Can someone give me the lowdown on SSP cars?

[jtchristianson]

Hello all..

I may have the chance to pick up a Special Service Package (is that what they're called?)/ex stater chassis fairly soon. Can anyone give me some insight into what makes these cars special? I have heard that there are certain distinctions between those chassis and regular notchbacks. Is this correct?

Keep in mind that this is a shell in the purest sense! It could be considered a body in white, really.

My plans for the car are to drop in the Modular 4 valve motor, IRS, the Cobra brakes, and set up the suspension for daily driven performance. Nothing too whacky.

I thank you all beforehand for the advice!

JT

 

[WaterPog]

if it's just the chassis, there isn't anything special.

even at that, most of the improvements were cooling related anyway. Nothing really worth paying extra for IMHO.

 

[jtchristianson]

Thanks for the low-down. I really did not think that there would be any difference...

I am getting this shell though for 100 bones and it is without even any dings, so I think it will be worth the time and effort.

Take care,

JT

 

[fast99cobra]

I think Paul at KrazyKoncepts still has my old 99 cobra IRS laying around if you need an IRS set up.

 

[jtchristianson]

Thank you for the lead on the IRS! I am going to google the shop that you are talking about but could you maybe send him word that I am looking for an IRS swap?

Again, thanks!

JT

 

[stock50LX]

Why are you going to use the mod motor?

 

[jtchristianson]

Good question. All of the following comments are regarding 4 valve modular motors specifically.

I like the idea of the mod swap because not a lot of people do it. That's why I shelved my stock (high mileage) 302 to begin with. I enjoy the range of RPM's that a modular motor makes power through with stock heads, intake, and cams. As an added benefit, these already great flowing pieces respond marvelously to boost. Of course, improvements can always be made but the stock parts are not too shabby.

The appearance of a 4 valve modular motor is quite impressive as well. They really fill out the engine bay (which adds a major pain in the ass factor as well...). The sound of a high revving modular is something that I crave. A properly set up pushrod 302 sounds wonderful in it's own right, but having a Fox body that should be emitting the sounds of a traditional 302 produce the roar of something entirely different is a lot of fun!

There's also the economic aspect. I bought my Mark VIII motor for around $1000. It makes 290 HP stock. With my dual exhaust and headers it should be around 300. With all of the requisite parts needed to do a modular Fox swap, I'm probably in at around $2000. And this for a motor with 41,000 miles. It seems like a lot of bang for the buck for something so distinct.

I've been driving my 4 valve Fox around for some time now and not had a problem. Given all of the electronic trickery with the EECV PCM, the PATS harness that I made, etc. etc., I am truly lucky nothing has gone wrong. It goes without saying that I am extremely pleased with this combination.

Take care all and have a great weekend,

JT

 

[TheRedBlur]

JT I got it figured out dude.

SSP stands for sissy sissy prissy.

I don't know why they'd have that as a name for racecar chassis.

 

[jtchristianson]

JT I got it figured out dude.

SSP stands for sissy sissy prissy.

LOL!!!!!!! All the better!! And I thought it meant, "Suffewing Suckatash, Puddytat!"

Or "Sorta Slow Policecar"?

I like notchbacks....amnit: !

 

[TheRedBlur]

lolerskates

 

[wazazzle]

personally SSP's aren't even worth it unless you restore and collect. majority came in NB's with autos. although i've heard of sticks & even rarer HB's in very early mustang patrols. i almost bought a '90 ssp w/auto. the auto itself made acceleration hella slow, wasn't even worth it! engine & tranny cooling was only major difference, which you can basically buy now anyways.