Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Thought I would share my rebuild and hopefully gather some insight and help along the way. Don't blink because this is goin down fast.  Car is a 83 TurboCoupe that I got as a roller and I plan to put this thing back to full daily driver status ASAP. Im building a serious turbo 88 Ranger with a tall deck 2.6 four banger shooting for 9 second True Street passes. While this build takes time to make happen I decided I needed something fun to drive so I don't rush my Ranger build so here I present my newest idea......GTbird

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2011_zpskstqenwc.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2011_zpskstqenwc.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2010_zpsqblkj7ho.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2010_zpsqblkj7ho.jpg.html)
Its a super clean Florida car with 75k on the clock. Came with that nasty hood which I promptly traded for a stock 88 TC hood and a set of 93 Cobra wheels.


Sooo here is the plan. I picked up a 96 Explorer 5.0,mass air harness and ecm out of a Mustang,a 88 TC 8.8,UPR k-member,Flaming River manual rack,v8 t5,aluminum rad and electric fan,Stinger TC 3" SS single exhaust cat-back w/SS Magnaflow,SS Flowmaster Y-pipe.

Im goin to rebuild motor and have the heads ported,swap in a TFS stg1 cam and run with it. I want to upgrade to mustang 11" front brakes and put fresh suspension under it. Im goin to freshen up the interior which is in great shape still and add my own Autometer and Speedhut gauges then add some killer tunes.

I just received the new tires for it today from Tirerack. Sumitomo 245/45-17 for the front and 245/50-17 for the rear.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2050_zpsqmtkd0hh.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2050_zpsqmtkd0hh.jpg.html)
Im going to have the wheels powder coated a bright silver to match the center caps...hate the black.

Once its up and driving my buddy is going to do a quick respray on the exterior to make it look nice again.

Im sure there will be many stupid questions to come!

Very cool, subscribing to this thread to follow

I like the name of your project...it's my screen name as well. I came up with it because I transplanted the driveline from an 86 GT into an 88 Bird.

The '96 Exploders were EEC-V, earlier PCM isn't compatible...

Sorry Rick! Thought I was being original lol, guess not! How bout you stay on the east coast and I will stay out here in Michigan and nobody will get confused? ;)

Please go back and read again.....Im only using the Explorer motor. Im using all foxbody electronics {dist,ignition,harness,ecm,etc}

Now if anyone has some input I could use some help here next..

Upgrading the brakes on the car so Im tryin to collect all the parts before hand but looking for advise on best parts to get.  Right now I have these to work with:
88 TC 8.8 {missing all brake components}
88 Mustang 11"rotors {will buy new calipers}

I still need to find the spindles, the correct master{?} and a adjustable P-valve.

I think a buddy is selling me his stock 95 Cobra coil springs and I have some almost new take off  Monroe shocks n struts from

I think I'd be ditching that Flaming River rack, especially with 245-width front tires. Nice car, BTW - a four-eye with vent windows and TC front bumper is pretty much the exact car I've been looking for for years

Pretty much gonna have to find the tc brake hardware if you want 4lug. They would be the only rear disc setup in 4 lug.

Yeah the rear stuff is easy ,just a parts store away. Its getting the right master to work with the new axle and the bigger fronts Im not sure on.  Ordered a adjustable proportioning valve today.

The rack should be fine even with 245's, I drove a manual steering ranger with 275s on it for a while. lol

The brackets for the rear are the hard parts to find. If they are still bolted, you are golden.

I'm driving mine with no power steering right now and it really isn't bad. You need two hands to park sometimes, but most of the time I forget its not there.

I like the direction your able to be going.  I really like the looks of that 88 you built.    Bet you could give some of those kids with the rice burners a lesson or two.  Look forward to watching your progress.

Kids in rice burners,old guys in muscle cars,yuppies in Vipers....that Ranger taught quite a few lessons!

I bet

well first mod done!

Had my new tires mounted up and boy am I glad I went with my gut feeling on these. Love the look and will only look better once I get the ride down where it should be.

I also blacked out the center caps for the wheels which made a big difference to me.

245/45-17 on front and 245/50-17 on rear. The rears are 1" taller and 1/2" wider.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2076_zpsjydjejae.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2076_zpsjydjejae.jpg.html)
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I also settled on 2017 Jeep Firecracker Red as the final color for it and got my 88 TC hood yesterday.

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2088_zpsjjee7wor.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2088_zpsjjee7wor.jpg.html)
Picked up my motor today along with some new 24lb injectors and a Cobra 80mm MAF.

Should have motor on stand this weekend and start pulling it apart.

Well I dont think I can fill the car with anymore boxes of parts! Interior and trunk full of all the new stuff for it and now its spilling over into the garage.

BBK long tubes, 95 Cobra coils that were taken out when it was brand new,87 GT spindles,3 month old KYB struts and shocks out of buddies 92LX
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My Stinger stainless 3" exhaust showed up today.
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I tore down the 5.0 and found it in great shape. Only down fall was somebody robbed the oil filter adapter off it and layed motor on its side in the dirt so the two oil passages got packed with dirt. So it wasnt in my plan but now its a full rebuild.
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I stripped block lastnite and taped the front oil galley plugs then dropped it off for the hot tank.
I ordered all new bearings,rings,freeze plugs,timing set,MellingHV oil pump,valve spring kit from Alex's Springs and had the heads cleaned and valve job done.

Should be able to start putting motor together next weekend.

Quite the parts horde you have there.  I'm digging the black cobra wheels...nice contrast to the red paint.

Picked up my heads and block from machine shop today. The heads were surfaced,5 angle valve job,one helicoil installed,all new Alex's Springs valvetrain kit. Only $339 invested into the heads.
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The block was honed,hot tanked, new cam bearings,new freeze plugs, oil galley plugs tapped for screw in plugs and the crank was chamfered and polished. Im thinkin motor will be together before the weekend is over.

Grabbed a stock Mustang fan shroud to mount my fan inside of.
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And I scored a 86 grill I plan to strip and mod.
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Is there a reason for the HV oil pump? Just curious.

Which Alex springs did you go with? I've walked away from the same set of already pulled gt40p heads sitting in a junkyard that look good a few times.

Every 302 I have built the past 25 years has gotten a HV oil pump and a ARP shaft just because. No rhyme or reason other than every subject I have read about SBF oiling systems have said to use one.

I got the spring kit rated for .540 lift since Im using a TFS st1 cam with .512 lift. Was good to know the spring actually came in a few pounds stronger at height than advertised.

Unless you are using increased bearing clearances, a HV pump does nothing but waste HP...

Im cool with giving up 2hp for the insurance on a daily driver.

Actually instead of me sounding like a ass I will give my explanation.

The HV pump will only provide the extra volume if the engine needs it. Its all dependent on bearing clearances. As bearings wear and clearances open up that's when a HV pump earns it keep. I didn't turn my crank on this rebuild as all bottom end clearances checked out ok but at the high end of good. Obviously these clearances aint getting any tighter after I put about 600 miles a week on this motor so this is my insurance I will get a long life span on this rebuild. As clearances open up I will still have the volume there for good pressure even with thin oils on a hot motor sitting at idle {think lots of Detroit expressway driving}.

The gear failure everybody talks about was a much bigger problem back when 99.9% of Ford cams were cast iron with cast iron distributor gears. Yes they would fail with HV and HP pumps. After Ford switched to steel roller cams and steel gears it is much less of a problem now as these parts are much stronger. In fact I have only seen distributor roll pin failures and twisted shafts myself on 5.0 motors with roller cams. I have yet to see a gear failure.

