Anyone have any projects they are going to start or complete on their fox this spring? April is only 6 weeks away! I used to do projects over the winter but the older I get the less I like going outside in the cold to to work on the car. The spring has become when I do my projects now. This is what I plan on no doing to my Thunderbird when it comes out in the spring:
Install new front springs. I'm hoping to drop the nose down 1-1.5 inches, the amount it went up when I swapped to aluminum heads.
Install an Autometer shift light. I have an epoxy mod valve body in the AOD in my Thunderbird so I can manually shift the transmission 1-2-3. I want to experiment with different shift points at the track and see at what rpm the car runs its fastest time.
I've got another trick up my sleeve to make the car quicker. First I want to run it as is and then I'm going to change a major component and see if it goes a bit quicker :).
Plan do get my new 5.0 together, installed and swap to MAF
I have a long list as I have been gathering parts for at least a year. Big project will be H.O. conversion. Next will be SN95 springs and TC sway bars front/back....Had my seats redone and new carpet installed a couple months back. Ray
If you're building a stock HO it will run great with speed density. If you plan on doing upgrades in the future than MAF is the way to go. The MAF conversion isn't hard. I believe it took my all of 3 hours to do. Most of that time was running and soldering the sires.
That should make the car more fun to drive.
After I run the Thunderbird at the track one more time changing the shift points this is my next project:
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/20150212_205355_zpsd398fc01.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/20150212_205355_zpsd398fc01.jpg.html)
Swap the GT40 Intake for a Performer RPM intake. I think the car should pull better at higher RPM with minimal if any loss in low end torque.
I've got a set up upper rear control arm bushings to install as my old ones are worn out and it makes a clunking noise every time I let out on the clutch. Other than that I just plan to service it and adjust the clutch before I head out on Power Tour in June.
I might do the 3g alternator conversion on my 85 XR-7. My electric cooling fan died, and when I replaced it, it seems like the new fan draws more current. It melted the controller (common problem), but even after I bypassed the controller with relays, when the AC kicks on and the fan runs, the lights dim. A 3g would probably keep up with the demand much better.
I have some spring projects on my other vehicles too. I have an 85 Plymouth Voyager with a 2.5 Turbo swapped in. I want to repaint the grille (stone chips) and do some halo headlights (it's a 4-eye!).
Installing these....:
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb170/1WLDBRD/Mobile%20Uploads/20141224_162815_zpsec3247d8.jpg) (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/1WLDBRD/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141224_162815_zpsec3247d8.jpg.html)
Buy a 2015 Mustang GT.
Perform a major service on the Pimp Sled (timing belt, spark plugs, water pump, trans service
Replace all the fuel lines on the Avalanche (just yesterday had to put a temporary patch in one)
That's about it, car-wise.
House-wise, lots:
Build a gazebo
Build a new solar water heater for the pool (this will be the roof on the gazebo). This new heater will be a big improvement over last year's (which will also be used).
Cut down several large trees that are shading the pool
Repair the flower beds in front of the house (frost has pushed them apart)
Finish up installing drywall in the garage
Maybe, just maybe, install the addition on the garage I've been wanting
...and oh yeah, take down the Christmas lights :mullet: It got really cold right after Christmas, and then the snow started in mid January and hasn't left up since (at least 6" every three or four days), so I never got 'em down
Jeez, where do I begin...
Car wise...
1. Finish the brakes and exhaust on this and get it inspected.
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o569/JustinGehret/image-54.jpg) (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/JustinGehret/media/image-54.jpg.html)
2. Time the engine for this and install it
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o569/JustinGehret/image-80.jpg) (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/JustinGehret/media/image-80.jpg.html)
3. Headliner and dashcap for this one
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o569/JustinGehret/image_10.jpg) (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/JustinGehret/media/image_10.jpg.html)
4. Slowly d parts for the 84 bird
Housewise....
1. Rototill for the new garden
2. Clean up the flower beds
3. Redo the deck and expand it around the pond
4. A new roof for the house (outsourcing this one)
Maybe I should just post what does NOT need done.
I've got basp00get walls pushing in on the north and south sides, rear deck needs replaced, my barn needs some repair and a coat of paint...probably have to hire the paint out...I'm not doing it. Scared of heights. It's 55' up at the peak...oh hell no am I going up there... :hick:
What else...oh yeah, get the '87 it's 5.0, figure out what engine I want for the '84 and make in-roads to that goal, and maybe try to find a new SUV with 3rd row seating and whatnot. A 2000-ish Explorer or Mounty would do nice, so would an Expy, but man, gas is bad enough now..
I also need to get the trans in my '88 K truck fixed or rebuilt...it's my work truck in the absence of something Ford flavored, but it'll do as long as I don't take it to the mudhole....anymore.
There's so much to do...but I've noticed lately, I'm getting tired easier, and don't feel so good at times. Might go see the doc one of these days and see if I've got something wrong. Of course, I have been sick off/on since September.
