General => Lounge => Topic started by: vinnietbird on December 24, 2010, 12:34:20 AM
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 24, 2010, 12:34:20 AM
I took my GT40 intake out side and stripped the silver paint from the areas I was going to work on, then brought it inside and filled the kitchen sink with warm water and started sanding. I stripped the lettering and clear coat from the cover and followed the same wet sanding and polish procedure I use. After working from 220 up to 2000 grit then polish,here's what became of the process.....
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: hypostang on December 24, 2010, 12:40:48 AM
looking good !! Is the FPV plate a Vinnie addition ?
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 24, 2010, 12:45:19 AM
BLING BLING YO! lol
ok, enough ebonics.. looks great! did you sand it by hand or did you use a sander?
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 24, 2010, 12:51:06 AM
First,yes, the FPV badge is something I added when I was done. I can remove it if I feel as though it doesn't bleong,but for now,it belongs. The Australian badges are awesome.
Second,I used a drill with a 5 inch disc and peel and stick sand parer to strip the paint,then it was all hand sanding after that. I started the project around 11:00 this morning and finished around 5:00 this evening. That included two trips down town for some stainless screws for the cover,and to take my boy to a store.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 24, 2010, 12:53:48 AM
I was going to paint the tubes and lower mounting Ford Blue to match the engine,but I like the way it looks as it is now. I'm 4 bolts away from installing it, then, Jerry (Daminc for you newbies) gets my current intake
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 24, 2010, 12:58:12 AM
jesus.. my ADD won't allow me to sit there and fiddle with sandpaper that long.. looks great, i'm envious of your ability to sit there and spend so much time on it!
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 24, 2010, 01:02:12 AM
I've got about 4 1/2 hours in to it. After I get my bolts, It shouldn't take but 10 minutes or so to pull the other and bolt this one on.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on December 24, 2010, 06:16:29 AM
Very nice work! Please post a pic when it is installed!!!
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 24, 2010, 08:07:47 AM
Quote from: MrBill88Tbird;346882
Very nice work! Please post a pic when it is installed!!!
I will do that. It's pouring rain today (of course),but as soon as it stops,I'll grab the bolts and bolt it on and snap a couple of shots.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 5.0 tbird on December 24, 2010, 10:53:46 PM
Yeah that really turned out great, I would definitely leave the FPV plate on.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 25, 2010, 04:27:32 PM
The more I look at it,the more I like it.Until now,I've never liked the GT40 tubular uppers. I've had 3 and sold them all. Now,I guess I just needed a change.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 25, 2010, 07:34:32 PM
i demand someone do a full inspection and make sure every decimeter of casting marks are removed LOL
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 25, 2010, 07:37:24 PM
I promise, it looks great. Pics coming up tomorrow or the next day after I install it. I'm a little excited. I may get it out of the trunk and sit and polish a little more while I watch TV tonight. It's pretty.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 25, 2010, 07:40:39 PM
i'll say it again.. dedication lol
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 25, 2010, 07:57:56 PM
I am dedicated to what I do for the Sport. I lie for low-buck to no-buck mods and upgrades. This was a no-buck job. I had sand paper,sanding disc paper,polish and water......which equals shiny aluminum. I think for less than 5 hours total labor,it was a good idea and I HOPE it looks good on the engine. We'll know tomorrow or Monday. I'll post pics and let you guys be the judge of it.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: jcassity on December 25, 2010, 11:21:38 PM
thats friggin awsome work!!!
i love those uppers by the way, seems to be more visually functional so to speak.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 26, 2010, 07:06:30 AM
Thanks Cassity.I have always had a sweet spot for the Explorer uppers. I don't know why, I'd guess because I've had them for so long, but it was time for a change so I got two of these and obligated myself to using one of them. I wasn't really working for me until I finished polishing and applied the FPV emblem. Then it really hit me. I'm really happy with it.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: flylear45 on December 26, 2010, 07:34:04 AM
Looks fantastic. I wish I had the patience for detailing that you have. It should look great on the engine.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 26, 2010, 01:15:10 PM
Not too much patience needed...just 4 1/2 hours and some basic stuff,and done.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: mcb82gt on December 26, 2010, 07:43:09 PM
I think it looks great. I cant wait to see it on the engine.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 26, 2010, 07:56:13 PM
It'll be installed as soon as the sun comes up tomorrow.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: daminc on December 26, 2010, 08:12:41 PM
.. Sorry, I couldn't see this page until I posted something....
Go Vinnie,,,, Go Vinnie
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 26, 2010, 08:44:51 PM
So,Jerry....you approve?
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: daminc on December 26, 2010, 08:49:09 PM
That's the one your sending me, right?