That said... I did buy a good ARP driveshaft and I will be running a Comp Cams Poly distributor gear which are indestructible.

I saw a back to back dyno run HV vs standard, it was a 12hp loss on a 300rwhp motor.

Extra insurance won't hurt anything, I was just curious. I am not sure what a stock spec oil pressure should be, but if I remember correctly the dash light comes on at 6psi. I checked pressure on my first 86 with about 290k miles on it and it was pushing 12psi if I remember correctly, hot at idle. I don't think its the pressure loss that eats things up as much as flow, but hey, I don't know anything.

Sorry, wasn't trying to highjack the thread, I was just curious.

Each his own, my fresh 331 has a std pump... If it is indeed a 12Hp difference, that's far more than I'd give up...

Wasn't like new 5.0 Stangs were suffering oil problems because factory used std pumps...

I agree. The key word there is "new".

ARP oil pump driveshaft is a great piece. Definitely use it.

The HV oil pump isn't really necessary. If you bought it use it. if you haven't purchased it just get a standard Melling oil pump. The HV pump is kind of a waste on a street driven SBF. I'm running a standard Melling in my Thunderbird without issue and have been for almost 10 years.

Wow what a weekend....

Im done buying from Jegs. This last order from them was a complete mess and has cost me a week of downtime. I used a 94 Mustang 5.0 as "my vehicle" to look up all the parts I needed,which was all bearings and rings. The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was there was a  single rod bearing and not 8. Going back to their site I see the bearing I ordered was listed as rod BEARINGS and was 15.99 so I called them and they said it needs to say "bearing set" to contain all 8 so I find another SET for 27.99 and reorder those and return the single. Next I drop the cam bearings off to machine shop for install and he calls me to tell me they are 2.3 cam bearings! Soo those get sent back and I find a set local. Now today the new rod bearing set shows up and again its a single bearing! I check the site and it clearly says its a bearing set and call Jegs and they have no explanation. Back to Jegs they go and I find a set locally.

But here the best one. I bought a new DynaGear steel timing set off some speedshop on Ebay for $75 a few weeks ago and finally got around to installing it yesterday. Check this out..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHwAFSxVCCk

The hole for the pin was to big so the gear rocked on the cam.The key way slots were to big also and I swear the chain had an extra link in it.Total junk. Ran down to Orielys and grabbed a cheap off the shelf set and its good to go now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg4965uDv_8

So was able to install the TFS cam and put the front of the motor together. I mocked up my brackets and figured out my alt mounting.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2195_zpscseha9ii.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2195_zpscseha9ii.jpg.html)

I also grabbed a nice factory fan shroud then mounted my overflow bottle to it and will make some brackets to mount my Spal fan inside of it.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2196_zpssohnehrd.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2196_zpssohnehrd.jpg.html)

Been taking care of house work last few days but I have time to get intakes all ready.

I got the air temp sensor installed into the lower to work with my Mustang wire harness.
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I also removed all the extra vacuum hard lines on the bottom of the upper intake and drilled and tapped them for 1/8th pipe plugs.

I also picked up a cable/quadrant kit
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Intakes all ready to bolt on
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love it!  The black really sets off the red and the billet parts.

Motor all done and primed. I converted the Ex 65mm TB to foxbody spec.  Car is up in air and I started stripping the front of car of suspension and the bumper cover. Im going to cut off the lower core support today and make the new one.
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What MAF is that?

Its a stock 80mm off a 01 Cobra

Ah. You have a tuner for that correct? It's not plug and play.

No tuner needed. I will change the plug on the harness to match and I installed matching 24lb injectors. All good.

Uh no. Factory Ford MAFs (like the 2001 Cobra MAF you have) are NOT CALIBRATED FOR AN INJECTOR SIZE. The injector size and MAF transfer function are programmed into the computer. So to run 24lb injectors on a stock A9L/A9P computer without a tune you need an aftermarket MAF (i.e. C&L, Pro-M, PMAS) that is calibrated for the injector size. They do this by altering the voltage output of the MAF to trick the stock computer into delivering the appropriate amount of fuel.

To run the 2001 Cobra MAF and 24lb injectors you have you'll need a tuner. It's transfer function is off and the car will not run correctly. Your best bet is to purchase an aftermarket MAF calibrated for 24lb injectors to use in place of the 2001 Cobra MAF. Otherwise you'll need a tuner (i.e like a Quarterhorse) so you can program the transfer function from the 2001 Cobra MAF into the stock A9L/A9P and add the 24lb injector slopes. You need to tune to run the 2001 Cobra MAF or you need an aftermarket MAF calibrated for 24lb injectors. There is no other way.

Well Im glad you said something because the guy who explained it to me was wrong apparently. I been out of the 5.0 stuff so long playing with my 2.3t junk Im way out of the loop.  Im going to call Pro-M in the morning about their recalibration service on the meter I have. Im not paying anyone to tune it or buying anything other than a Pimp if this don't work.

I use the X3Z '93 Cobra computer. It's calibrated for 24# injectors.

That is another option. He would also need a 93 Cobra MAF for it to work correctly.

I called Pro-M today to see about recalibrating the 80mm. They charge $150 to calibrate anybody's meters but they said the Ford 80mm have major drivability issues with open filters on them when they have done them. So for only $50 more I just ordered one of their 75mm Bullet meters they will calibrate for my setup.

Those Cobra ecm's I seen for sale would cost me double what I paid for the new meter.

Well that will work too.

Better you found out now than after you started the car and were trying to figure out why it ran like garbage ;)

I run a 2001 Mustang GT 80mm MAF with conical air filter in the inner fender via a BBK cold air kit with zero issues.  This is using an A9L and 42 lb/hr injectors with a dyno tuned SCT chip.

I previously ran a 75mm Pro-M Bullet MAF with 24 lb/hr injectors and it was a really good setup until I hit about 275 rwhp and that was the limit of the 24 lb injectors hence the change.

Took advantage of the rain yesterday and suited up to go out and scrub the engine bay. Some degreaser and a brush got it looking better than I hoped for. Going to touch up some of the paint but not going for the full blown show car finish under the hood.
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Just need to finish pulling the rest of the 2.3 harness now.

I also cleaned up and repainted the light bezels. They turned out great I think.
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Goin to try and get bumper cover off today if the rain lets up and then cut off the damaged core support so I can get new one made. Anyone have any tips for removing the front bumper cover?

I'd leave the front bumper and header panel together, then separate them off the car. Much easier to get the 5 or so screws from in between.

To late! It was actually super easy to get it off. # nuts on each side to the fender,2 under each light bezel and one in the middle support behind the grill. I removed the fogs and brackets so I can restore them also.

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Then my trusty Dewalt made quick work of the core.
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Thankfully the bumper cover was undamaged and didnt have a single rip in it. Im going to bend up a 1.5" tube to replace the wrecked core and make new mounts for the rad and lower bumper cover.

Had the Marshal frames and mounting brackets powder coated.  I got the wiper panel off the base of the windshield also and had it coated as well.

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The Pro-M came today
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And I bent up the replacement lower core support today. I hope to have this burned in by Saturday so I can get paint on it asap.
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Real happy how these turned out today!
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No more rust and red overspray now.

Getting excited to see this thing together!

