I picked her up.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4359/37098238250_d7e2f26624_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YwfaKq)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4446/37324305732_d0873737cb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSdPJC)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4344/37353857311_f4b22ceeaf_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YUQhoB)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4435/37098232310_3f564b8ee9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ywf8Z1)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4422/36684639203_fef6ba338e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XTGnan)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/37098236840_05f16e7200_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ywfak7)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4409/37098239990_9ef53314bc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ywfbgq)

[Merritt5]

Here she is with new shoes! They are 18X10's with 285's on all four corners...and I do get a slight rub in the rear

Also swapped that hood with the ugly scoop for a stock one.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4506/37098238640_4b0afca5cf_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YwfaS9)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4343/36684638633_e3bc9d56b9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XTGmZx)


The swapped hood

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4394/37324309552_81a11a25f1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSdQSu)

And how she looks now...This was on a trip through the tail of the dragon

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4390/37353856131_57c3948614_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YUQh3g)

[Merritt5]

Also installed a solid steering shaft after the old rag joint broke on me. Its always a nice feeling when you hear a pop and gain some slack in your steering. :lol:

Next on the list is subframe connectors and possible some Datsun Z flares.

Future plans:
For the rear, I a plan to design a 3 link setup and add a panhard bar.

For the motor, I have a lq4 and t56 that I have sitting in my parents garage...along with a 4in crank. So I am on the fence about swapping it into this car or saving it for another project. Decisions decisions

[DBasher]

I dig it! Is the 98 rear set up any wider...it's not IRS is it?

Looks good, much better with the new hood.
:thumbsup:

[WSSix]

Nice! Car looks to be in rather good condition overall. I'm happy to see 5.0 Mustangs and 3rd gen Fbodies get some attention.

I say go stroker LS and have fun. I also vote for 93 Cobra spoiler. Love that spoiler.

[Merritt5]

I dig it! Is the 98 rear set up any wider...it's not IRS is it?

Looks good, much better with the new hood.
:thumbsup:

It's a solid axle. It is slightly wider, but I believe it's mostly from the axles having the wheel speed sensors.

[wiedemab]

SN95 rear axles are .75" wider per axle for a total of 1.5" if I remember correctly. You can change out the axles and use brackets from North race cars with the SN95 rear brakes to get the narrower width. I basically replicated the M2300K kit on mine with the exception of staying with the narrower rear.

[WILWAXU]

Fun project! Great cars, with tons of parts available.

[Flash68]

I'm happy to see 5.0 Mustangs and 3rd gen Fbodies get some attention.

I say go stroker LS and have fun. I also vote for 93 Cobra spoiler. Love that spoiler.

Yes! :thumbsup:

[rustomatic]

"For the motor, I have a lq4 and t56 that I have sitting in my parents garage...along with a 4in crank. So I am on the fence about swapping it into this car or saving it for another project. Decisions decisions"

Do it!

[Merritt5]

I guess there isn't many die hard Ford guys on here, ha!

[Josh@Ridetech]

I guess there isn't many die hard Ford guys on here, ha!

Hey now... I'm here :thumbsup:

60933

60932

[transam]

I've had over 70 foxes. They will always be my fav cars , nice project.

[FETorino]

I guess there isn't many die hard Ford guys on here, ha!

There are.

They unsuscribed from this LS thread.:warning:

[cmenard]

SN95 rear axles are .75" wider per axle for a total of 1.5" if I remember correctly. You can change out the axles and use brackets from North race cars with the SN95 rear brakes to get the narrower width. I basically replicated the M2300K kit on mine with the exception of staying with the narrower rear.

Exactly how I did my 86 GT. Works great!

[Merritt5]

Hey now... I'm here :thumbsup:


Your car looks sharp.

You still have the McPherson front suspension?

[67XR7]

There are.

They unsubscribed from this LS thread.:warning:

:clap:

As former fox body guy i'm looking forward to seeing more.

Now I haven't owned 70 of them, but I hope having owned a total of 6 that makes me a "foxbody guy"

[WILWAXU]

I own a couple fox bodies ;)

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/58403381689.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=381689)

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/55848380103.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=380103)

[Josh@Ridetech]

Your car looks sharp.

You still have the McPherson front suspension?

Thanks! and I do. I'm running our HQ coilovers front and rear.

[jarhead]

Nice!

