So about a month ago I started a small build thread for my 331 HCI swap, but in the midst of working through some small problems, I kinda let it go. The car is together, and with the exception of a front end alignment and a far off tune, it is back in order. I thought I would review a few of the parts I used, as some of you had asked for feedback on them.
-Spec aluminum flywheel
Its really not bad. I put a new clutch in at the same time, so everything felt different the first time I drove it, but with under 100 miles on it, I have adjusted to it and it feels normal again. I do have 4.10 gears, and that may help with it.
-Ram Powergrip HD Clutch
I had a BAD experience with Ram in the past and said I would never run one again. However, Tony from Astro Performance recommended it for my setup, and since I trusted him with my last clutch, I followed through again. This is probably the LIGHTEST pedal feel I have ever had with a clutch in my Mustang. The only other change I have made was an extended clutch fork for the McLeod bellhousing, which may help with leverage, I don't know. But so far, I have been very pleased with it. We will see how long it last.
-SVO RPM Extender
I know, its old technology. But, I am having no problem finding my 6600rpm rev limiter with it. I have the AFR set to 13:1, but will not be able to verify it until it is on a dyno (hopefully soon). For $100, I am completely happy with the job it is doing.
-FTI Custom Cam
I am a little hesitant to review this yet for fear of being flogged. It sounds absolutely awesome, and pulls hard to the rev limiter. In all honestly, I couldn't tell you where power comes on at, because the car feels like it has power everywhere. The part I am a little disappointed in is the lack of vacuum. I know everything is a compromise, but I have discovered that I do not have enough vacuum to operate the power brakes at times. I have to be very careful with this. Also, the car has a very hard time even running until I get about 2 minutes of warm up in it. I have to constantly rev the engine for a few minutes until the car will idle. This may not have anything to do with the cam, but maybe more of a tuning issue. We will see.
Anyways, hopefully some of this is helpful to others. I am hoping that there will be a Christmas race this year, but there is talk of it not happening due to the unusually cold weather here lately. I will have some track numbers if they do have the race.
Joe
-Spec aluminum flywheel
Its really not bad. I put a new clutch in at the same time, so everything felt different the first time I drove it, but with under 100 miles on it, I have adjusted to it and it feels normal again. I do have 4.10 gears, and that may help with it.
-Ram Powergrip HD Clutch
I had a BAD experience with Ram in the past and said I would never run one again. However, Tony from Astro Performance recommended it for my setup, and since I trusted him with my last clutch, I followed through again. This is probably the LIGHTEST pedal feel I have ever had with a clutch in my Mustang. The only other change I have made was an extended clutch fork for the McLeod bellhousing, which may help with leverage, I don't know. But so far, I have been very pleased with it. We will see how long it last.
-SVO RPM Extender
I know, its old technology. But, I am having no problem finding my 6600rpm rev limiter with it. I have the AFR set to 13:1, but will not be able to verify it until it is on a dyno (hopefully soon). For $100, I am completely happy with the job it is doing.
-FTI Custom Cam
I am a little hesitant to review this yet for fear of being flogged. It sounds absolutely awesome, and pulls hard to the rev limiter. In all honestly, I couldn't tell you where power comes on at, because the car feels like it has power everywhere. The part I am a little disappointed in is the lack of vacuum. I know everything is a compromise, but I have discovered that I do not have enough vacuum to operate the power brakes at times. I have to be very careful with this. Also, the car has a very hard time even running until I get about 2 minutes of warm up in it. I have to constantly rev the engine for a few minutes until the car will idle. This may not have anything to do with the cam, but maybe more of a tuning issue. We will see.
Anyways, hopefully some of this is helpful to others. I am hoping that there will be a Christmas race this year, but there is talk of it not happening due to the unusually cold weather here lately. I will have some track numbers if they do have the race.
Joe