Got the lower core all finished and most of the engine bay painted the new color. Turned out great so far. All the 2.3 engine wiring gone now and I just need to pull the booster and all the brake lines to finish the paint and re-route the brake lines better for new setup.
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Looking good!

Today I got the master,booster and all brake lines off the car so I can replace all of those. I pulled all the cruise control stuff off and swapped in the Flaming River manual rack.

I pulled out the front fender liners to get to the broken washer bottle and holy  was there a ton of dirt and debits packed in at the bottoms of the fenders! No wonder these things rot out! Might need to find better liners tho since these have some cracks and broken parts.

I also should have my T5 back  by the weekend from getting rebuilt.

As soon as I get the new booster/master in and run the new lines with the adjustable P-valve the motor will be dropped in.

:popcorn: Updates on the build? :popcorn:...

Sorry the last two weeks has been filled with weddings and graduation parties both weekends and two weeks ago I ordered a new truck so in the little free time I had left I was cleaning,touching up, removing speakers,amps,wiring and other aftermarket stuff off my '12 f150 in preparation for trade in.

In other news I now have one half of my new matching daily fleet ready!
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/IMG_2342_zpslf3tbpo4.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/IMG_2342_zpslf3tbpo4.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/IMG_2341_zpskrspjthr.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/IMG_2341_zpskrspjthr.jpg.html)

:cool:  Nice looking ride.

I really like where this build is going. Thanks for the pics.

Had to address the mis-match of my Pro-M meter and the  /filter kit I bought.

The two bolt patterns were different and I didnt want a sharp edge at the front of the meter where it would go from 80mm to 75mm. Grabbed a .750 thick piece of plastic and ran over to my buddies shop and carved out a nice smooth adapter.

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2407_zps3qsnkjbl.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2407_zps3qsnkjbl.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2408_zpswia4uj0v.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2408_zpswia4uj0v.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2409_zpsp1efhlol.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2409_zpsp1efhlol.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2411_zps5d1aiirq.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2411_zps5d1aiirq.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2412_zpsh41wbcfr.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2412_zpsh41wbcfr.jpg.html)

Finally got the car inside so I can work out of the sun and into the nite.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2466_zpsafjcsup0.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2466_zpsafjcsup0.jpg.html)

I got the booster and everything else out of the engine bay today so I could finish the paint work. Turned out great.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2468_zpsslfirapq.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2468_zpsslfirapq.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2465_zpsou5g2rwo.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2465_zpsou5g2rwo.jpg.html)
And I threw some paint of the grill just so it looks better than bare plastic.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2467_zpsvyc4betq.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2467_zpsvyc4betq.jpg.html)

I also started pulling interior apart. I had to change the hood release cable,pulled the clutch cable out in prep for my UPR adjustable quadrant kit and pulled out the cluster to start coming up with a plan for my new gauge layout.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2458_zpsaospv8nt.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2458_zpsaospv8nt.jpg.html)

When I had the P-valve off I took it apart to clean it,gut it and do the Maximum Motorsports plug. Wow was it caked with !
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2462_zpsrj4asmcs.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2462_zpsrj4asmcs.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2464_zps4f5f22vc.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2464_zps4f5f22vc.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2463_zpsa14um3ft.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2463_zpsa14um3ft.jpg.html)

Slowly goin together..

Chassis harness all back in,booster,master,battery,washer bottle and a few other things installed. Turns out the firewall adjuster for the clutch cable doesnt clear the booster so I will have to rethink what to do with that.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2476_zpsp9ocz4e0.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2476_zpsp9ocz4e0.jpg.html)

And how bout that face??
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2475_zpshz2mkr3d.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2475_zpshz2mkr3d.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2474_zpsxq0nqpwd.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2474_zpsxq0nqpwd.jpg.html)

I have a feeling its going to have nice sinister look to it once it all comes together!

There is a smaller brake Booster that will clear. I believe it's the Fox stang one, should bolt right up if I remember right.

Well I pulled the booster off and got the firewall adjuster installed and it should work now just with limited range but I can make that up at the fork end.

I finished the brake lines and adjustable valve so now I can drop the motor in. I also started on the new front suspension and got the CC plates on.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2515_zps2c1cwmwv.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2515_zps2c1cwmwv.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2514_zpsgbi04oq1.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2514_zpsgbi04oq1.jpg.html)

I also got all my dash parts and gauges figured out for a layout I like. Im going to machine the .125 textured plastic sheet to overlay the stock bezels in between the vents then use some nice button head capscrews to mount the new bezel to the originals so it will kind of have a 85 Mustang GT look to it.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2512_zpsz6uhcjr3.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2512_zpsz6uhcjr3.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2510_zpsd0ajs3cn.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2510_zpsd0ajs3cn.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2509_zpsqbloethk.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2509_zpsqbloethk.jpg.html)

That is the method I used as well, except with aluminum. The textured plastic panels will look great!

Finally got the front end all together as of today. 87 brakes, MM braided hoses,95 Cobra coils with 1/4 coil cut off,rebuilt A-arms,KYB struts, MM cc plates and all Energy Suspension bushings for the stock swap bar.

I also got this coil spring installation tool from Maximum Motorsports that made putting the coils in so much easier.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2519_zps8a8yy6fl.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2519_zps8a8yy6fl.jpg.html)

Wont be able to work on it again until weds but I should be dropping the motor in then.

Seems to agree with the info I have when it was for sale many years ago.  Assuming there isn't more than one Kenneth Schrader. :hick:

Does this look like your car?

Yep that's my car. I just peeled off that sticker on the windshield over the weekend!

Where you find that pic?

From the ebay ad back in 2007.  I guess that might be the time frame it sold and went to Fl?

Worked on my cluster lastnite. Think its going to look real good.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2532_zpshyrob2oo.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2532_zpshyrob2oo.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2534_zpsjnib3v4c.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2534_zpsjnib3v4c.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2533_zpsp2iemnyl.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2533_zpsp2iemnyl.jpg.html)

Using Speedhut tach with shift lights and their GPS speedo that has a bunch of cool features. Autometer and AEM will round out the rest of the gauges. These were all left over gauges from some of my other builds so instead of spending good money on new ones Im going to do my part for the environment and recycle these.

And here is the finished layout. Im real happy how it turned out! Gave me that 85 Mustang GT look I was going for.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2535_zpsjuaflvt2.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2535_zpsjuaflvt2.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2536_zpsfg1ofznn.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2536_zpsfg1ofznn.jpg.html)

Looks great. You're doing some nice work on the ol' bird.

Reached another milestone moment lastnite also.

Motor is in.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2538_zpsrjkaosaz.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2538_zpsrjkaosaz.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2540_zps0osgzkji.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2540_zps0osgzkji.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2541_zpsgkfmyigc.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2541_zpsgkfmyigc.jpg.html)

Looks great!

Thanks Chuck. Hope mine turns out half as cool as yours!

Mine could really stand to be gone through again...

Glad to see another 83 getting some love.

Which Griffin radiator is that?

Im not sure. I got it from a buddy who took it out of a Mustang he bought.

Looks like this one: http://www.griffinrad.com/load_details5.php?PartID=306&year=89&make=Ford&model=Mustang&select_Main_Group=1989&select_Sub_Group=Ford&select_Sub_Group_model=Mustang&select_Sub_Group_Engine=24.5%20X%2019.11&select_Sub_Group_Transmission=TOC&key_id=7-70150

Not a cheap radiator.

