I really need to grab pictures of this thing next time,I go work on it, but rightpedal has seen it and knows that it's real.
1973 Mustang, 351 2V/auto. 3rd member style rear end, not sure if it's an 8 or a 9. The target is a fun fair weather driver/weekend cruiser.
Belongs to a friend who works where I'm stationed, and she wants me to start making some general improvements to the car. The previous restoration was OK, but left a lot undone. The tail and interior lights are all messed up, lots of missing trim screws, and lots of little things not working. The good news is that aside from having sat for a little while, the core mechanicals seem in good shape. First order was torq thrusts and BFG Radial T/As, 245s in the back and 235s up front, and a new master cylinder, all of which made it drivable. Next up is wiring. After that, she wants me to help her make it more fun to drive while still preserving some of the vintage feel.
I'm currently researching options for a mild bump in handling performance- less body roll, better turn in, and a big one for her is better feedback, so I need to get the power steering dialed back a hair. Mild brake upgrades to go with that, I'm really thinking just performance friction materials and a good bleed will help with that.
If I haven't PCS'ed by the time I get the car to that point, it's time to attack the engine. The car is getting a dismal 9ish mpg with the 351 with a 2bbl holley sitting on top of it, though the engine starts and runs very well. I can't imagine fuel economy really getting worse with a properly set up aluminum intake, 4 bbl, cam, and headers, and I'm sure it'll make it more fun to drive. It's already got an adequate looking dual exhaust, but I haven't examined the setup in detail. The owner has also indicated that she might not be against a crate engine, so as we get closer I'll be presenting her with a list of options.
Any ideas, experiences, and inputs are welcome- especially with regards to handling. This is a fun project for me. Great aftermarket support, fun car, good people to work for.
1973 Mustang, 351 2V/auto. 3rd member style rear end, not sure if it's an 8 or a 9. The target is a fun fair weather driver/weekend cruiser.
Belongs to a friend who works where I'm stationed, and she wants me to start making some general improvements to the car. The previous restoration was OK, but left a lot undone. The tail and interior lights are all messed up, lots of missing trim screws, and lots of little things not working. The good news is that aside from having sat for a little while, the core mechanicals seem in good shape. First order was torq thrusts and BFG Radial T/As, 245s in the back and 235s up front, and a new master cylinder, all of which made it drivable. Next up is wiring. After that, she wants me to help her make it more fun to drive while still preserving some of the vintage feel.
I'm currently researching options for a mild bump in handling performance- less body roll, better turn in, and a big one for her is better feedback, so I need to get the power steering dialed back a hair. Mild brake upgrades to go with that, I'm really thinking just performance friction materials and a good bleed will help with that.
If I haven't PCS'ed by the time I get the car to that point, it's time to attack the engine. The car is getting a dismal 9ish mpg with the 351 with a 2bbl holley sitting on top of it, though the engine starts and runs very well. I can't imagine fuel economy really getting worse with a properly set up aluminum intake, 4 bbl, cam, and headers, and I'm sure it'll make it more fun to drive. It's already got an adequate looking dual exhaust, but I haven't examined the setup in detail. The owner has also indicated that she might not be against a crate engine, so as we get closer I'll be presenting her with a list of options.
Any ideas, experiences, and inputs are welcome- especially with regards to handling. This is a fun project for me. Great aftermarket support, fun car, good people to work for.
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