Can I still talk about Mustangs if I don't have one yet?

[FirecrackerKTM]

I used to, and am planning to again, if that counts ...

But I've been immersed in Jeeps and dirt bikes for the last several years. Out of touch on what people are doing now.

What I want to do is build a hot smallblock in a 67-8 'vert that will handle. What's out there, short-block wise? I built my own last time but I’m thinking about a crate engine this time. Then again, the building was the fun part, so maybe it’ll be just a kit.

What’s the verdict on a small-block stroker vs. a street boss? Do people still do that? Where’s a current resource for the street boss intake manifold—if I recall correctly, wasn’t it special somehow?

How about suspension/steering—I see a rack and pinion kit, I’m aware of the handling kit with the bigger swaybar and poly bushings. What else can you do to modernize the handling?

 

[chepsk8]

Why not? Ask away!

I haven't owned one for over two years now, but I still am on Stangnet. Actually, my Cobra has many parts from the 1988 Mustang Donor, so I am still a partial owner.....

But, I continuously have owned several between 1976 & 2004.

 

[66Runt]

Jump on in, the pool is deep with knowledgable people willing to help.

Anyone who rides a KTM is automatically considered a valuable resource to the Mustang community.
As for updates, yeah, the 5.0 crowd has really pushed the envelope for power, durability and efficiency. You might do some searches on "stroker" in both the classic as well as the 5.0 forum. Some excellent information.
There is also at least one book specifically covering stroker engine builds.
There are also a lot of chassis and drivetrain advancements you may want to look at as well.
Also, with the vintage racing scene being so hot, there is some great information on how to make that 40 year old technology really work, and keep a realistic budget.
Welcome and good luck. Looking forward to seeing you post pic's of your new "ride", when you find it.

 

[FirecrackerKTM]

Thanks guys. I love to make plans and mentally spend money I don't have.

I was thinking about staying a bit retro on the engine, at least by remaining carbureted instead of going with FI. My Jeep's injected since even the 4x4 carbs aren't bulletproof on steep sidehills, but I want to have at least one carbureted toy. I don't know why--they're just more fun. On the same note, I can't wait until the figure out FI for bikes. Tinkering with the damn jetting up here at 10k feet can be annoying.

 

[CarFreakGT]

You may also want to check out opentracker's web site: opentrackerracingproducts.com. He has a lot of suspension pieces for different applications/budgets. He is on stangnet a lot, very helpful, and open to questions.

2bav8 and LMan always seem to have some good answers as well to handling/susp. questions that people ask. I'm sure there are others, names are just escaping me right now!

Good luck when you decide to search for another Mustang!

Bryan

 

[CarFreakGT]

Thanks guys. I love to make plans and mentally spend money I don't have.

A favorite hobby of mine as well!!!

 

[danny clemens]

On the same note, I can't wait until the figure out FI for bikes.

I think Canondale did but they went bankrupt. I would like to have seen a good American dirt bike.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

1.)What I want to do is build a hot smallblock in a 67-8 'vert that will handle. What's out there, short-block wise? I built my own last time but I’m thinking about a crate engine this time. Then again, the building was the fun part, so maybe it’ll be just a kit.

2.) What’s the verdict on a small-block stroker vs. a street boss? Do people still do that? Where’s a current resource for the street boss intake manifold—if I recall correctly, wasn’t it special somehow?

3.) How about suspension/steering—I see a rack and pinion kit, I’m aware of the handling kit with the bigger swaybar and poly bushings. What else can you do to modernize the handling?

1.) There are a number of crate engine builders out there that offer stout shortblocks. Since you have experience building your own engine, I would suggest doing it again. Getting mainstream engine builders to guarantee their stuff seems to be rather difficult. I assembled my engine from a kit and it makes quite a bit of power.

2.) I'm not familiar with a "street Boss." The bulk of the aftermarket part makers' attention is focused on the 289/302/351 Windsors. Edelbrock has aluminum 351C heads, but they cost about 2/3 more than Windsors.

3.) With the stock suspension and steering, there isn't exactly a wealth of aftermarket parts. Rack and pinion, Shelby drops, swaybars, springs, and braces are the majority of front end mods when using the stock setup. Mustang II suspension and coilovers are another story.

On the same note, I can't wait until the figure out FI for bikes. Tinkering with the damn jetting up here at 10k feet can be annoying.

For KTMs, dirt bikes, or bikes in the broad sense? Generally speaking, EFI is old hat for road bikes. I ride also, but I'm on a Honda XR600. I'd love a KTM or Husky 4-stroke, though. Cannondale had the only EFI dirt bike I know of, but they went belly up as was said and ATK took over the production of replacement parts. Most Cannondales get parted out rather than sold whole.

 

[FirecrackerKTM]

I think Canondale did but they went bankrupt. I would like to have seen a good American dirt bike.

yeah, they never really got it perfected ... it was too bad to see them go

 

[D.Hearne]

Been damn near 18 years since i sold my last RUNNING classic Stang and look where I hang out now (see my post count ) Since I've been here, I've remembered many things I learned(over a nine year period from 1980 to 89. with that 67 big block fastback, that I thought I'd forgotten.

 

[Sicarius428]

By all means talk. You can learn a lot about the hobby before you put the money into it so you can make the right educated purchases the first time. All of us have learned the hard way and made plenty of poor choices and wrong purchases.
Kevin

 

[FirecrackerKTM]

So what's the best tranny to put behind a hot smallblock? I really, really, really prefer standards so it will NOT be an auto.

 

[chepsk8]

T-5 5 speed!

Depending on what vintage motor you choose, it's easy. And, You get a much taller first gear and overdrive. Most of us Cobra owners have either 3:55's or 3:73's out back, and with the OD, highway driving is still no problem. What rear do you have in the car? To to the T-5 or AOD swap, you will need a kit, plus shorten the driveshaft.

BTW, are you from Colorado? I have alot of family in Denver & Boulder.

 

[FirecrackerKTM]

So weird to switch back to car-thinking from Jeep thinking ... 4.88s are as low as I can go with the diffs I have now, and that's not all that low. 3.73 seems really high!

Anyway, don't have a car yet, figuring on rounding up a 9 inch for it when I find one.

Yep I'm here in Denver.

 

[chepsk8]

Reason I ask about the rear, is that there is alot available for the 9", but it is uncommon to find in a 68, unless it is a 390 car. I swapped in a 9" out of a wrecked Mach into my 68. Stuff is available for the 8" rear, but much more uncommon. Hot trick is to find a 3:55 8" pumpkin from a v-6 Mustang II, as that's what I did in the 69 'Vert when I did a 5.0/AOD swap. What a difference!

My brother manages a Whole Foods store there!

 

[FirecrackerKTM]

Wasn't the Versailles rear end a common swap in? I think that's what my mom's 68 CS has in it.

 

[Sicarius428]

How hot of a SBF. If you are talking 350+ HP/Torque I would suggest any of the TKO series or 3550. T5 is just fine for cruising and fairly mild power without power shifting and traction but after about 350 flywheel HP they start to snap. Depending on rear end gears the main difference between the tko 500 and 600 are the longer first gear on the 600. You can get a tko 500 to handle the same power as the 600 with a 26 spline input shaft.
Kevin

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Wasn't the Versailles rear end a common swap in? I think that's what my mom's 68 CS has in it.

Maybe back when Lincoln Versailles were common and the only way to get rear disc brakes. They're not rare(I had one in my '65), but you'll pay about as much for one as any other 9" with aftermarket disc brakes. The aftermarkets are ususally equal or better and Versailles rear brake parts are getting expensive. They were only sold for about 4 years.

Regarding a trans and gears, my personal favorites for a street Mustang are a Toploader and 3.50s with a T-Lok carrier. A 5-speed will allow more rear gear without as much sacrifice on the highway, however.

 

[chepsk8]

And then there are suspension choices, engine, dash, body, and more.

Welcome to the madness!

BTW, can you post more details about your Mom's GT/CS?

 

[FirecrackerKTM]

Suspension will be a biggie because I want my future project to HANDLE. (rallying my boyfriend's AWD Subaru has spoiled me)

Mom bought her CS when I was like 2. She never drove it, as it was a half-finished project she got cheap from some kid and she had 2 kids and a worthless hubby to deal with. After I moved out she got it out of storage and got it running. It's got a fairly built 289, toploader, 9-inch detroit locker with 4.11s, but bone stock interior and paint. It's rust free but has one dent in the roof from a cherry picker incident. It's a yucky pale yellow. It's supposed to be mine someday but I think I will have to wait a loonnng time for Mom to be done with it, so I'll build my own while I wait.

Mom also has an early Bronco (forget the year) and a 55 T-Bird, plus 2 Ford pickups. We’ve always been a Ford family.