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on December 27, 2010, 07:11:03 AM
Nice job Vinnie, it looks great! I'm not suprised though, you have that knack for detailing.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: cougarman on December 27, 2010, 07:15:13 AM
Awesome job Vinnie,:bowdown: always liked those tubular intakes. (I have a birthday coming up, hint hint....lol):D
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 27, 2010, 07:41:31 AM
Quote from: daminc;347178
That's the one your sending me, right?
Yes,it's just like this one,but totally different.LOL.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 27, 2010, 07:42:23 AM
Quote from: cougarman;347224
Awesome job Vinnie,:bowdown: always liked those tubular intakes. (I have a birthday coming up, hint hint....lol):D
Hey,if you'll pay the $345.00 shipping charges,I can hook you up with a tubular intake for free.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: cougarman on December 27, 2010, 07:47:20 AM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347228
Hey,if you'll pay the $345.00 shipping charges,I can hook you up with a tubular intake for free.
Whoo hoo, what a deal...lol. Dang post office and thier high shipping..lol.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: daminc on December 27, 2010, 07:56:30 AM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347227
Yes,it's just like this one,but totally different.LOL.
Awesome, I like to be different
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 27, 2010, 08:05:05 AM
Different is a good thing.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: daminc on December 27, 2010, 08:24:17 AM
it wasn't in my high school...lol
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: bagodonuts on December 27, 2010, 09:30:28 PM
Wow that intake looks good! Can I ask you a question? Are those intakes on all 5.0 Explorers,or only certain years?
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: daminc on December 27, 2010, 09:33:37 PM
doesn't look right, it's hideous .....I'll get it out of your sight for you
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 27, 2010, 10:21:37 PM
Quote from: bagodonuts;347292
Wow that intake looks good! Can I ask you a question? Are those intakes on all 5.0 Explorers,or only certain years?
It's GT40 intake. Not an Explorer,although it does share the same lower intake. These are considered more rare (to a point),and more desirable,BUT,it flows the same as an Explorer upper intake. I just did it to be a little different. Not for any power gains. Truth be told,at the TOP end,the Explorer intake beat the Cobra and GT40 by a tiny amount. Nothing you'd feel,but on paper.................
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 27, 2010, 10:22:39 PM
Jerry,too late,it's on the Sport. I wasn't able to get pics yet. I will asap.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: sarjxxx on December 27, 2010, 10:55:37 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;346868
I've got about 4 1/2 hours in to it...
:punchballs:
THAT is why I will not paint or otherwise perform any serious cosmetic work my own car. Too much too fast is always my approach:toilet:
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: sarjxxx on December 27, 2010, 10:57:08 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347295
It's GT40 intake.
They kinda remind me of headers but for your intake manifold instead of exhaust manifold;)
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 27, 2010, 11:01:08 PM
Yeah,kind of a reverse header. I'm liking it so far.It showed me how much I have to re-clean on the engine.I also have to repaint my strut tower brace. Oh well,it's highly functional (except for the a/c,which I have a new compressor for and will be done next week). Even with the daily driver dust and such under the hood,when I open it,it still takes people by surprise. I like that.I'll do some cleaning this week.I also have to swap out my valve covers soon.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: bagodonuts on December 28, 2010, 11:42:56 AM
Thanks for the info!
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 28, 2010, 04:42:03 PM
No problem. If money isn't an issue and you like the GT40 tubular intake.I say grab one. BUT,for the money and performance,Explorer all the way. The ONLY reason I got the GT40 was because I found a killer deal that I may not see again
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: hypostang on December 28, 2010, 04:52:21 PM
Why no installed pics?????
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 28, 2010, 09:52:26 PM
Coming soon to a thread near you. I's raining way too much right now.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: thunderjet302 on December 29, 2010, 04:31:41 PM
That looks nice. I really like the tubular GT40 intakes. If I get one the only thing that would bug me is that I can't use my rare FRPP Cobra intake plate with it.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 05:26:47 PM
I hated giving up my one off intake plate,but,I know it's going to a good home,and for me,it was time for a change.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on December 29, 2010, 05:30:01 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347447
Coming soon to a thread near you. I's raining way too much right now.
I hope this doesnt take 82 pages before we see that intake get installed!!! LOL
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 05:42:38 PM
Guess what??? I'm taking the pic and posting in a couple of minutes. How's that?
NO,it won't take 82 pages.LOL.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 05:49:17 PM
Here's the "installed" pic. Super cold and rainy yesterday....sunny today and in the 60's. Good ol' Oklahoma.LOL.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on December 29, 2010, 05:51:04 PM
That looks friggin' sweet. The FPV badge is awesome, nice work. Your engine bay is so tidy.....where are all the wires???? lol
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 06:09:37 PM
The wires? They're frigging' everywhere Ford put them. I haven't moved anything. It'll look a lot better when I have a nice day,some time,and some motivation.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: hypostang on December 29, 2010, 06:26:56 PM
That looks really Good Vinnie .
