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"More, Better,
Faster..."
Mustangs!!!
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| I
bought my 1989 Ford Mustang LX Coupe (2.3L) new from Jordan Ford in San
Antonio, TX on January 10, 1990. I wish I had a surviving picture of
it brand new, but I don't. It was a very sweet looking little Pony. I've
been waiting for nearly 13 years to build make this car what it should
have been from Day 1, and what I've dreamed of virtually every day of all
those years. Follow along as I detail the transformation.
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| 08/15/2004
- Wow! Amazing how long it's been since I updated this page. I
have amassed a huge pile of parts with which I am constructing my
car. In spite of many things distracting me from doing so, I am
currently beginning the engine build up. I have added a couple of
pages today... an article on Ring Filing
and a "Show and Tell" on the Crank
Trigger wheel I designed and had machined.
I'm going to try and spend some time
tonight updating a few of the existing pages (like the Working
Plan page that is totally out of date). A lot of stuff has
changed since February of LAST year.... except that I still haven't
finished.  |
| 02/23/2003
- Did some more work on Weight Reduction
today... |
| 02/22/2003
- Worked on the wiring today. Rewired the power windows and a few other
odds and ends. I described the re-wire ops for today on the Weight
Reduction page. |
| 02/13/2003
- Tons of stuff has happened... Most of the engine parts are stacked
up and waiting for the block to be finished. One major change is that I
will not be using the TEC III engine management unit. I have
acquired the new Haltech
E11 which is IMHO a superior unit for my application. In addition,
I picked up a new laptop for use with the Haltech when the time comes...
The Esslinger "NASH" head has
arrived of course, as have the crank, pistons, rods, and just about
everything else I ordered thusfar. I spec'd and ordered a new set of
800cc/min low-impedance injectors from RC
Engineering, and they are sweet looking.
Additionally, I am looking forward to
receiving my "Candy Blue" powder coated SVO rocker cover from
Ben at JUSCUZ
MOTORSPORTS.COM. Ben
is working on getting a powder coating service setup that specializes in
TurboFord parts, and the results are simply stunning.
Today, I took some pics of the waste from
the on-going weight reduction program for the car.... I updated the Weight
Reduction page.
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| 12/14/2002
- Well, I'm not nearly as far along as I'd hoped to be by this point...
BUT, the parts are starting to come in now. The major portion of the
engine-related stuff is due in before the end of the year from Esslinger
Engineering. That shipment includes a balanced and machined stock
stroke crank, studs and straps kit, windage tray, high volume oil pump,
crank/rod bearings, complete set of sprockets and pulleys (wide timing
belt), billet Intermediate shaft and specially machined bearings. In
addition, I've acquired an oil pump drive to eliminate the distributor
when I install the Electromotive TEC3 Engine management controller and DIS
ignition. Additionally, Esslinger is sending me an aluminum flywheel to go
with my SPEC Stage III clutch. I'm also one of the first folks
who'll be getting the ALL-new Esslinger Aluminum Street Head. under
the head will be a set of custom-machined JE turbo pistons (bushed and
ringed with Total Seal gapless rings). Pushing the pistons will be a set
of Manley Sportsman Forged Steel 5.7" rods.
Slowly, but surely, I'm getting the engine
out of the '88TC donor car (as I sell the "spare" parts...)
Space is at a premium... especially with all the other projects I have
going/pending. The entire interior is stripped out of the Pony as I
pair down every last ounce of "dead" weight from the wiring
harness.... and prepare to re-wrap it with self-fusing silicone tape (to
egt rid of the convoluted tubing and tar-based splice sealant).
Additionally, I've spec'd out the electric
water pump, front mount intercooler, custom radiator, cooling system
controller, and electric fans... I've finished the design for the
aluminum water pump eliminator bracket/water inlet... I already have the
130 amp alternator and PGMR (Hi-Torque) Starter on hand. I need to
get busy on the suspension front and rear as well. The TC tranny is
going o undergo a thorough rebuid complete with several beefy upgrade
parts to help endure the inevitable abuse I will endure. The rear
end will be completely disassembled and rebuilt (and finished) in
preparation for the installation of the custom double-end spherical LCAs,
panhard bar, coil-overs, and torque arm... all from my work bench CAD
machine... along with the 2x3 inch beam weld in frame slotted SFCs/strut
tower reinforcements, and 8/10 point cage.
Still a long way to go, but the fun part is
about to begin... |
| 04/16/2002
- Bought and towed the 1988 Turbo Coupe home today from Vallejo, CA.
I'll try to post some pics of it sometime this week. other than that, I've
just been continuing to strip the interior out of the '89 Mustang in
preparation for installing the sub frame connectors, tailoring the wiring
harness, et al. |
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04/11/2002 - Reset the
utility boxes (Edison is going to bring a new one by tomorrow) in the
driveway expansion area. The concrete pour is scheduled for next Wednesday
the 17th. The seller of the 88 TC called me back today to tell me the
title still isn't back from Sacramento yet. <grrrr> No biggie though
since I can't park the TC on the new driveway area for at least three
weeks after the pour, AND I don't have an engine hoist or stand yet. I'm
going to go parts hunting tomorrow in Fresno.
Added a "Before"
page today to own up to the abuse I've put my little '89 LX through
cosmetically... We'll fix it all up though. |
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04/10/2002 - Spent most
of the day prepping the area for the driveway widening to accommodate the
donor car. I still have to move the utility enclosures over and line
them up with the curb. I also have to run to OSH and get some caps
to cap the 5 sprinkler heads below grade.... Then it's just a matter
of getting the concrete poured. You can see the pic I took HERE. |
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