Slow Mustang

[Yellwstang21]

Hey guys I need some help, suggestions, etc.

Ok I own a 2002 Dodge Viper Yellow (Yes I know) 64 1/2 mustang and it is not very fast. Im in college so i cant dump every penny I make into the car. This is why I am coming here to find some ways to make my car faster, price does matter but I can always save up to be able to afford what i need.

The Mustang has a 302 block bored .030. It does not have any special pistons or crank in it. The cam is a Merling (something not quite sure at this time) Anyways the cam is nothing special its just not stock so i figured to add it in.

I have a performer intake as well as an edelbrock 650 carb. I have headers and true dual exhaust out the back. I think that pretty much takes care of the engine stuff.

Now is where i think my true problem is; I have a 69 Mustang 3-speed transmission along with an 8.8 inch rear end out of a 78 granada. I could not tell you the gear ratio of the rearend but I do know its out of an automatic. I guess what I am trying to ask is if the problem is in the tranny and rearend or in the engine itself why the car is not very fast.

Also some suggestions for what to do would be great!

Thanks

 

[dolfan87]

By fast, I am assuming you mean quick.

You need to tell us how the engine runs. Does it start, idle, and drive out well? Does the engine miss, or hesitate when you give it gas?

If the engine runs well, but just doesn't feel all that quick, your problem could very well be the gearing in your 8"

The three speed should work fine.

87

 

[Yellwstang21]

The engine will start right away sometimes and others it turns over for awhile before it fires. It idles fine and has decent response, its just not quick. When you hit the gas it will throw you back into your seat but then the accelerations just isnt there.

 

[Yellwstang21]

Also, I forgot to mention another big reason i think its the something with the transmission or rearend.

When i rev the engine then pop the clutch, instead of jumping off the line or the tires peeling out, the car catches and accelerates slowly while revving loudly.

I had a new clutch and everything put in there so its not a burnt clutch.

 

[69 302/351c]

I've got a 76 Granada and have heard that it's not really an 8.8 rear and also that it's geared something like 2:49. With a 302 in the Granada and a C4, I can BARELY spin the rear wheels in sand!

 

[Yellwstang21]

So basically it is my rearend that is making the car not very quick? I mean obviously my engine is not a "beast" so i dont expect it to be a 13-14 second car. But the lack of quickness is ridiculous.

im hoping that its the tranny and rearend and that i dont need to build/buy a new engine because it is the cause of my car being a "dog"

 

[Route666]

Sounds like your clutch isn't keeping up. How old is the clutch? Is it standard? Gears would be easier on your clutch... and harder on your tires and neck. I'd say start with gears and a new clutch, maybe step up to a slightly stronger clutch. It depends on whether you are going to add more power to the motor or not, and whether the clutch was just plain worn out in the first place.

EDIT: An aluminium driveshaft and aluminium wheels (if you have steelies) would help quicken the beast up.

Oh, and LOL yellow post some pics if you can.

 

[dodgestang]

What is the date code on the 302?

I'll lay odds it a late 70s low compression crap head model. If it is, buying some 65 289 heads will wake it up somewhat and bump your compression a few points.

 

[Ozsum2]

I'd bet the rear gears are pretty tame.

 

[MustangMatt1966]

its supercharger time! lol jk, but yeah sounds to me like u need gears in the rear and a good solid trani

 

[Pakrat]

Well, for what it's worth, I have a 69' 302 which is not bored over but modded simillar to yours and with an agressive cam. I also still use my 3spd and have 2:79 gears in an 8" rear. I doubt I can get to 60 any faster than say oh maybe 8 or so seconds (never checked it) but it sure doesn't feel slow even if it ain't exactly fast. Gears will make a noticable difference but you sacrafice top end on the highway as your rpms will increase. Personally I wouldn't go higher than 3:00 with the 3spd unless you drive in the city mostly or plan to upgrade to a 4 or 5 spd, than 3:50 may work better.

Oh I fogot, I also have absolutely no problem chirping the tires, in fact I have to purposely try not to in most cases. I can even chirp them from 1st to 2nd under the right circumstances. When they replaced the clutch did you have them resurface/machine the flywheel too?

 

[Yellwstang21]

Ya, I had the flywheel resurfaced and everything like that. I even had new teeth put onto it.

As for the person that guessed a late 70's 302 they are right. How much would those heads run me?

Man when they say car projects..they definitely mean projects =/

 

[65fastback2+2]

Ya, I had the flywheel resurfaced and everything like that. I even had new teeth put onto it.

As for the person that guessed a late 70's 302 they are right. How much would those heads run me?

Man when they say car projects..they definitely mean projects =/

just put a roller 5.0 from a fox in it mine is pretty much stock and with a c4 and 3.00 open rear gears it still flies. *cough* killed a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Single Cab Hemi tonight *cough*

 

[VictorII]

Also, I forgot to mention another big reason i think its the something with the transmission or rearend.

When i rev the engine then pop the clutch, instead of jumping off the line or the tires peeling out, the car catches and accelerates slowly while revving loudly.

I had a new clutch and everything put in there so its not a burnt clutch.

Sounds like, in addition to a low compression engine, timing as a start. Where does it idle and when is the timing all in? For example, I recurved mine to idle at 6 degrees and be all in at 36 under acceleration. I adjusted the vacuum advance so that at non-acceleration, it runs at a little over 40 degrees. No ping and great acceleration. Is the vacuum cannister all the way against the top radiator hose connection? If so, that could be limiting you. When you say True Duals, do you mean with a cross pipe? If you don't have one, the exhaust is not optimized and you will lose some low end....I tried it both ways and in my case the difference was noticable. Gears do indeed make a difference, but I think engine tune is the first thing to look at. Also check plugs, wires, air cleaner, coil, etc. And make sure the choke is opening all the way and the carb is opening all the way when you hit the gas. Sometimes the carpet or linkage will stop it from opening all the way.

 

[Hack]

Also, I forgot to mention another big reason i think its the something with the transmission or rearend.

When i rev the engine then pop the clutch, instead of jumping off the line or the tires peeling out, the car catches and accelerates slowly while revving loudly.

I had a new clutch and everything put in there so its not a burnt clutch.

I hate to say this, but that sounds like a clutch problem. You should take it back to the shop that put the clutch in. I think they messed up somehow. They should fix it for free, provided it hasn't been very long since they did it.

A manual transmission and rear end will not "slip". The only thing in the drivetrain of your car that can do what you describe is the clutch.