Yeah bud, you may wanna go see a doctor.
.030 over, GT40 heads with ports cleaned up and will upgrade the springs, GT40 intake, Will probably go with an F303 cam, buddy of mine has an unused one for cheap. BBK unequal length headers, 2.5" off-road H pipe. Delete smog components, upgrade fuel pump.
I was going to stay speed density, I even bought a DA1 ECC, but then came across a deal, A9M ECC, MAF sensor, 65mm TB, stock HO injectors and BBK cold air intake with a new filter for $350. So why not go MAF and have it there for future mods.
I plan to get some more of the TC completed. Need to figure out why the auto lamps are on all the time, I currently use the switch manually. Find out why the auto dimmer doesn't auto dim. Then replace the rear package shelf that is all eaten up by sun. Sure would like a blue one, I only have a black one but I guess it will look ok. I only have one working electric fan, got a replacement already for that and the crack in my taillight that I just bought a replacement for. I would also like to tint the windows. That is my bucket list for the spring. Oh, almost forgot the most important part, to ENJOY the car once again on the roads!!! This salt is killing me!
Shane, I'd find yourself some 24's and a mass meter to go with for that combo. The 19's will be close to 100%, I'd bet.
Glad you did end up going mass air...wish you'd bought my A9T though LOL. ;)
10-80, I had the same problem with my rear package shelf. I found some carpet at a car audio shop that worked great. Its the kind they cover speaker boxes with therefore doesn't have the padding. The color was VERY close. Im happy with the results.
Don't get me started on home projects. In 6 weeks or so we're gutting an entire floor, adding dormers, and redoing two bathrooms. Going to be a fun, long, expensive project.
Making a weekend trip to get my bird so I can finish it
I just want to start my car!
Thinking about tackling exhaust. Seriously tempted to do 3" duals and long tube headers.
One thing that needs done is my front struts. You can dribble the front end like a basketball. Takes at least 6 bounces to stop. Ill probably also need new tires. Think of 235/60r15's up front and 275/50's in the rear. If i do the struts, i got some sn-95 springs, gt spindles and brakes to go on. Im also really tempted to start ripping some stuff out. I one yard i found only charges $27.99 for a rack. I wanna gut one ala flying miata style.
Then delete the a/c and smog pump, and throw my t-5 in if i get around to it. New fuel pump and h.o. upgrade would be nice as well, but while im commuting the car, down time will be kept to a minimum.
Why? 2.5" supports over 500hp... pretty sure your not even remotely close to that. 3 inch will kill any bottom end torque you have and make a mild street car gutless. Not a very smart idea man. Spend your money elsewhere for better improvements
^yep. :)
Headlight relays,clean and re-paint engine bay now that I have my combo sorted out, maybe take out the 4.10s put the 3.73 rear end back in (3.35 1st and 4.10s totally useless....but fun). Tinted the windows last fall so that is scratched off the list. Don't get me started on the house, I want to do some updates on the Travel Supreme 5th wheel first before we put it back at the camp ground for the season. I'm already tired just writing this...LOL.
Every 500hp car makes its power inspite of the 2.5" exhaust, not because of it.
This might sound stupid, but eventually i plan on hacking together a junkyard remote supercharger. I wouldn't want to make near 500hp on a stock block. Car is now emissions exempt. Gonna ditch everything but the egr.
Might never get around to a super charger, but if i do, id be glad it was there. Without a cat and a glasspack style ler, price is negligible.
Dude...3 inch pipes will ruin the low end you have now. Save your money/time/effort until you get to the junk (yard) supercharger set up...there's a reason why the exhaust companies sell so ed many 2.5" sets....
It's like the guys who put the MSD ignitions on a stock or slight bolt on engine...I guess if you want to waste money, go ahead, but it's absolutely pointless until you get to big power levels. Just sayin...not criticizing. :)
Spend the money you'd out on the 3" exhaust and work over a set of GT40 heads or buy an E cam or something that will give you more bang for your bucks.
I've already sorted out the carb swap and solved 85% of my electrical gremlins. Next is the cobra brakes and SN95 springs and spindles with cobra brakes and foxbody GT steering rack and LSC 8.8 all on 17" Bullitt wheels. But I'll get to that once I finish my '73 Mustang floor replacement and cowl repair and send it off for bodywork and paint.
Whew... I got wore out just thinking about it.
Sometimes you just gotta sit back and laugh and let them learn I guess.
My list is probably bigger this year than ever before. The issue with that is the fact that this winter refuses to let go. Is it bad when you're actually HAPPY that it's 20 deg. F.?
Cougar:
- Install and wire up the 4 note Cadillac horns
- Install new wiper cowl panel and wiper arms (mine are faded - replace them and paint the old ones and save them)
- 30 pound injector swap with matching MAF metering tube. I'm sick of running my 24's with the pressure jacked to the moon to to feed this motor.