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 06:27:41 PM
Thanks a lot. I did the best I could for free.LOL.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on December 29, 2010, 07:02:24 PM
It turned out real nice Vinnie. The only thing I'm not real sure of is why you painted your strut tower brace red? I think something more suttle like a dark grey or have it be the same color as the car would look better. It just looks out of place to me. Please don't take any offence because you know I think your car is sweet, it's just my 2 cents.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: daminc on December 29, 2010, 07:09:19 PM
The red is great.... Ya gotta have a little porno red on these cars....
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 07:11:32 PM
It's a frame for the intake. Also,I actually had thought about black or gray,but wanted something a little different. It does grab the attention,and then puts your eyes right in the middle of the engine.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on December 29, 2010, 07:13:15 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347559
The wires? They're frigging' everywhere Ford put them. I haven't moved anything. It'll look a lot better when I have a nice day,some time,and some motivation.
It looks a million times better than mine, I have wires and wires and wires everywhere, they all stick out like a sore thumb. You've done an excellent job with that car and it keeps getting better.
Here's my disaster - (don't mean to clutter up your thread, my bad pics only make your's look better...lol) Now you see where I'm coming from
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on December 29, 2010, 07:22:03 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347584
It's a frame for the intake. Also,I actually had thought about black or gray,but wanted something a little different. It does grab the attention,and then puts your eyes right in the middle of the engine.
This is true it does do that. The intake would grab your attention either way though. It really does look great!!
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 07:28:06 PM
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;347585
It looks a million times better than mine, I have wires and wires and wires everywhere, they all stick out like a sore thumb. You've done an excellent job with that car and it keeps getting better.
Here's my disaster - (don't mean to clutter up your thread, my bad pics only make your's look better...lol) Now you see where I'm coming from
No worries,jump right in. I did away with all of my smog equipment,and the Mark VII probably has harnesses my Sport doesn't. I had thought about hiding wires,but realistically,with a daily driver,I'd like to keep access to everything as a "just in case" without having to pull wheels and inner fenders to get to hidden harnesses in order to clean up under the hood.I don't mind some wires.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: thunderjet302 on December 29, 2010, 07:33:25 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347552
Here's the "installed" pic. Super cold and rainy yesterday....sunny today and in the 60's. Good ol' Oklahoma.LOL.
Looks great. As long as you run the wires where Ford had them and keep them in looms they aren't that noticeable. I don't even really notice all the wires under my hood because they are all where Ford put them and in the factory looms.
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;347585
It looks a million times better than mine, I have wires and wires and wires everywhere, they all stick out like a sore thumb. You've done an excellent job with that car and it keeps getting better.
Here's my disaster - (don't mean to clutter up your thread, my bad pics only make your's look better...lol) Now you see where I'm coming from
You've got a Mark VII with a bunch more wires than a T-bird or Cougar ever had;)
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 07:34:36 PM
Quote from: 1Bad88tbird;347589
This is true it does do that. The intake would grab your attention either way though. It really does look great!!
Hey,no offense at all about the color swap idea. I'll take any feedback you guys have to give about the Sport. Some things do NOT work (parts,colors,emblems,etc). I enjoy hearing it all. I have tossed around the idea of changing the color,but I'm still unsure.If I did change it,I'd probably go with gloss black. That is a big "IF". For now,red is it. Before I painted it red,I put a lot of thought into it. I usually don't rush into color decisions,or anything on the Sport for that matter. I take some time and think so I don't end up regretting it the next day. I usually take a week to make up my mind.....unless it's an idea I've had for some time....like the intake. I did decide...for now...not to remove the fins and give the FPV badge a place to be recessed. I may still do that,but later on. For now,I'm very happy with the look,and it's mine.
Again,thanks for the comments....keep them coming.If you think something doesn't belong, or looks "out of place",lay it on me.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on December 29, 2010, 07:43:13 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347590
No worries,jump right in. I did away with all of my smog equipment,and the Mark VII probably has harnesses my Sport doesn't. I had thought about hiding wires,but realistically,with a daily driver,I'd like to keep access to everything as a "just in case" without having to pull wheels and inner fenders to get to hidden harnesses in order to clean up under the hood.I don't mind some wires.
I will be doing away with all the smog stuff as well, as soon as I gather all my exhaust parts. Those pics above are from the last 2 weeks where I was pulling stuff to do some cleaning up and trying to tidy up the wires and for the first time try to paint an upper intake, until I desperately needed it back for a DD, so Sunday I had to put it all back together..... Maybe next time.
Quote from: thunderjet302;347591
Looks great. As long as you run the wires where Ford had them and keep them in looms they aren't that noticeable. I don't even really notice all the wires under my hood because they are all where Ford put them and in the factory looms.