Yikes, that radiator isn't cheap, lol. Cha-Ching!!!

Well been busy as hell lately so Im almost ready to fire it up for the first time.
 
Got the UPR quadrant installed,rest of dash is apart so I can can fix a bunch of broken parts and get ready for my new gauges.
I replaced the stock dash speakers with some Kicker 1" tweeters and repainted the dash.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2563_zps9ssseuqi.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2563_zps9ssseuqi.jpg.html)

I now have the t5 in,headers are on and I ran down the street to Scottrod Fab and had him bend up a rad hold down.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2555_zpsxwz5zug1.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2555_zpsxwz5zug1.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2554_zpsmrmu4kbm.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2554_zpsmrmu4kbm.jpg.html)
Hood and front bumper are at my buddies shop getting body work and paint right now,fan controller is wired in,made a new mount for my overflow bottle and got my 86 Mustang GT steering wheel on.

Looking good!

I used silicone tubing for my intake setup as well.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/eb%20passenger%20side_zpswed6yfpl.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/eb%20passenger%20side_zpswed6yfpl.jpg.html)

Looking really good! Are we going to get a video when she runs?

There will be a vid for sure.

Got the engine harness laid in and almost done with that. Cleaned the carpet up and turned out great yesterday.
I also added LEDs to the cluster for turns and high beams,got column back in and the new steering wheel on.Gauges not wired yet but had to mock everything up to see how it looked.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2570_zpsekq5f8cc.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2570_zpsekq5f8cc.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2573_zpsdwcl8rpm.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2573_zpsdwcl8rpm.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2571_zpszsd3svvd.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2571_zpszsd3svvd.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2575_zpsox0mjvyt.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2575_zpsox0mjvyt.jpg.html)

I removed the lower panel in the center stack with the lighter,switch and antenna so I could recover it in the same plastic i used for my bezel. I ordered a 12v power point and two USB charge ports to install there.

Looks great! I would go with a Thunderbird logo in place of the GT logo on the dash but that's just me ;)

The GT on the dash is just one part of my planned Fantasy car theme. Once its done it will all tie in and make sense.

That dash looks great! Has a "factory" race car look with the grained panels. I'd like to get done as much as you. You make me tired!

I see ;)

After getting the engine harness routed in the car I just wasnt happy with some of the old tape,loom and some of the unused plugs just hanging there so I ripped it all back out and started cleaning it up and removing all unused wiring all the way back to the 60pin connector. Harness looks 100% better in the car now.

What a mess!
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2582_zpsdwtu7yg6.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2582_zpsdwtu7yg6.jpg.html)

Got the MAF plumbed and a bracket made to hold it in place.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2585_zpsp3tcypsr.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2585_zpsp3tcypsr.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2586_zpsmcjrxoqm.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2586_zpsmcjrxoqm.jpg.html)

I spent a whole day just fixing wiring inside the car. Somebody over the years replaced the heater core and they absolutely did a  job putting the dash back together. I found the wire for the trunk release plugged into courtesy light,courtesy light wires tied up out of sight,power wire in top of fuse box for power seats had a broken locking tab so it had an interment connection,I removed everything for the power antenna and made a new panel for the lower portion of the center stack with 3 power point options.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2577_zpsbak9gfh6.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2577_zpsbak9gfh6.jpg.html)

So after all this the wiring was done, fuel lines made and hooked up and it would only pop a few times on starter fluid. Turned out the TFI was bad so it was replaced and it now had good spark. However , it turns out only my 255 frame pump is working and the in tank pump is not so no fuel is getting fed to the main pump. No start.

It was hot ,muggy and I wasnt happy about having to drop the tank so I took a break and cleaned up a tail light...
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2588_zpsuazolxxf.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2588_zpsuazolxxf.jpg.html)

In the home stretch.

At least it didn't die after you started driving it.

Well dropped the tank and I found a whole new mess.  The seal for the filler neck had turned to a gummy mess and so did the seal for the vent tube valve. The vent tube valve seal had fallen apart at some point and it was just laying on top of the tank leaving a large opening in the top of the tank. Who knows how much dirt,bugs and moisture got into the tank. When I pulled the sender I found the tank was solid rust inside. The sender was rusted , the filter screen had disintegrated and the rubber hose for the pump had collapsed.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2594_zpsp3cdk8q9.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2594_zpsp3cdk8q9.jpg.html)
I had to order a new tank,pump,screen,filter and both rubber seals. The sender wasnt reading anything so I removed it while I soaked the sender in a bowl of vinegar and after cleaning the contacts inside I got it to read the correct ohms as its swept.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2596_zpsbnw2jc4p.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2596_zpsbnw2jc4p.jpg.html)

Sooo, while Im waiting for the tank to show up I will start installing the exhaust ,rebuilt the 8.8 and install all the new bushings in the rear arms.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2592_zpsjiq5eplk.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2592_zpsjiq5eplk.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2590_zps3kz0994u.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2590_zps3kz0994u.jpg.html)

So what diameter is the exhaust?  Any reason for not running dual 2.5"?

looks great!  My only creative thought would be to build the gauges out like on a 70 Cyclone Spoiler...

The exhaust is 1 3/4 long tubes with 2.5" collectors,the Y-pipe is all 2.5" then it steps up to a Stinger Performance 3" stainless TC ler back. I went with the single to keep it simple and sleeper status. I also didnt want to get into moving the fuel pump,filter and fuel lines on the passenger side along with changing the routing of the rear brake hose since these 2.3t cars only had a single system running down the drivers side.

I got all the rear control arms rebuilt with Energy Suspension bushings and I cut some plates to box them. 8.8 got all cleaned and stripped today along with all new seals.The posi and 3.55s looked great still so they will remain untouched for now.

I had all the same issues and just wrapped the fuel lines in header tape. Exhaust cannot get hot enough to mess with the brake fluid. Ran true duals on my 83 for many a moon like this with no issues. Another thing that keeps duals stealth on these cars is to run the Mustang GT tail pipes as they tuck under the car like the old Trans Am and Firebird exhausts.

I'm tryin to find the right shaped turn down right now

If I may ask where did you get the textured black plastic you are using for the dash?

I usually get mine on Amazon but the OP may have a better source. I can find it local as well but they are a little higher but they also have some really cool stuff. This would be at a couple of local retailers here that carry all kinds of plastic materials. We have a lot of air plane manufacturing and repair so that is the only reason I can see we have the availability.

https://www.amazon.com/ABS-Textured-Plastic-Sheet-Thick/dp/B00AKJA6SM

I just buy it off ebay.

Got the 8.8 all done and installed yesterday. Pic before I installed rotors, pads and new KYB shocks. I flipped and raised the lower shock brackets on the housing.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2604_zpssazju5yu.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2604_zpssazju5yu.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2605_zpsfh92zfrb.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2605_zpsfh92zfrb.jpg.html)

Need to change the rear  on the driveshaft for one that will fit the 8.8 and start building the exhaust today. Getting closer!!

Its alive!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSEJ52SedIk

Had to replace the inlet fitting on my 255 Walbro and the fitting on the line since it was the most amazing hack job I have seen yet..New tank is in. New in tank pump was longer than the original so I had to cut up,shorten and reweld the hanger on the sending unit so the pump didnt bottom out in the tank. I bled the brakes and finished everything under rear of car. I made a little 3" dump for my tailpipe and just need to build the pipes between the collectors and the Y pipe.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2619_zpsfeamm0ni.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2619_zpsfeamm0ni.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2618_zpsplsrjaku.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2618_zpsplsrjaku.jpg.html)

Sooo, now its time to wire the gauges, fix my water pump leak,little more interior clean up, alignment and then off to paint!

