Chasing the Ghosts of LeMans - Thunder - Project 487 Super Snake
 

Hi Guys

So to start off the theme of this thread, Thunder is not just a pretty face. It is driven, and driven on the track. There are some more chassis upgrades on the radar, but with a hurt engine, I'm starting the thread there.

Without getting into too much history, this engine has already been in and out of the 'stang several times.

1st, the good 'used' engine, was not so good, bad bearings, and 60 grams out of balance. That was toast. The only things saved from that engine were the block, crank and timing cover.

The first rendition of the 428 looked good. Not for long though.
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Next we had a bad camshaft grind, leaking intake gasket, and valve seals.

Next we had an oiling problem on the rear main (oil starvation)

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All was going well for a while. Quite a while. A great, relaible street engine, with lots of torque.

I took it to track day in 2011, and melted the rear tires on the track. It was a lot of fun. The suspension was not great, and neither was cornering.

Then I took it to the drag strip last year. Snapped the pinion 30 feet off the line, on the first run.



Time for a rear suspension upgrade. Caltracs on, specially designed for the lowered suspension.



They were great.

Then getting ready for track day 2012, I stretched the front fenders and added wider front tires. Completed the cooling ducts to the rear brakes.

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Track day was great. Handling was much better. Cornering was awesome.

Unfortunately I spun out, while trying to push my trail braking later and later. Probably the tires grabbed and the engine ran backwards, after the spin, until I got my foot into the clutch.

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[I've updated the thread with some more historic photos of the build from early on]

Post track day Diagnosis

Cut open the filter; Copper coloured flakes, and some tiny metal fragments. = Could be bearing

Running the engine, was rough increasing after 2000 rpm and up.

Checked the flywheel inspection cover, for clutch debris, or evidence of pilot bushing wear = none
No oil leaks from the rear main bearing seal = maybe the rear main bearing is okay.

Pulled the valve covers, spun the pushrods = some look bent.
Removed the pushrods = at least 5 were bent.

Got a leakdown tester, and bore scope.

Bore scope = doesn't look like any valves kissed the pistons, but pistons look ugly.

Leakdown = not good the cylinders which had the bent pushrods, are 10-18%, the good cylinders are 4-5%

Next step; pull the engine and remove the heads.

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[A few more of the ealy project photos]

Plan;
Send the heads out to a builder specializing in the porting of FE heads.
The head work should net 30-40 hp depending on cam.
Springs = go for a stiffer spring compatable with road racing upshifting & downshifting

Camshaft, might stay with the solid cam I have now. Might go custom grind.

Block = if the pistons, bores and bearings look good, then leave it alone.
If the pistons look bad = forged stroker kit
If the bearings look bad, switch the block for a 427 side oiler aluminum, 100 - 150 pounds lighter, with a better oiling system, suitable for road racing.

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[Another set of early project photos]

I always liked your car on the FE forum. I think it fits better here.:thumbsup:

Send your heads to Blair Patrick you won't regret it. I would also have him spec a cam for you. He is a true gentleman in addition to building some of the baddest FEs out there.

The Pond block is a work of art and weighs less than 115 lbs. When I bought mine it shipped regular UPS. Stop messing around buy the Pond block and put a 4.375 crank in it.:D

Thanks Rob, I've been checking out your build too. I hit the 1st page of your build, and was already drooling :thumbsup:

Yes the aluminum block would be much better on the track. I'll have to cash in a few empties before I can order one, though ;)

Keep us posted Doug, and remember we need pics! I know your not shy in that dept. :thumbsup:

Yep. Definately belongs here too!!!

Man what a saga... you keep pluggin holes.... great documentation... and thanks for sharing... I like these threads. :thumbsup:

Maybe you can make it down to a track event with us one of these years. :cheers:

Hi Guys, thanks for the feedback.

Pictures are coming

For now here are a couple of the online magazine links'

Street Legal TV;

http://www.streetlegaltv.com/news/pa...g-tribute-car/


I'm pretty overwhelmed by the responses. Makes me want to get it roadworthy as soon as I can.

It will be quite another evolution going from pro-street, to a really stellar track car. Lots of little tweaks on the suspension. An alumiunm 427 blockk would help with the weight on the front end ;-)

[Another set of pre-paint pics]

Pictures are coming:ttiwop:

Take your time and get that motor right. And yes every FE lover needs a Pond block. :cheers:

Maybe top it off with this.
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...FEpolished.jpg