You've got a Mark VII with a bunch more wires than a T-bird or Cougar ever had;)
Mine are far way from where Ford put them lol.... I'm pretty sure the motor was replaced at some point. And yes, there are a few more harnesses in the Marks than the 'Birds, more than I like.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on December 29, 2010, 08:05:58 PM
Looks really good!!!!!
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: Bruce M on December 29, 2010, 08:14:00 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347593
Hey,no offense at all about the color swap idea. I'll take any feedback you guys have to give about the Sport. Some things do NOT work (parts,colors,emblems,etc). I enjoy hearing it all. I have tossed around the idea of changing the color,but I'm still unsure.If I did change it,I'd probably go with gloss black. That is a big "IF". For now,red is it. Before I painted it red,I put a lot of thought into it. I usually don't rush into color decisions,or anything on the Sport for that matter. I take some time and think so I don't end up regretting it the next day. I usually take a week to make up my mind.....unless it's an idea I've had for some time....like the intake. I did decide...for now...not to remove the fins and give the FPV badge a place to be recessed. I may still do that,but later on. For now,I'm very happy with the look,and it's mine.
Again,thanks for the comments....keep them coming.If you think something doesn't belong, or looks "out of place",lay it on me.
I would leave the fins, they help disapate heat.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on December 29, 2010, 08:16:19 PM
I'm with you, I don't mind getting constructive criticism but when it's just ment to be mean then that's a whole different thing. Thankfully there's not much of that here, we've got a good group of guys on here. Something else I really like about our hobby is the freedom to express ourselves through our cars. We each have a vision of our cars and we try to get as close to it as possable. That's how we make them ours. I know there's people that don't like the chrome wheel well trim I have on mine but to me it looks like it should be there. I feel it matches the chrome in the molding and finishes the look. It's just one of the many things that makes it mine.
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 29, 2010, 08:54:33 PM
EWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!! GET IT OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!!!! lmao example 1 of why i DO NOT and WILL NOT do factory EFI conversions ;)
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: daminc on December 29, 2010, 09:02:45 PM
Quote from: Bruce M;347600
I would leave the fins, they help disapate heat.
I don't think losing those few fins would really change anything... stock intakes didn't have any
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on December 29, 2010, 09:10:57 PM
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;347615
EWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!! GET IT OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!!!! lmao example 1 of why i DO NOT and WILL NOT do factory EFI conversions ;)
Honestly dude, it's not that bad, only took me about 15 minutes to re-install everything taken apart in that picture and get it back to pristine running order. Fired right up and idled like a champ for me, been daily driving 130 miles a day since Sunday. No carb tuning required lol. I love EFI, It's simple, and it's complicated, if that makes any sense.
Now, back to the topic at hand...sorry
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: flylear45 on December 29, 2010, 09:26:46 PM
Intake looks fantastic installed. Have you thought about body color on the brace?
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 29, 2010, 11:45:27 PM
Quote from: daminc;347620
I don't think losing those few fins would really change anything... stock intakes didn't have any
My thoughts exactly. I'm not concerned with the heat two fins (partial fins) would cool. Besides,with it being tubular,and not cast,it'll cool just fine. my money says with fins or no fins,temps of the intake are the same when the engine is at normal operating temps for a finned vs. non-finned intake (same style intake...one with now fins).
As far as painting the bar body color,Nope. No green bar on top of the engine. Red or black. That's the only choices.
On the EFI matter,...carb vs. EFI has been going for years with people. EFI like ours is really easy if you just understand what the parts do. It's super reliable,and with the EFI,even with my engine combo,the Sport gets excellent mpg. The Sport averaged 24-25 mpg at 72-74 mph going to Texas a couple of weeks ago on regular unleaded. In my own opinion,there's a reason they don't build carbed cars anymore. EFI is very efficient. In the end,we all like what we all like.
back on topic.........
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 30, 2010, 01:53:16 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;347645
On the EFI matter,...carb vs. EFI has been going for years with people. EFI like ours is really easy if you just understand what the parts do. It's super reliable,and with the EFI,even with my engine combo,the Sport gets excellent mpg. The Sport averaged 24-25 mpg at 72-74 mph going to Texas a couple of weeks ago on regular unleaded. In my own opinion,there's a reason they don't build carbed cars anymore. EFI is very efficient. In the end,we all like what we all like.
back on topic.........
aftermarket EFI or carb all the way.. OEM harnesses are sloppy with an over abundance of wiring clutter and such
Title: What I didto my GT40 intake today......
Post by: vinnietbird on December 30, 2010, 02:08:21 PM
I'm more interested in the overall function and cost of the factory EFI. It works great,super functional,and it looks cool (I like mine !!!). But like I said,it's all a matter of what you like personally. As far as the over abundance of wiring,most of that goes to sensors to help optimize fuel and air mixtures,and get the most power as efficiently as possible.