My ‘89 GT build

sigsterrr · Feb 16, 2019

Picked up this GT about a month ago and just got around to posting the build. It’s a 5 speed. Ran and drove, but I’ve taken out the motor and gone through it. After I removed the heads, there wasn’t even a carbon ring in the cylinders!
Purchases so far:
Aluminum 2.02 heads
Aluminum high rise valve covers from LMR
TFS stage 1 cam
Roller rockers
ARP headbolts
Complete gasket set
High volume oil pump
New water pump
Aluminum radiator and electric fans
New pushrods -hardened
ARP oil pump shaft
Battery relocation (custom made)
New higher torque rating (400) clutch
Aluminum clutch quadrant
30# injectors
MAF for 30# injectors
Walbro 255 fuel pump
New ac compressor condenser evaporator
Trunk prop cylinders and mounts
Trunk latch stud
And some other stuff I can’t remember right now. LOL
I’m welding up the engine bay and tucking the wires.
Body will be jet black ( I paint cars for a living), interior will be stock. Haven’t found the right engine and accessories color yet but something along the pewter color with a satin type finish. I think I’d like to find a ford color, but I’ve paint a Ferrari rear lower valance pewter that was an amazing color too.
Driver seat has a small tear that I’d like to find a solution to...

95BlueStallion · Feb 16, 2019

Welcome. Looks like you’re not f*cking around!

Rdub6 · Feb 16, 2019

Lookin good!! Good luck, and keep the pics coming of the progress!

sigsterrr · Feb 17, 2019

Thanks y’all. I will post pics as things progress. Grinding is going slow. Note to self - learn to tig weld so there is less grinding.
The head bolt spacers should be here Tuesday or Wednesday and then I’ll button up the top end. I think I’ll fill in the fins on the bend in the explorer intake. I just don’t like the way they look. I might even smooth the runners, but I’m not sure yet if I want to open that can of worms.

sigsterrr · Feb 19, 2019

Welded up and grinded engine bay. Started on smoothing it out. It sure was more work than I expected!

Davedacarpainter · Feb 19, 2019

sigsterrr said:
Welded up and grinded engine bay. Started on smoothing it out. It sure was more work than I expected!

Yeah buddy it is, lol.

Welcome brother, good to have another painter here.

I see you’re in Florida, quite a few guys here are from there.

Steel1 · Feb 19, 2019

Nice..kicking butt

Anti_Hero0932 · Feb 19, 2019

looks good man! looks like the same paint scheme my car had!

90sickfox · Feb 19, 2019

That's a bunch of work. I commend guys that tackle that process.

sigsterrr · Feb 20, 2019

I find peace in working on a project car every so often. Plus, if I don’t have a project I just sit around and play videos games or spend hours on funny YouTube videos. I build a car I’ve always wanted and drive it for a few months before selling it. I miss my ‘79 cobra I had when I was younger. I’ve always wanted the 86-93 body style and a 5 speed. It took so long to find one that wasn’t rusted out and at a reasonable price. I just wish I didn’t have to order everything online and wait for it.

Rdub6 · Feb 20, 2019

Looks great man. I love working on these cars. It has definitely become my relaxation/ stress relief. I have been thinking of jumping into welding so I can dig further into my car! Did a little learning many years ago working another job, just messing around with 1/8 and 1/4 inch steel. Seeing this definitely has me itching to get into it and learn.

sigsterrr · Feb 20, 2019

Driver’s side is going slower. Spent a couple hours on it and still need an hour or 2 to get it where I want it. At least the passenger side is done. Still not sure what I should use for a new brake booster and master cylinder.
Plugging holes is easy if you put something brass behind it. Weld doesn’t stick to the brass. I picked up my Lincoln 135 mig in the box for just $350 and it does more than I’ll need. Watch some YouTube videos and give it a go!

