My '85 Mustang LX Notch Project - Lateral-g Forums

JohnnyGMachine · #1 11-10-2006, 08:23 AM

I thought I'd post some pics from the Mustang Camp here. I know there's a couple guys building some Fox Body cars on here so here's what I'm workin' on...

Most of my current and future mods are listed on my FQuick page. The basis for this car is that I want it to be able to do more than straight line performance. There's a lot of guys out there that build these mostly for the 1320. As much as I enjoy the straight line drag strip runs, I still wanna be able to take corners. I also wanna be able to drive it to work on a nice day.

Anyways, I just received delivery of my new AFR 165 competition heads and they are just beautiful. I would've went with 185s but the shortblock only has 15,000 miles and I think I can eventually acheive the 350-400 RWHP mark with a stock bottom end. On the 5.0s I know you have to notch the pistons if you wanna run the 185s. Next I am ordering the cam and a few other small items and I should have her runnin' by late winter.
The next goal is to get the Baer brakes kit and then the Maximum motorsports coil over setup front and rear. For now the SN95 front and rear disc brake conversion will handle the stopping needs.

http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewvehicle.php?id=733

J

**XcYZ** · #2 11-10-2006, 03:14 PM

I think the Fox bodies are the next big resto-mod car.

frankenstang · #3 11-10-2006, 05:46 PM

I was waiting for someone else to 'break the ice' on the whole fox body thing. I am close to submitting my 91 for the approval of the others here. I need to get better pics. Good luck on your project. There are a few of 'us' here that can help you if needed. Looks good so far.

**Rybar** · #4 11-10-2006, 06:29 PM

I am also thinking that Fox Body Mustangs will be the next '69 Camaro in the future. Get your hands one one while they are cheap.

black2002ls · #5 11-11-2006, 12:33 AM

not a big fan of ford. but I like the notches. That is the big thing around here..mainly because they are so much cheaper than the LS1 car's everyone here does the 1320 thing tho. You don't see many 4 eyes though.

ironworks · #6 11-11-2006, 10:34 AM

I just bought a salvaged titled 03 Gt to go Road racing with. I bought the car with 20000 miles and it runs good. Then I bought the whole maximum motorsports kit for the car. New K member, torque arm suspension, the works. We are getting ready to build a cage and have some fun. I was going to buy a older 5.0 until I found this deal. They make everything for these cars. I'm starting to get excited about racing mine.

JohnnyGMachine · #7 11-12-2006, 10:59 PM

Once I get the engine, drivetrain, and suspension system bought and installed, then it will be time to do some exterior styling improvements. I want to keep the overall look of the car intact but I'ce like to do a mildly tweaked front bumper cover and clean up some of the trim. I'm also wanting to do some mini-tubs so I can get a 10" wide wheel and a 295 out back. Currently a 17x9 or an 18x9 will fit no problem with a 275 out back and that's without rolling the lip. I know a 10" wide wheel and 295 will leave just about no clearance if I want the wheel and tire to fit inside of the rear wheel wells properly.

The 5.0 notchbacks will always prove to be the more popular fox body bodystyle for the guys who want to build a modified car. The 1993 Cobra is like a Shelby to the fox body faithful but the hatchbacks just don't quite have the toughness that a notch has. Plus they are lighter and structurally a little stiffer than a hatch. I've had 2 notchbacks now and I constantly get asked..."wanna sell it?" I did sell the 92 but I'll never sell my 4-eye. Had her 7-8 years now and she just turned over 72,000 original miles.

J

Blown353 · #8 11-12-2006, 11:24 PM

Looks like a fun project and you definately have a leg up in the suspension department. Should be a fun car when finished!

While I'm not particularly fond of the interiors on Fox bodies, I've always liked the exteriors especially near to the end of the run and they make *great* track cars with all the suspension available for them (i.e. Griggs, Maximum Motorsports, etc.) and you can get deals on them all day long.

I think they will pick up in popularity in time. They were very popular back in the late 80s/early 90s, now they've taken a backseat to the newer stuff. What goes around comes around, and once people realize the deals they can get on these things and the potential they'll be popular again. The only bad thing is smog requirements if you are (un)fortunate to live in such a state.

I am looking to buy a notchback for a track car within the next year or so, preferably one that's already done and is being sold because of a baby/marriage/divorce or something along those lines. Even with all the goodies on them you can get a good deal on them.

Here's me having some fun in a '91 Saleen:

And since I know I'll be asked... no I didn't save it.

JohnnyGMachine · #9 11-13-2006, 08:09 AM

Now see you spoiled it - I was gonna start calling you "DK" (Drift King) - the pick is absolutely killer, wish I had a shot like that of my car waggin'!

Yeah I love the fox-body cars. I'm waiting to see if the restyle for the 2008-2009 Mustang comes out lookin' like a 69-70 style Mustang and if so I will be first in line at the dealership. Otherwise I will be getting another fox body Mustang and dropping in a 3V '05-07 motor with a Bully Dog twin turbo kit. I'd love to do a killer resto-fox Mustang like that!

Blown353 · #10 11-13-2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyGMachine

Now see you spoiled it - I was gonna start calling you "DK" (Drift King) - the pick is absolutely killer, wish I had a shot like that of my car waggin'!

Believe me-- I wanted nothing better than to make it to the next turn without a trip into the dirt. First time for me driving that car, first time driving the track, and I was having too much fun-- I came in too hot and quickly found the brand new brakes installed the night before were biased too far rearward. I was back on the throttle as soon as I scrubbed off as much speed as I possibly could, but I ran out of steering and couldn't get enough weight to shift to the back to keep the rear from coming all the way round on me.

It did make for a nice series of pictures though right in front of the professional photographers (I didn't realize until about half an hour later when they had the pic printed and out in front of their trailer for all to laugh at.) They captured the entire series of the car coming in hot and sideways, then very sideways with opposite lock, then exiting to the inside of the turn and plowing a little dirt.

I was just glad I didn't hurt the car... it's not mine!