Nice build! What's the reason for flipping the lower rear shock mounts?

Most likely to have the ability to use Mustang shocks in the rear, which are shorter than the TBird/Cougar ones.

^^^Bingo.

All my KYB shocks and struts are for a foxbody Mustang.

Ok, gotha. Have to keep that in mind if I have to mix and match parts in the future. Are the fronts struts a differnet length too?

Search function works wonders and who's thread is this?

Sorry for stepping on your toes aerocoupe. Just asking a question related to what was posted.

Not my thread. If you start a new one I'm sure folks will help out.

Correct, not YOUR thread!

And now a little preview!
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2636_zpsefdgbien.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2636_zpsefdgbien.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2635_zps3xdqoh1c.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2635_zps3xdqoh1c.jpg.html)
I will be picking these up tomorrow and getting them on the car so I can finally get my first test drive in on Saturday...I hope.
Plan is after I put a few break in miles on the car and address any bugs it will then go back to buddies shop and we will finish with the rest of the body and paint. I wanted these done first since they were in the worse shape and needed the most work.

I also got my new boot ready to install. So nice.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2632_zpsvqkog4q6.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2632_zpsvqkog4q6.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2631_zpsvuvs8l3o.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2631_zpsvuvs8l3o.jpg.html)

Loving the new stance.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2633_zpshpjdtwod.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2633_zpshpjdtwod.jpg.html)

Gonna look awesome...

Lookin good !!!

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2646_zps5kioiwjh.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2646_zps5kioiwjh.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2645_zpsptgjnabb.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2645_zpsptgjnabb.jpg.html)
Got the front end all together last night and made a strange discovery.  Looks like the 87 hood is not a direct bolt on for a 83. only two of the four bolts going into the hood line up on the hinges. The rears are way off so I only have two bolts in for now while I wait for help to remove the hood again and do some mods to the hinges for the other bolts.

Otherwise real happy with how its coming together

I always thought the hood was a "direct" swap.? Will you be painting the trim around the car black or will they be body color?

Im painting the moldings on the bumper body color and no other moldings going back on.

I drove it up and down my driveway! Loaded on the trailer this morn to go get the exhaust finished at my buddies shop
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2652_zpsq3seksdm.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2652_zpsq3seksdm.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2653_zpshclkomcy.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2653_zpshclkomcy.jpg.html)

In the home stretch now... I like the stance. You have got a lot accomplished in a short time.

Looking good!  I *think* the hood issue is more an '83 MY thing, and not so much any difference in the 87-88 hoods. Was trying to find the source for that info, but I do remember something of the sort.

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?28750-87-88-TC-hood-on-83TC

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?34660-Hood-Hinges

Seems to be an 83 only thing as Chuck suggests.

Yeah I think I will just drill some new holes in my hinges and roll with it.

Well got the exhaust all wrapped up today. Turned out better than I hoped. It sounds killer and seems quiet enough on the interior to live with on a daily basis. Who needs duals!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7uK9Vqu1D0

This has been an interesting thread to watch.    Looking forward to see the paint job on it.

I get $hit done! lol

Looking good!

One suggestion: put the molding between the bumpers and wheels back on. It cleans up the transition between the bumper and fender.

I would If I could find any. I found one passenger side front on ebay so I bought it and now I haven't been able to find anymore. The ones that came on the car looked like they were ripped off by a grizzly bear at Yellowstone park.

So Im in full delete mode. Im filling the marker holes in the front fenders

Meh, I think they look pretty clean without them but then again mine does not have them either.  I deleted mine back in '98 and thought about putting them back on but its impossible to find any that are in good shape.

The hood issue isn't just an 83 thing.  At least here in Canada.  My 84 has the same issue.

So ever since the car got started for the first time it was running extremely rich with black smoke and eye watering fumes. It would hunt for idle and surge but I have not been able to get my brand new electric fan controller to turn the dam fan on nor did I have the other gauges wired so I wasnt able to let the car run for very long from a fear of not being able to see what the engine was doing.

    A couple days ago I started checking the basics and found the Mustang TPS when bolted down to the Explorer throttlebody netted a idle reading of 1.70 volts. I modded the TPS so I could adjust it down to .95 volts and then the car went dead lean. I decided to finish my gauge wiring so I could see what was going on and found it was idling at 17-1 or so lean it was off the gauge. It lean backfires through the tailpipe and when I try to rev it sounds like its being choked off or something and will not rev.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt9639i-CA4

So I decided to drop back and punt......This ecm I got has changed hands at least 3 times before I acquired it so who knows of its condition.  I decided to just go back to what Im most familiar with and ordered a plug and play Megasquirt from EFI Source. I should have that tomorrow and will get it installed asap.

I also took the time to pull my dash apart again and installed the angled bezels on all the gauges. I had to do some searching to find somebody who made them in 3-3/8" for my speedo and tach but found a place on the east coast that sells performance boat parts and they make a powder coated aluminum bezel that worked great.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2758_zpsmtbgl3hh.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2758_zpsmtbgl3hh.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2757_zps6wombkhm.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2757_zps6wombkhm.jpg.html)

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2762_zpskyvu7hzc.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2762_zpskyvu7hzc.jpg.html)

Well I now have about 40miles on the car and doing some street tuning. Car is everything I thought it would be! Even with a short amount of tuning done so far it runs great!! It will smoke the tires in first and second with ease and drives like stock when your easy with it. The ride is perfect too with a perfect mix of sporty and comfy. Brakes feel good and the exhaust is just how I wanted it. Me and the lady went for a drive today and even she couldnt believe how quiet it is inside.

Love how the interior turned out. Only thing left to do is recover the headliner and wire up the amps in trunk and install new speakers.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2786_zpsajjlbskw.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2786_zpsajjlbskw.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2784_zpsahjzziag.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2784_zpsahjzziag.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2783_zps3xkp7vjl.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2783_zps3xkp7vjl.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2763_zpsmvnu8v8x.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2763_zpsmvnu8v8x.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2781_zps9bekcepg.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2781_zps9bekcepg.jpg.html)

Awesome. Motor & underhood look great.

Looking good!

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?39834-First-T-amp-T-with-TC&p=457224

Nice mph man.  I am hoping to pull around 105 to 110 mph when. I am at the track.  My goal is a 12.7 ish  for this season but I am running out of time.

Well I now have about 1000 miles on it and a couple trips to the drag strip and Im absolutely in love with this car! Its such a blast to drive and Im getting all kinds of random people making nice comments about it at the gas station,store,etc...

