After some considerable thought, here is how I think I will equip the car.
I went with the complete kit which means that all parts will be new except the independent rear suspension which I found from a 1989 Thunderbird SC. That has been cleaned painted and has all new seals and bearings, so it should be as good as new.
A new 5.0 liter DOHC Coyote crate engine rated at 420 hp (but we'll coax another 60 or so out of it)
A 5 speed TKO 600 transmission with the wider gear ratio which should be a bit calmer for freeway cruising.
I have read about a number of people with these cars who have had trouble with the clutch cable melting due to its proximity to the driver side headers so I will change to a Hydraulic actuated clutch.
These cars are very loud so something will have to be done with the exhaust to quiet things down a bit.
Still not sure which way to go there but it will still have side exhaust.
I have read about a number of people with these cars who have had trouble with the clutch cable melting due to its proximity to the driver side headers so I will change to a Hydraulic actuated clutch.
These cars are very loud so something will have to be done with the exhaust to quiet things down a bit.
Still not sure which way to go there but it will still have side exhaust.
An independent rear suspension as mentioned above with 3.27 gearing. Not the best for off the line acceleration, but should be a good compromise between straight line acceleration and having lower freeway cruising rpms.
A Wilwood big brake kit upgrade with drilled and slotted rotors. As a friend said recently: "The only thing you really need in a car is good brakes."
High back racing seats with 5 point harnesses. The vintage lowback seats that come with the kit were either a whiplash waiting to happen or I would have to fabricate some kind of headrest. Highbacks solve that.
This Corbeau seat is the current top choice.
A heater and A/C. This is a must.
Paint. this is a tough one and may not be settled soon. Here are a couple of my favorite options. Feel free to send in your votes.
This one is true to the original cars color scheme and it appeals to me though I don't want the decals and race numbers.
This one just looks classy to me. Anthracite gray with black stripes.
Wheels and tires: 17" wheels with Kumho Ecsta XS tires. 315/35R17 on the back and 275/40R17 on the front. The most likely wheel at the moment is this FR500 mustang wheel.
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