Fox New (old) Guy Here

Bob F · May 15, 2015

mikestang63 said:
Bob, glad to see another old fart join....

I'm on my third fox vert. You have some decent first mods and a nice clean foundation. Couple of observations.

Replace the 160 thermostat with the stock 192. Contrary to internet myth, the lower stat does not help with cooling. It simply opens the stat at a lower temp and actualy will result in lower mpg, worse performance, and more wear on the motor. Ford engineers put a 192 stat in for a reason.

I'd replace the stock alternator with a 130 amp 3g or 6g one. Not only will that allow you to upgrade your stereo or add things llike an E fan, it will also get rid of the stock fire hazard power wires for the stock 2g.

If you remove the stock car pipe, you may get extra exhaust smell. Know that their is not much to be gained by removing a functioning cat pipe. Now I have removed them on every fox body I've owned, but in Florida there is no smog check and my cars are not stockish or DD.

Welcome and hope you stay a while.

Thanks for your ideas and I'm sure I will stay a while. As far as the alternator i like that and have been considering an electric fan. I plan on using a good catted h or x pipe like BBK or MAC. and then Flowmasters all the way back. The 160 thermostat I have to say I'm not sure. I understand Ford engineers put in 192, but they also put in 2.73 gears! No disrepect to the engineers I'm just saying they have corporate rules. I had a 160 stat in my 89 LX and never had a problem, and this 88 seems to run great with it. Not driven in winter so no problem with heat. I know what you are saying, but you know the term "Factory Freaks" maybe mine have been like that with 160 stats.

Bob F · May 15, 2015

madmike1157 said:
50 is not old. The way you guys are talking, the responsible thing to do is sell the car, and start looking at burial plots.

Even at 69, @jrichker isn't old..........well, on second thought,..yeah he is. Jrichker is old.

Maybe I will just be buried in my FOX, it probly cost less then a nice casket!

Bob F · May 15, 2015

FoxMustangLvr said:
Like so?

Thanks again for the head's up. My first day on the forum and I post pics of the wheels going the wrong way! I am a little rusty gettin back into the FOX lifestyle/brotherhood.

Mustang5L5 · May 15, 2015

Bob F said:
I understand Ford engineers put in 192, but they also put in 2.73 gears! No disrepect to the engineers I'm just saying they have corporate rules. I had a 160 stat in my 89 LX and never had a problem, and this 88 seems to run great with it. Not driven in winter so no problem with heat. .

Different logic than 2.73s though. Modern EFI engines need to run hotter than the older carbed cars. 190-210 degrees is the preferred temp and running too cold can cause just as many issues as running to hot. I'd detail these out but I'm typing on a phone.

There is really no reason to run these engines cold. It doesn't make more power and doesn't create and efficient combustion burn. If overheating is a concern, a lower temp t stat is not the answer.

There's been a trend towards dispelling a lot of traditional "fox power myths" these days, and slapping a 160-180!t stat in is one of them that needs to go away.

Sent from my big ass iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

Jersey Joe · May 16, 2015

Hey an old fart like myself !! Well close, at 47 I'm a relic but I had the privilege of buying my Fox new.

Onefine88 · May 16, 2015

Jersey Joe said:
Hey an old fart like myself !! Well close, at 47 I'm a relic but I had the privilege of buying my Fox new.

Yeah me too. Ill never forget that day when we brought it home from the dealer. It costed a whopping $17,400. Lol

Bob F · May 16, 2015

Mustang5L5 said:
Different logic than 2.73s though. Modern EFI engines need to run hotter than the older carbed cars. 190-210 degrees is the preferred temp and running too cold can cause just as many issues as running to hot. I'd detail these out but I'm typing on a phone.

There is really no reason to run these engines cold. It doesn't make more power and doesn't create and efficient combustion burn. If overheating is a concern, a lower temp t stat is not the answer.

There's been a trend towards dispelling a lot of traditional "fox power myths" these days, and slapping a 160-180!t stat in is one of them that needs to go away.