Went to the track this weekend and the tune is as dialed in as it can be. Runs great, super strong, great mileage and so far its pulled a bunch of 13.30s at 102 mph which i think is great for a basically stock 302.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2907_zpsdmktlvqu.png) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2907_zpsdmktlvqu.png.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2908_zpsemt4ln1s.png) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2908_zpsemt4ln1s.png.html)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLsjxkHvCzQ&feature=em-upload_owner

So today starts the next step. Getting it ready for paint! Im doing as much prep as I can for my painter but its going to be a more budget minded job than a killer show quality job since I plan to drive the wheels off it.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2911_zps7xd9rmgx.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2911_zps7xd9rmgx.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2913_zpswzlenvuj.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2913_zpswzlenvuj.jpg.html)
Im filling the fender markers.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2912_zpsgie1douy.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2912_zpsgie1douy.jpg.html)
Going to powder coat these gloss black.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2914_zpsaaj3izss.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2914_zpsaaj3izss.jpg.html)
 And I sand blasted a few rust spots on the door seams then hit them with some Eastwoods Rust encapsolator and then seal it off with some fresh seam sealer.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2916_zpsmglm2ggg.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2916_zpsmglm2ggg.jpg.html)

Got the door seams all sealed up and painted. Good enough for me!
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2959_zpsh1kiw0kk.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2959_zpsh1kiw0kk.jpg.html)

I cut metal patches for the markers and the antenna then put them on with body adhesive. This is as far as my paint guy wanted me to go so he will finish the rest of the body work and it should be ready for color by Friday
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2960_zps9oxt7ebr.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2960_zps9oxt7ebr.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2961_zpsve3buznn.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2961_zpsve3buznn.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_2962_zpstsazqcyt.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_2962_zpstsazqcyt.jpg.html)

Interesting. How well does the body adhesive hold up?

In 24hrs it will be as strong as a weld joint. Plus side is there is no warping of the panel your working on from welding and grinding. These front fenders are thin as hell and we didnt want to get into creating more work for our selves

I agree. Metal to metal adhesive is a great product when used properly. One very minor draw back when using it for patch panels is that sometimes you can see a small "outline" in the paint where the panels overlap. I think it is caused because of the difference in expansion and contraction of the adhesive and the metal.

Update. I want to see how the body work is coming.

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3007_zpsx2jbi9lf.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3007_zpsx2jbi9lf.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3005_zpsw3tsl1kd.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3005_zpsw3tsl1kd.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3009_zpsjzqccant.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3009_zpsjzqccant.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3006_zpsthvhj9mu.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3006_zpsthvhj9mu.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3014_zpsrcz1tkyk.png) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3014_zpsrcz1tkyk.png.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3016_zpsoq5oui0o.png) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3016_zpsoq5oui0o.png.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3015_zpsbr0sunjq.png) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3015_zpsbr0sunjq.png.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3020_zpshhofvim2.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3020_zpshhofvim2.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3022_zps2oeliy4e.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3022_zps2oeliy4e.jpg.html)

Hows that?

MOAR!

I'm actually surprised how well it worked out using the body adhesive. It just sounded like a bad idea to me, but obviously, it works wonders.

This all I got from my paint guy so far

I really thinking about having the wheels powder coated something different now. Such a bright car with so much black. I really like these wheels in chrome or I thought about maybe a graphite color since I havent seen that done to these wheels yet.

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3035_zpsnorwiuya.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3035_zpsnorwiuya.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3034_zps59ykcqah.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3034_zps59ykcqah.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3032_zpsk8pkdsoq.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3032_zpsk8pkdsoq.jpg.html)
Yes it really is that bright in the sun!!

And here are the missing markers and antenna
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3037_zpsp3khbzmb.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3037_zpsp3khbzmb.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3036_zpsgzc7tbkd.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3036_zpsgzc7tbkd.jpg.html)

Charcoal wheels might work really well with that color. Has that been buffed out?

Looking good, like the color, lol  I am not sure about my black wheels either, thought about doing a different color also.

Personally I think the graphite wheels would look better than the black.......would help make it stand out even more

No there has been no rubbing on the paint yet. Buddy had to move onto another project so I just brought it home to finish what I needed to do and we will rub it out in the spring after I get it back out of storage.  The clear on the roof has a slight haze to it as is but rest of the car looks great. The roof wont be an issue since I have a plan for that to go with my GT Bird theme.

I think Im going to go powder chrome with the wheels now...

Well she 98% there now!
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3067_zpsyixsgutg.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3067_zpsyixsgutg.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3074_zpsovmvknxo.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3074_zpsovmvknxo.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3075_zpscbjilv2h.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3075_zpscbjilv2h.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3076_zpslllhvggo.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3076_zpslllhvggo.jpg.html)

Only a couple small things left.

Looks great.... Awesome work in a short time.

Very nice.

I'm actually digging the stripe on the hood. I like how you ended the stripe before the end of the hood. Gives it more of a finished look.

The hood is just Plastidip to test my vision.

More than likely I will buy a 2.5" cowl glass hood and it will be blacked out with real 3m vinyl similar to the 85-86 GT Mustangs. The front edge of the hood decal has two thin stripes leading into the solid decal. I plan to do a 1/4" black stripe,1/4" red gap,1/2" black stripe,1/2" red gap then the rest of the solid black decal. Also the roof skin is getting blacked out as well.

The more I look at how my car is turning out the more I think Ford dropped the ball on never making a GT Tbird. Seems the "GT" treatment could have been used more across the board .

We had the Mustang GT, Capri RS{which should have just been called a GT}, Escort GT,a short run of Ranger GT's...

Great work. Very impressive. I had to go back and catch up on all of the build. I'm proud for you.

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.

This has been the fastest turn around on a project yet for me. It amazes me to think what I got done in just 6months time! And believe it or not I came in under $4k for the whole thing. Im really looking forward to having a finished car to enjoy next spring while I get my focus back on my Ranger True Street project. If $4k makes a car this cool just wait to see what I do with about $20k !!

I like it! It turned out beautifully! I also like the chrome anniversaries on it..

What a transformation.    I think the Chrome wheels are a great finishing touch.

Chrome wheels definateley made it pop, I had the exact black on my hood but in vinyl.....

Well I went and did a thing....
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3267_zpsndgjsand.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3267_zpsndgjsand.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3268_zpsrd7u4vug.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3268_zpsrd7u4vug.jpg.html)

Its Vortech V2 sq and my plan is to pulley it for only 8psi , throw some 42lb injectors in it then make a very soft timing map to hopefully keep the power down to around 400-425 at the wheels. Then pray the T5 will be ok. Im also going to swap in a 3.27 gear and go enjoy it!

Boost is a hell of a drug....

lol I forget a lot of you guys here dont know me very well yet.

My last toy was my 88 Ranger with a 2.3, Holset HX35 and a c4. It made 392 rwhp and ran 11.20s in True Street trim.

The one Im building now is another 88 Ranger but it has a 2.6 tall deck, PT 6266 and Im shooting for 600+

Well I went and got the car out of storage yesterday and she is now home!  Dam what a fun drive it was coming home! Just love how this car runs and drives.

Looks like first on my list today is to recover the headliner and get that installed. That will officially make the interior finished.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3449_zpsdi93hdir.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3449_zpsdi93hdir.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3450_zps5jouym41.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3450_zps5jouym41.jpg.html)

And you can call this the "before" shot of the motor. Big changes on the way!
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3446_zpsjdqsrkvn.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3446_zpsjdqsrkvn.jpg.html)

Looks great!

Looking good.

I see you have one of them fancy heat shields next to the air cleaner ;)

Laid some vinyl on the roof today. I love it! Car is getting closer to my original vision stored in my head months ago....

(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3471_zpszh7vfhpv.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3471_zpszh7vfhpv.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3470_zpshylfxbio.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3470_zpshylfxbio.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3469_zpsm4yncjnc.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3469_zpsm4yncjnc.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3468_zpsyyz6znnl.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3468_zpsyyz6znnl.jpg.html)

Still need to tint the back glass and the Plastidip on hood will be coming off soon for my final design in vinyl.