[Merritt5]

The fuel pump has been screaming for a little while now...so bad I could hear it over the radio! I assume it was the stock unit.

Anyways, I dropped the tank and replaced it with a Walbro 190

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4366/37307247776_4fc9caffd0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YQHoZW)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4357/37324505752_0fb8eee10a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeRcf)

After I got it done, I took it for a drive down the Devils Triangle! :drive:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4482/37324502252_780fdb2951_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeQ9U)

[Merritt5]

I originally bought the car just to compete in autocross, which was Feb. 2015. I didn't get the car drive-able til Nov. 2016.

Now fast forward to last weekend, first autocross. I'm pumped and ready to go, check the car and everything is fine. I head out early in the morning and drive out to the event. I stop right before I get there and grab some snacks at a gas station. I get in the car and go to start it.....NOTHING!!!!!!! :bang: :bang: :bang:

I haven't had this problem in the car before, and of all days it could give me problems...it chooses the day of my first autox event! I give it some time and tried to turn it over a few times. Finally, it fired up. :thumbsup:

Got my car through tech and walked the course as much as I could. We got to make six runs and it was a blast! :D Now, I need more seat time and suspension goodies.


Few photos from the event

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/whbaseball5/Entering%20turn_zpsdlhy8lzj.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/whbaseball5/media/Entering%20turn_zpsdlhy8lzj.jpg.html)

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/whbaseball5/Exiting%20turn_zpsyvkvhkat.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/whbaseball5/media/Exiting%20turn_zpsyvkvhkat.jpg.html)

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/whbaseball5/Slalom%201_zps7pj3srp3.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/whbaseball5/media/Slalom%201_zps7pj3srp3.jpg.html)

[DBasher]

Looks like a hoot! Did you figure out what the no start issue was or did it just go away?
:thumbsup:

[Merritt5]

Looks like a hoot! Did you figure out what the no start issue was or did it just go away?
:thumbsup:

Not sure, honestly...I only assume that it flooded on initial start, hasn't happened again *knocks on wood*

[Merritt5]

Been awhile since I've posted an update.

- I changed out the old faded headlights for some new ones...now I can at least see at night.
- Sanded and painted my side mirrors, since no one offers replacement manual mirrors for a fox.
- Had my fan crap out, so I hit the junkyard and picked up a 2-speed contour fan and wired it in to the ignition. I plan on adding a controller to it this winter.
- Finally, welded in some sub-frame connectors

This winter, the plan to build a panhard bar and 3-link for the rear. Along with boxing in the radiator and add some flares to the fenders.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4430/37098470120_6b39aacf41_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YwgmFb)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4569/25044117998_cb52385889_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ea4DKU)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4334/37324513432_c322b9725b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeTtE) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4445/37324510892_515f532bb1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeSHS)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4448/37324509012_b42a921943_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeSas)

Shop dog
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4387/23502977668_7a7c63f859_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BNSUqU)

He's not the best help lol
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/37324508792_cfbeb19d5c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeS6E)

Passenger side
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/37324512022_7a421475b7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeT4m)

Driver side
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4382/37324512562_690afb6b32_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeTdE)


Also, my brother grabbed this awesome shot one morning at my parents house
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4457/37307301946_42420827c7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YQHF6U)

[WSSix]

Nice picture. Glad you got those headlights changed out. I had a friend that had an 87 Mustang with headlights that bad. He drove with his high beams on to see. No one would flash him back to tell him they were being blinded.

[DBasher]

What’s your plan for the flares?

The 18x10’s look great, do you think with a different offset you wouldn’t be rubbing, I assume it’s rubbing the outer and not the inner?

Keep the updates coming, there’s more than a couple Mustang guys around here.
:thumbsup:

[Merritt5]

Nice picture. Glad you got those headlights changed out. I had a friend that had an 87 Mustang with headlights that bad. He drove with his high beams on to see. No one would flash him back to tell him they were being blinded.
I know how he feels. I felt like I could do better adding an old lantern to the front end.

What’s your plan for the flares?

The 18x10’s look great, do you think with a different offset you wouldn’t be rubbing, I assume it’s rubbing the outer and not the inner?

Keep the updates coming, there’s more than a couple Mustang guys around here.
:thumbsup:

For the flares, I have some datsun Z flares I'm going to put on.
The front actually rubbed the inner at full lock, I just added a 3/8in spacer and that seemed to help.

The rear rubs the outer but only when I hit a bump. The rear is from a 98, so little wider than a fox unit. I've been driving on it all summer and fall, but it needs to be addressed over the winter.

[DBasher]

Looking forward to seeing the flares, I’ve thought about doing the same....what does JDM mean anyways? :headscratch:

I’m right behind you on my upgrades, I’ll be picking up my ‘95 5lug and brake stuff tomorrow.

:thumbsup:

[garage_engineer]

Cool project! Good luck with it

[WSSix]

Basher, it's Japanese Domestic Market. It means it is or was available only in Japan

[Steve68]

Basher, it's Japanese Domestic Market. It means it is or was available only in Japan

You forgot "BRO thats how the certain people say it in FL "Its JDM BRO, talking about their Turbo VW Jetta, honestly heard it in the staging lanes at the track,

[Merritt5]

Got a few updates,

Been working on building a panhard bar and 3-link for the rear. Current I have the rear out and working on removing the upper control arm brackets.


Here is the Panhard bar

Frame mount

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/795/41277182591_9b9c7371c2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25TwmiV)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/41233707032_61706e742c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25PFwxj)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/801/41233708332_db9b49c2b8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25PFwVJ)

Trying to get the right angle lol

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/787/40562811814_ba0670f7d9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24Np1Lo)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/803/27404337178_8bc61bc89b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HKCoG3)


Here is the mount attached to the rear

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/866/40318437575_43cb734b45_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24qNwPr)

Found out the hard way, that the rear end tubes are not 3in in dia. So I made some shims to fit the 3in clamps I ordered.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/897/26405353287_5e92f70265_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GemkzR)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/41215076991_601ba2b0b7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25N33tH)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/876/26342074767_0c8c4946d8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G8L25T)


3-link to come a little later



Merritt

[jarhead]

Nice work!

[DBasher]

Make sure you’ve got enough clearance Clarence on the diff cover. Most of the options beyond stock hang out the back a bit more.

Looking forward to see how this and the 3 link turn out.
:thumbsup:

[Merritt5]

Finally getting around to updating the thread.

I got the upper torque box out of the car...it was not willing to go freely, so force (and plenty of colorful words) was used.

Plug the spot welds and painted the bottom of the rear. Got started on the upper control arm bracket and getting everything how I wanted it.


Also picked up some Dunlop Z2's in 275/35/18 for $400!!!! Tire rack was running a deal on some older production tires, so I jumped on them.


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/881/40318390325_c0494326c4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24qNhLM)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1826/42889276701_c96982c6eb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28kYKHX)

Bye to this hunk of scrap
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1730/42170901164_5ffe8c2f62_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27fuTGQ)

Starting on the upper mount and getting it fitted
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/42889243851_fdf33c085a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28kYzXz)

Really digging the gray over the typical black for the underside. Now I can notice if anything cracks or is leaking fluid much easier.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1782/42889249661_224ac101cc_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28kYBFK)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1783/41988849115_d18b16f1cd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26YpPYp)

Now I have an excuse for new wheels!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1788/42170906524_cc717be6cc_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27fuVif)

[Merritt5]

Been awhile since my last update, so here we go.

Got the upper control arm bracket measured out and made, tried to get anywhere from 0 to 15* of adjustment.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1835/42096922030_453437989b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/278XJhw)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/857/28968917477_27fb19169e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/L8TgUr)

Ordered new fuel tank (old one was rusted and leaking) and weight jackers for the rear.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/928/43187420614_0994403c2f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28NjPwf)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1773/43187420604_78a6428890_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28NjPw5)

Got the brackets and weight jackers welded up and in the car!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/939/43187414164_86bc39e33d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28NjMB3)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1793/43001291745_c35ce9d830_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28vSRTP)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/850/28968894697_bd34228df0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/L8Ta8F)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/941/30036396358_2a16100d34_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MLdobJ)

Luckily, the weight jackers are accessible and hidden.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1814/43924290192_1a84f9fc52_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29Vrtb9)

Got everything assembled and back into the car...(I know, I should have painted the rear while it was out)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1795/28968878937_91fe973b4a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/L8T5rX)



Couple issues I did run into;

- Panhard bar hit the roll bar (thought it was good, but nope). No problem though, I just moved the roll bar forward an inch.