Lincoln:
- Bench test alternator (It's overcharging; 16V @ 2500 RPM. Either the alt. or wiring)
- Install new lers and tailpipes (Borla XR1's and 2.5" Mustang LX tails)
- Find passenger side beltline trim that's undented. Install.
- Pull dent out of driver door.
- Sand down roof and hood. Re-clear coat.
House aka Super Insano destroyer of the PaulyWallet:
- New flat roof above the back porch.
- Gut and remodel master bedroom.
- Fix floor in basp00get (was 2 weeks old and got water damage..... F@$k you, house! The water issue is FINALLY fixed so I can move on).
I'm just hoping when we gut the upstairs we don't find any weird wiring or messed up stuff behind the walls. Or plumbing issues. I hate spending money on home repairs you can't see.
Install new fuel pump on the '87.
With a neighbor's help, we think we have diagnosed a bad pump (hardly any pressure) being the cause of the dying on the highway a year and a half or so ago...and no start since then. :disappoin
I am embarrassed that I have let my baby sit so long, under a cover at the end of my drive. But you know...job/money/time, etc. Life is hard! :slap:
Fuel pump ordered and on the way. Fingers crossed for next weekend! If she gets up and going, then I think I'm gunna have to spend some tax refund on new tires...the set I installed in Ohio back in '03 or '04 (can't recall...my first CatJam) seem to be about to pop due to dry rot.
Sweet royce. You going with at least a mustang gt pump? My old bird ate an airtek pump, new out of the box. They didn't have another one, but a 130/lb mustang pump was only $10 more, so we threw that in instead.
Shopped around Rock Auto & O'Reilly for brands/prices. Amazon had a price comparable to Rock Auto, with Prime shipping on this one from Spectra:
Spectra Premium SP234H Fuel Hanger Assembly with Pump and Sending Unit for Ford/Mercury (http://"http://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Premium-SP234H-Assembly-Sending/dp/B000C7QM2Q/ref=au_as_r?ie=UTF8&Make=Mercury%7C56&Model=Cougar%7C720&Year=1987%7C1987&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=2&vehicleType=automotive")
I guess maybe I should have come here and done some research/gotten suggestions first before making a purchase...but I was just so excited :hick: at the thought of getting her going again, I couldn't wait!
I'll update my progress after this weekend I hope.
Never updated but I got one project done. The shift light/tachometer is installed.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/20150307_1623041_zps0sszaoex.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/20150307_1623041_zps0sszaoex.jpg.html)
Well, installing the replacement engine asap, new radiator, new clutch and between the time parts arrive, working in the back yard and getting ready for green grass and prety weather.
I am, at this point and time, tired of messing with the Sport. I'm ready to go and just drive....and drive.....and drive.....
Lou is your factory tach THAT far off? Mine's pretty much spot on.....
Yep. That's with the Autometer tachometer set at 4 pulses per revolution, the correct setting for a V8. Apparently my factory tach is very off. I have no idea why.
Pulled my motor after collapsing a piston ring in October and decided to clean up and de-clutter everything before the motor got re-installed.
Here is engine bay before:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/garage1_zpsd183006e.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/garage1_zpsd183006e.jpg.html)
Notice the lack of a k-member. removed the stocker and installed a tubular setup:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/garage4_zps87d0ce71.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/garage4_zps87d0ce71.jpg.html)
Tidying things up:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/racknpinion_zps13e57045.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/racknpinion_zps13e57045.jpg.html)
Painted the engine bay:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/underhood3_zpsd91775ae.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/underhood3_zpsd91775ae.jpg.html)
Powder coated the turbo comp housing, valve cover and intakes:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/powdercoat2_zpsa901f3d4.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/powdercoat2_zpsa901f3d4.jpg.html)
Looking better all the time:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/install2_zps1ca41f75.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/install2_zps1ca41f75.jpg.html)
Went with a manual rack. Had to take a pinto alternator drive setup, chopped up the brackets, welded them up and had them powdercoated:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/alt1_zps7iwi7fcw.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/alt1_zps7iwi7fcw.jpg.html)
Also got rid of the gigantic abs brake system and went with something a bit simpler:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/turbod408/brakes1_zps277bbb00.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/turbod408/media/brakes1_zps277bbb00.jpg.html)
Would have been able to start it last weekend, but the fuel pump is dead after sitting for 5 months. Sent it back for warranty repair or replacement. Can't wait to fire it up and get back to the track!
my vert is close to getting a SEFI upgrade..... just waiting for a handful of last minute parts, and gaskets to show up. Looks like this might start in about 2 weeks
Attempted to get my 84 from the backyard swamp up to dry land in front of the garage. Wouldn't start, needs some gas. Also did a walk around to see what all needs to be done to the body. A little worse than expected, but definitely not the worst I've seen. surprise snow set me back at least 2 weeks. Once it is up front, it gets stripped.