Amazing transformation on this car. Can't wait to see what you do next.

Oh I forgot, a couple weeks ago I finally recovered the headliner and chose to delete the visors since they were trashed anyway.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3452_zpskd41upox.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3452_zpskd41upox.jpg.html)

I picked up an old pump assembly and took it apart to clean up the bracket,paint and resealed the reservoir with a new o-ring. Then I installed it on a new A/C delete bracket kit.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3482_zpsl2bxne5m.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3482_zpsl2bxne5m.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3490_zpsw9qlb6vh.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3490_zpsw9qlb6vh.jpg.html)
I had to move my rad overflow tank since it was in the way of the new pump so I moved it to the front side of the core support.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3488_zpsx49kqho0.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3488_zpsx49kqho0.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3489_zps2ntrw18r.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3489_zps2ntrw18r.jpg.html)
I welded two -10 bungs to the valve covers for my new remote breather tank setup. I plugged the hole in the lower intake for the PCV. I was shocked how much oil film was in the intake runners with the factory PCV setup. Motor only has 1100 miles on it so this would of turned into a real problem fast once I add boost.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_35011_zpscqt5hxxw.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_35011_zpscqt5hxxw.jpg.html)
 (http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3502_zpsjbkhsn3c.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3502_zpsjbkhsn3c.jpg.html)

So I found that the lower crank pulley for the blower wont clear the electric fan in its current puller setup so Ill be swapping to a pusher fan and moving it to the front side of the rad.

Once you go above stock HO power levels the factory PCV location tends to suck more oil, even N/A. Something about the air flow increase. A real Motorcraft PCV helps but a catch can/oil separator is better.

What radiator are you running with your setup?

Its a huge Griffen

Was that a glimpse of your car on the last episode of Detroit Steel? :burnout:

Yeah that was me

Ah. Looked like it. When ever the cheap Northern aluminum radiator I got from Summit dies I was planning on going with  Griffin or Be Cool aluminum radiator.

Just discovered today that because that rad is so thick my Spal fan will not clear the added crank pulley for the blower. In a first class move a tech guy at Spal contacted me through facebook when I put my puller fan up for sale since Spal fans can not be wired in reverse to make a pusher and offered to swap the blades for me for free so I can still use my fan on front of rad.

.....nice.

I am so tempted to go junkyarding in the next few days and pick up an explorer top end. I went with a friend a few days ago and the had like 10 302 explorers.

Your build is very close to what I had always pictured doing to my car.

I tell you its been hard taking it back apart to do the blower because the thing ran so dam good and was so fun as it was. Great little combo and for some reason compared to a few of my buddies Mustangs with H/C/I setups mine blows them away.

It's the little things that make a car run good. The more attention you pay, the better the overall result will be. Take your time and make it run right, fix all the little things ect. Now let's take the average mustang guy (not trying to offend anyone, just describing my experience), they dont ever work on their car, they hire it out, or throw a bunch of shiny chrome or drop a ton of money on upgrades, but they dont usually understand how they work, or why one is better.

Let's take a good running car, but rip off the door panels off and maybe a few trim panels. Even though it's a good running reliable car, anyone who gets in side it is gonna say, what a peice of .

Same thing goes with the engine, exterior ect.

My whole idea behind the explorer motor stuff, it's all oem, you can get parts anywhere, and with aftermarket stuff, there is always varying levels of quality.

Been wrenchin on and off a few hours everyday and seems like Ive gotten nowhere lol

I hate this dam UPR k member. Just trying to get the power rack on has been a bitch. I fought trying to get the rack up in the hump of the oil pan to get on the mounting tubes and even with offset bushings the rack touches the pan. Then I found because the K member stretched the wheelbase an inch the stock steering shaft is to short now. And even if it was long enough the rag joint hits the header tube. Back to the drawing board....

I ordered a new universal steering shaft, bump steer kit and made a lifty thing so I can unbolt the motor to shim up the mounts and get rack in right.
 (http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3546_zpsrokbg1lt.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3546_zpsrokbg1lt.jpg.html)

I also bought a FMS King Cobra clutch kit and billet flywheel.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3545_zpsdxpxwznk.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3545_zpsdxpxwznk.jpg.html)

Moving on to the blower I found out I bought the wrong smog pump eliminator that doesn't have a threaded hole I need for the alternator mount. So waiting on the right one to show up now.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3541_zpsugujkyoj.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3541_zpsugujkyoj.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3547_zps847dbg9w.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3547_zps847dbg9w.jpg.html)

So it looks like by Friday all the last few parts will be here and with any luck it will be on the ground making noises by sunday.

I need up using eurathane motor mounts to get the motor to come up high enough so the pan would clear my rack. Supposedly the eurathane mounts are 1/2" higher than the stock mounts you buy at the parts store. For my Griggs k-member, Canton road race pan, and the 351W it worked perfectly.

Well I unbolted the motor yesterday and lifted it up then stuck a .250" shim under the mounts and it all clears now.

Got my new shaft yesterday also and did some mock up to check clearance. I need to move my breather tank forward about an inch and I figured out the layout for the passenger side breather hose and Forge BOV.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3554_zpsvfvp1lsy.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3554_zpsvfvp1lsy.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3553_zps6zc0jleu.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3553_zps6zc0jleu.jpg.html)

I also couldnt stomach paying $80 for Vortechs upper radiator hose tube so I made one cut on my stock upper hose and made a 90* tube from 1.25 straight tubing I had under the bench.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3552_zpsri4slzop.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3552_zpsri4slzop.jpg.html)

I was going to say you've got a fancy upper radiator hose ;)

And 98% done!
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3566_zpsmyekc6g3.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3566_zpsmyekc6g3.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3568_zpsy9u3u7pt.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3568_zpsy9u3u7pt.jpg.html)
I added a real cooler for the power steering and mounted it to the bottom of the rad.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3565_zps2vwysygz.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3565_zps2vwysygz.jpg.html)
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv173/deathbypsi/Turbocoupe/IMG_3567_zpspjpkixag.jpg) (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/deathbypsi/media/Turbocoupe/IMG_3567_zpspjpkixag.jpg.html)

Now Im just waiting for the rest of the steering parts so I can fill the power steering pump and fire it up! Going to start pulling the trans today to get clutch swapped.

How much boost are you going to run? I'm assuming sub 10 psi with no intercooler?

Yeah 10psi is my max limit. Hoping to get the job done on 8 tho.

Goals...
400 rwhp
sub 12.50 on the 17" wheels
11.99 on slicks
1/4 mile mph of 112 or more
Get me to and from work at least 4 days a week.

400 rwhp is a very realistic goal. My 306 was 318 rwhp NA at 10.5:1 so add a little boost and some fuel and I'm pretty sure would have made 400 rwhp and still have been easy to drive every day. Keep up the great work and post up those numbers!

If all goes well it will be on the dyno within the next two weeks. I will street tune it in myself then go see what my base numbers are. After that I might let my local tuner take a swing at it. I took my old 2.3t Ranger to his shop a couple years ago and he found another 40hp in the tune over my best rolling in off the street.

Looks great. Really like the lack of chrome and polished stuff under the hood.

Thanks Chuck. Don't tell my buddy who does my powder coating but now Im really wishing he hadn't chromed the top plate on the intake.

Well would ya just look at that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg1Kr0qF6Cw
 Sat down and had to build all new tables for fuel,spark and afr then uploaded my changes. First crank it fired right up and high idled for a min or so about 12.0-1 then settled into a nice 14.2-14.8 idle. Very happy!

Was sick as hell all weekend so I still haven't changed the clutch,flywheel or got into the axle yet. I did however buy some Moser stock replacement shafts to be on the safe side.

Hit the dyno yesterday!
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?40188-Good-day-on-dyno&p=460369#post460369

Do you get any "fluttering" noise when the RPMs are high and you pop off the loud pedal? Don't know anything about that particular BOV and what it can move.

No flutter,just a loud whoosh when it opens. Its real Forge dual piston which is plenty for this pooch

That's good. I learned the hard way LOL. Thankfully I did nothing but *possibly* ruin both shaft seals. Not really sure but I replaced them anyway. Now I have enough bypass, added a second valve. Heard it on a couple cars that were cruising at high RPM. Thinking "what the BLUE HELL is all that air hissing from?" It's absolutely insane but being a newb I kept forgetting that loud pedal or not blower's moving all that air all the time...

I actually held the BOV in my hand on one of the dyno pulls to make sure it wasnt leaking. With 200* air temps coming out of the blower you know the second that BOV opens!!

If you can ever cram an intercooler into that setup....as Ferris Bueller once said "I highly recommend picking one up" ;)

Well for now the UPR Boostmaster cold sir kit I put on yesterday has dropped the inlet temps 25*. Went to track yesterday and only seen 175* vs 200* prior. Not great but definitely going the right direction now.


Speaking of going to the track..... didnt have a very good day. Had to abort 6 out of 7 passes due to it going dead lean when I shifted to second gear. Only pass I got down the track under any kind of power I left real soft with a 2.14 60ft then shifted slow and easy. Once I was in 3rd I went WOT to 5500 then easy shift to 4th and WOT again. Ran a 13.20 but timing system didnt show my MPH. Found I have a bad connection in the harness plug going to the injectors. If I wiggled the plug the car would shut off or stumble just idling. Looks like the G-forces on 1-2 shift was enough to break the connection and the injectors would shut off. Every log I took showed 8-9 psi in 1st gear and 11.5 afr....shift to 2nd and it would go 18.0-1 faster than I could get out of it.

Had a much better track day last weekend!  Details in my thread here:
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?40262-Making-progress!

Picked up a set of CHE adjustable uppers and now I have full set of Welds to lighten it up for next try at the track in two weeks. I think Im going to meet my 11.99 goal pretty soon.

Well leaving work last week I got after it a little harder than normal and the T5 finally let go. Looks like I blew out third gear. Cant really be mad since this motor is making at least 460ish at the flywheel now so it is what it is.  I just ordered a G-Force T5 with the 2.94 1st gear box and .59 OD and this will allow me to change out the 3.55s in the 8.8 for some 3.90 gears. This combo should put the car in the 11s solid and on the expressway my cruise rpm at 70mph is only going to increase 175rpm.

I think you'll be really happy with the G force. If I ever upgrade my Maverick, that is the direction I'm going.

Any updates? .... In the 11's yet?

Big week ahead!

My new G Force will be here later tonite and I will be installing it in the morning. Im swapping out the 3.55s for some 3.73s right now. After the trans is in tomorrow im pulling the dash to replace my blown heater core, putting new dash pad in, moving the air temp sensor and installing some 60lb injectors.
 Then I will have about 4 days to get the clutch broke in and retune. On friday Im loading up to head back down to Norwalk Summit Motorsports Park for the weekend to run True Street again at the NMCA race. Saturday I need to find as close to a 12.000 tune as I can if I want to try and win some money in TS. Come Sunday I will be running the bracket class and I can let it all hang out and see what it has in it. Really hoping I can squeeze a 11.70@118 if things go the way I hope.

Well another race weekend in the books! 

To back up to last Thursday I really didnt like the 373 gear with the G-Force t5. First gear was still to tall and 5th was useless around town. It cruised 2200 rpm at 80mph and 45mph was 1000! I ened up putting a 3.90 gear in on thursday and it felt much better.

Sooo, Norwalk Ohio NMCA True Street on Sat morn.......Somehow by 10am they were running 4hrs behind schedule. TS was to get a time trial at 10am but we didnt get our first run until 2pm. Made for a very aggravating day because I felt like I had to hang around my pit area in fear Id miss our call if I wandered off to other parts of the track and didnt make it to staging in time.
 When they called us up at 2 I grabbed my laptop and got in the lanes. I turned on datalogging and made my first pass. Did my normal 3000 rpm launch and the car dead hooked and fell on its face. After it recovered it felt lazy and I knew the run was slow. It ran a 1.82 12.82@108. After I checked the log it clearly showed blower belt slipping again. It peaked at 7psi at top of first gear then after that never went above 5.2psi rest of the run. Quick check under hood showed the belt was very loose from stretch and from my Carbinite coated pulley chewing up the belt. With no extra belt on me and no time to go buy a new one I just tightened the hell out of it and got in line for the TS cruise.

 We did the 30 mile cruise without issue and got in line for first pass. Didnt know what to except on my first run so I left at 2500 slipping the clutch just a bit and it ran a 1.70 12.14@116    BAM, new best mph!

 Second pass the guy i was racing screwed up my routine by taking like a full minute just to go from pre-stage to full staged. I was holding car at 3000rpm for what felt like forever when I let off the gas to look over to see wtf he was waiting for when he finally bumped in and tree came down before I collected myself again and I ended up dumping the clutch at like 2000rpm and car bogged and almost stalled out. Run was only a 12.50@113. Right there killed my shot at winning the 12.00 class.

 Final run was after waiting an hour for an oil down so car cooled off pretty good. I left at 3000 nice and easy and pulled a 1.61 12.07@115.3    Not the 11 I wanted but still a new best ET. I think my 5800 shifting is what held it back this time.

I stayed for Sunday bracket race to see if I could squeeze that 11 out of it but it wasnt meant to be. Since you cant have laptops in the vehicle during TS i wasnt able to get any data from the previous 3 runs so I plugged in for my first run Sunday. I tried a 3500 launch and it dead hooked and fell on its face! Rest of the run felt down on power and it only ran a 12.62@112. Looking at the log it showed belt slip again with only 4psi in first 3 gears and it peaked at 8psi for a split sec in 4th before dropping again. I checked the belt and its chewed up good now so I called it a day and packed up.


Im going to add some Strange 10 way adjustables in place of my KYB's and hook up my Launch Control in the Microsquirt to fine tune my launch technique. I still havent tried using my Snow meth kit again yet so I have that to play with as well. I have two more track days coming up on the 14th and the 30th

It's running  fast. Nice times!

I just read this entire build..I've gotta say you did one helluva job!! CONGRATS!!

Well just to update this thread since it’s been a while .....

The car worked great the remainder of that season and ended up running a best ET of 11.82 and best mph was 119.  Pretty good for a daily driven street car I think. So logically the next step was.......rip it apart! Lol

I ended up selling the complete motor, harness and ecm to a buddy and I picked up a 2013 f150 5.0 coyote to swap in the car. I been side tracked working on a bunch of off road trucks the last two years but this spring the tbird comes out of storage and I’ll begin its resurrection.

I also been dospoogeenting everything on my YouTube channel called Randum Adventures if you want to follow along.