- The upper link clamp rotated on a test drive, I ended up welding the bottom half of the clamp to the rear.


After I fixed all that, I got the car out and ran an autocross
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1778/43967701762_3e380217a3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29ZgXVu)


Car felt much better. Need to play around with some adjustments and see what the car likes.

Overall, I'm happy at the moment. Finally getting the car out and beating on it was a blast.

[WSSix]

Good job getting it back on its wheels. You have any closer up pictures of the welds where your plates meet the subframe for the suspension?

[Merritt5]

Good job getting it back on its wheels. You have any closer up pictures of the welds where your plates meet the subframe for the suspension?

I do not. I'll have to get under the car.

They aren't pretty, but I tried to put as much heat as I could to get good penetration.

I checked all the welds for cracks, this past weekend, and everything seems to be holding up so far.

[SSLance]

That looks like NCM... Fun place to race if it is.

Can't wait to hear more feedback on how you like the 3 link with the panhard bar. Nice work on the homebuilt transformation...

[rustomatic]

Nice work, dude! Dig the three-link and stock car parts! Methinks one of the next things that will really annoy you on the autocross will be the whack angles that strut front end provides in relation to camber. You can just make your own SLA later . . .

We seem to be operating with a similar cycle: Thrash car, rip apart and drastically change, then repeat. :headspin:

[Merritt5]

That looks like NCM... Fun place to race if it is.

Can't wait to hear more feedback on how you like the 3 link with the panhard bar. Nice work on the homebuilt transformation...

Thank you! NCM it is! Haven't got the chance to run on the track, but I do love running autocross up there.


Nice work, dude! Dig the three-link and stock car parts! Methinks one of the next things that will really annoy you on the autocross will be the whack angles that strut front end provides in relation to camber. You can just make your own SLA later . . .

We seem to be operating with a similar cycle: Thrash car, rip apart and drastically change, then repeat. :headspin:

Thank you and a SLA front is what I would like to do. Griggs has a bracket that will bolt to the front spindle, to allow an upper ball joint to attach.

Build as you go! That's what I try to stick to.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looking good man. I got rid of the black fox a year ago or so but I'm getting my other one put together now. I needed some more motivation so it's nice to see some posts from you! :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Thank you! NCM it is! Haven't got the chance to run on the track, but I do love running autocross up there.




Thank you and a SLA front is what I would like to do. Griggs has a bracket that will bolt to the front spindle, to allow an upper ball joint to attach.

Build as you go! That's what I try to stick to.

If you do your own SLA this is the "budget" drop spindle I've seen people use on homebrew Fox SLA's that is priced in between a $50 SN95 spindle and the $2500-3000 Griggs and Cortex spindles.

https://www.racecraft.com/2-drop-spindles-c-280/

[WSSix]

I do not. I'll have to get under the car.

They aren't pretty, but I tried to put as much heat as I could to get good penetration.

I checked all the welds for cracks, this past weekend, and everything seems to be holding up so far.

Good deal. Glad you're keeping an eye on them. From what little I can see, I'd say move in closer with the gun to help get the heat into the metal. :thumbsup:

[Merritt5]

If you do your own SLA this is the "budget" drop spindle I've seen people use on homebrew Fox SLA's that is priced in between a $50 SN95 spindle and the $2500-3000 Griggs and Cortex spindles.

https://www.racecraft.com/2-drop-spindles-c-280/

Hmm...I'll have to check those out.

Good deal. Glad you're keeping an eye on them. From what little I can see, I'd say move in closer with the gun to help get the heat into the metal. :thumbsup:

Thank you, sir. I'll have do that next time.

Welding is something I can definitely improve in, so I'm always open to critiques.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I have a brand new LS K member with arms if you need one, change of plans. :cheers:

[Merritt5]

Got some new wheels! 18x10.5 on all corners.

The fronts were rubbing at full lock and with a spacer (can't remember the spacer thickness off the top of my head) and I didn't have enough wheel stud to feel safe.
So longer wheel studs are in the future.

Put the old wheels back on and hit the local autocross and I was able to get a shot of the rear suspension during one of my runs. Check it out!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/29804132157_a00dde04cb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MpFY8x)


N33C2l9X9xc&t

[Flash68]

New wheels look great.

[Merritt5]

New wheels look great.Thanks! I'm really digging them

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