Rdub6 · Feb 20, 2019

sigsterrr said:
Driver’s side is going slower. Spent a couple hours on it and still need an hour or 2 to get it where I want it. At least the passenger side is done. Still not sure what I should use for a new brake booster and master cylinder.
Plugging holes is easy if you put something brass behind it. Weld doesn’t stick to the brass. I picked up my Lincoln 135 mig in the box for just $350 and it does more than I’ll need. Watch some YouTube videos and give it a go!

That’s a flux core? I’ve had my eye on the Eastwood 135 but am skeptical as I’ve read some reviews that are completely opposite from others. Bad units here and there, or operator error? Lincoln has the name behind it for sure.

You’re definitely making quick work of that!!

JimZim · Feb 20, 2019

Sigsterrr, I note you mentioned that this engine has 2.02 intake valves in the aluminum heads. What brand and model heads? Also mentioned is the TF Stage 1 camshaft. It has roller rockers but you do not mention the ratio, 1.6 or 1.7. Is this a stock bottom end withthe original pistons or do they look like they were cut or perhaps replaced at one time? I really would be inetested in how the valve clearance was achieved in the setup. It would be GREAT if this combo worked without mods, cam straight up and stock pistons.

Blown88GT · Feb 20, 2019

Try Cabernet Red. same as mine.

sigsterrr · Feb 20, 2019

JimZim, I went with the lmr aluminum heads I think sve? List around $900 and I got on save for like $810. I went with 1.6 rollers. 89 has forged flycut pistons and the cam is under a .500 lift so it should all work together. Should.

Rdub6, I prefer Lincoln. Not much more money and much better resale value. Pick up a nice used one on Craigslist. My model does have a gas line, but I just use fluxcore wire. Like I said, it’s not structural it’s just cosmetic welding and filling. Fluxcore is easier to me.

sigsterrr · Feb 20, 2019

JimZim said:
Sigsterrr, I note you mentioned that this engine has 2.02 intake valves in the aluminum heads. What brand and model heads? Also mentioned is the TF Stage 1 camshaft. It has roller rockers but you do not mention the ratio, 1.6 or 1.7. Is this a stock bottom end withthe original pistons or do they look like they were cut or perhaps replaced at one time? I really would be inetested in how the valve clearance was achieved in the setup. It would be GREAT if this combo worked without mods, cam straight up and stock pistons.

JimZim · Feb 20, 2019

sigsterrr said:
JimZim, I went with the lmr aluminum heads I think sve? List around $900 and I got on save for like $810. I went with 1.6 rollers. 89 has forged flycut pistons and the cam is under a .500 lift so it should all work together. Should.

Rdub6, I prefer Lincoln. Not much more money and much better resale value. Pick up a nice used one on Craigslist. My model does have a gas line, but I just use fluxcore wire. Like I said, it’s not structural it’s just cosmetic welding and filling. Fluxcore is easier to me.

Sigsterrr, Hey, thanks for the quick reply. You have lot of neat goodies that should make for a great engine build. I am really interested in the clearance. Will youe be checking it on one cylinder to play it safe. Keep us informed and hope all works out well for you.

sigsterrr · Feb 20, 2019

Thanks. The only reason I had time to work on it today was because I had a crash on my mountain bike today, so cut my ride short. I am excited to finally be going forward on it instead of just taking old parts off. And the reason I went with those heads was the flow and I was pissed I bought a pair of real gt40 heads and one is cracked.

Rdub6 · Feb 20, 2019

sigsterrr said:
JimZim, I went with the lmr aluminum heads I think sve? List around $900 and I got on save for like $810. I went with 1.6 rollers. 89 has forged flycut pistons and the cam is under a .500 lift so it should all work together. Should.

Rdub6, I prefer Lincoln. Not much more money and much better resale value. Pick up a nice used one on Craigslist. My model does have a gas line, but I just use fluxcore wire. Like I said, it’s not structural it’s just cosmetic welding and filling. Fluxcore is easier to me.

Yeah, I need to start looking around and find a good deal. I also need to convince my Chief Financial Officer (you guys know what I mean) that a welder will save me money in the long run!

My ‘89 GT build

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Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

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So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

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