Sent from my big ass iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

I understand the gears are different logic then a stat, I was just making a point that all original parts are based on emissions, warranty, CAFE, budget, safety etc. For instance, they put drum brakes on the rear not because they are better, but because its easier and cost less. Again it's just my opinion but my Fox's have run great with 160 stat, and I have never had overheating issues with any temp stat.

Bob F · May 16, 2015

Jersey Joe said:
Hey an old fart like myself !! Well close, at 47 I'm a relic but I had the privilege of buying my Fox new.

Nice car Joe! Reminds me of the 89 LX 5.0 Sport I bought new!

Bob F · May 18, 2015

In two days I get the wheels swapped so they are on the correct side! Also I'm gonna get some pics of the shocks, control arms, brakes, rear diff etc. while the car is on the lift. Has not been driven much since the mods and only on dry days so they should be real clean. I will post pics.

oldfordy · May 18, 2015

OLDFORDY here im 75 your car is m a dead ringer for my 87 vert mine . 410s auto 17in scs. old is in your mind.

89oem · May 19, 2015

Yep, I paid 15,000 and change for my vert, was looking at all the old paperwork over the weekend, never thought I'd put that number to shame over time with the car, but heck it's MY Car, rest are just transportation....

Guess we need an oldfart section mods, lol

Bob F · Jun 11, 2015

Here are some new pics with the wheels on the correct side!

Grabbin' Asphalt · Jun 11, 2015

When I installed a 180* stat it ran rich as hell, back to a 192* cause a parking deck and fumes Sux!!
Ran way cool but wasn't worth stops at traffic lights and the windows down. You have a vert, I could only imagine those stops.
Nice car btw!!

Bob F · Jun 11, 2015

I guess I'm going based on back in the day. My 89 LX had a 100hp shot of NOS among other things (12.7 @ 109 on street tires). I ran 160 stat and a 255 pump to be safe with the NOS, but it ran great without it.

Onefine88 · Jun 11, 2015

Lookin good Bob F! Now get a set of springs on that bad boy and lower it's stance.

Bob F · Jun 13, 2015

I have thought about lowering springs, but I'm worried about tire clearance and under carriage clearance.

Onefine88 · Jun 13, 2015

Bob F said:
I have thought about lowering springs, but I'm worried about tire clearance and under carriage clearance.

Don't be worried about that. Here's a pic of my '88 when it was sitting on Ford racing "B" springs with your same wheels. (I had them on backwards too) LOL
The tries were 245/45's up front with 275/40's on back. It drove great with the '93 Cobra replica's.

I have since swapped to Saleen Racecraft springs with SC replica wheels. The Racecraft springs actually sit just a tad lower up front but ride great with very minimal rubbing only at high speed cornering.

A5literMan · Jun 14, 2015

Bob don't worry about lowering the car. You'll have plenty of clearance Here's my 86 with eibach springs/struts/and shocks. Same size tires as above. Also the struts and shocks are for sale if interested pm me.

Bob F · Jun 16, 2015

Onefine88 said:
Don't be worried about that. Here's a pic of my '88 when it was sitting on Ford racing "B" springs with your same wheels. (I had them on backwards too) LOL
The tries were 245/45's up front with 275/40's on back. It drove great with the '93 Cobra replica's.

I have since swapped to Saleen Racecraft springs with SC replica wheels. The Racecraft springs actually sit just a tad lower up front but ride great with very minimal rubbing only at high speed cornering.

Thanks a lot, now I have to spend more money and get them cause it does look great! My rears are 285/40/17 still should work right?

Bob F · Jun 16, 2015

A5literMan said:
Bob don't worry about lowering the car. You'll have plenty of clearance Here's my 86 with eibach springs/struts/and shocks. Same size tires as above. Also the struts and shocks are for sale if interested pm me.

Looks great also. I love the 86 styling and the seats are so soft compared to mine.

Fox New (old) Guy Here

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

Previously 89SSC18

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Member

Mustang Master

Active Member

Active Member

Previously 89SSC18

Active Member

Previously 89SSC18

At least it is lumpy...

Active Member

Active Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency