Project Vert, aka long time comin.

[NXcoupe]

Well, I finally have made progress on my vert after nearly 5 years of sitting. Here are the engine specs and some pics of it.
Saying I am eager to get this thing done is an understatement. Here is what it has in the engine so far:

Stock Block that has been bored and torque plate honed, align honed, and square decked all by me.
Probe stroker kit, forged steel crank, H beam rods, forged SRS pistons, file fit rings, bearings, 347 ci. all balanced by me.
DSS main support
Melling oil Pump
FRPP oil pump driveshaft
Chrome stock replacement pan with new pick up tube
Custom grind camshaft for supercharger
Billet steel gears and double roller timing chain with thrust bearings and new retainer plate
ARP head studs
TFS track heat Twisted Wedge heads
TFS R box upper and lower intake manifold
TFS 1.6 roller rocker arms
TFS pushrods 6.750"
Accufab 75 mm throttle body and spacer
TFS valve covers, all in black
chrome water pump pulley
New water pump
new timing chain cover
March billet alternator bracket
March billet p/s pulley
Polished p/s bracket
new p/s pump
chrome A/C bracket
Polished A/C pump
Polished D1SC procharger
Polished supercharger brackets
Bassani 1 3/4" shorty coated headers
SFI pioneer balancer
That's all I can think of for now on the engine.

Transmission
Viper T56 transmission and bellhousing.
Spec Stage 3+ clutch and pressure plate
Spec billet steel flywheel
UPR billet shifter and Hurst handle
Custom aluminum driveshaft balanced with yoke for T56
T56 crossmember for trans

The rest of the car is very nice, but just covered with dust and some stains on the leather interior from sitting outside too long.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5e221ad178.jpg
This is a pic of right after I assembled it.
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I ran into a guy that did polishing and chrome plating, so I got a little carried away!
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[NXcoupe]

I had the car towed from its resting place for four odd years or so. Had to use a prybar on the calipers to get the car to roll. Thanks to Mark and Cindy for the tow.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5d81140d56.jpg
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[NXcoupe]

We test fit the engine into the car to make sure there wasn't a need for 'adjusting' the inner fender for blower clearance before I sprayed it. Also wanted to check how much clearance was needed for a box intake. A 2" cowl cleared it fine.
Here's some pics of the car as it arrived at the shop(my old shop)
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5e2217d6ef.jpg
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The engine before it went in:
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5ee2537273.jpg

Here we are testing the fitment
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Putting on the blower and belt:
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5ee26a9b24.jpg
Engine's in! But man, does that engine compartment look harsh! yuk.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5f92d3a32d.jpg
The small cowl would have worked! John and Cameron setting the hood on it.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5f92d6441c.jpg
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[NXcoupe]

Next step was to install the trans and weld in the crossmember.

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[NXcoupe]

Then it all came back out and the suspension was removed. Mike and I got the engine compartment ready to paint. We primered it first and then sanded it down, prepping it for paint. We built a 'spray booth' out of plastic and ferring strips that we stapled to the ceiling and let the plastic hang down around the nose of the car. I wet the floor down and after we has sanded and cleaned and masked, primer got sprayed on it.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5f92e0cbf1.jpg
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[NXcoupe]

After a lot of sanding, we prepped and sprayed it. It turned out pretty good for not being sprayed in a booth.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5f92e430b5.jpg
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[NXcoupe]

Next, it was time to start putting everything back in the engine compartment including the Kmember kit from UPR. The rack is a 'chrome' replacement unit. I am hoping that the rack works as good as it looks. It was advertised as chrome, but is really just tumbled and polished some
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[NXcoupe]

I have more pics I will post up of the wiring hidden in the fenderwells and the engine sitting back down in the engine compartment. It's coming along, but I can't wait to drive it!

[PonymanfiveO]

Damn Mike, too cool!


Is that your garage?:eek:

[NXcoupe]

No, that's the shop, my garage is big, but not that big! Thanks! It's coming along finally.

[mustangboy]

Looking Good!! Now I hope you are putting some sub frame's on that flexi flyer.:D

[chuck]

:eek: DAMN!!! that look Engine looks killer!!!

Can't wait for more pics.....will it be ready for the 28th?

[NXcoupe]

I really hope so! Yep, going to weld in subframes and X braces after the engine and trans are back in it.

[5.0calypso93lx]

Looks great Mike!

I do have a couple questions though.

First off, is your trans an actual viper trans, or is it a viper spec trans?

Is it a D&D kit? If its not, what bellhousing are you using to mate the t56 up to a windsor?

[Buckeye]

Damn hard to belive someone could stand to let such a pretty cay sit for 4 years. Glad to see it will be back on the road, should be sweet

[NXcoupe]

It's a Viper trans, has the little viper on the shifter mount boss. It uses a D&D bellhousing and input shaft to work with a 5.0. You buy it as a kit from D&D, since I am a dealer, I got the whole package. The driveshaft is sweet.

[cstreu1026]

Off the computer and back to work!

:D

Its great to see that project moving along again. I can't wait to hear it run.

[Buckeye]

Dealer huh how muh for a kit minus the driveshaft since it won't work in the fairmont

[5.0calypso93lx]

It's a Viper trans, has the little viper on the shifter mount boss. It uses a D&D bellhousing and input shaft to work with a 5.0. You buy it as a kit from D&D, since I am a dealer, I got the whole package. The driveshaft is sweet.

Yea, thats what I figured. I'm just not willing to spend their insane prices on a kit you can piece together for about a grand less.

Very cool car though, let me know how you like the 6 speed.

[RIXXX93GT]

You light that mutha yet Mike?

[93Snakebite]

Very nice, can't wait to hear/see/ride(in) it!!!

[NXcoupe]

Thanks Dave! Yep, it will be fun for sure.
Here are some more pics of the engine compartment all cleaned up and the engine before I set it down in. Note I got the polished PA 3G alternator mounted on it.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5ee259e2f6.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac5ee2564a9e.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac6098095697.jpg

[NXcoupe]

Here are some of the engine set down in the car. The trans is in thanks to Steve, John, and James for helping me put the trans in.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac60980d3df5.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac609815da96.jpg

[stangman_5]

Thats one nice azz car man. Good luck with the project looks like it is coming along.

[Demented5oh]

Lookin sweet mike. About time you got that thing back on the road. Makes me wanna get mine back together and moving. I thought i was a pimp when i drove that thing to my place to do the stereo like 7 years ago LOL.. Verts are so sweet!!! I need to get out and see ya, BTW im getting married aug 11th. Thats why i been "missing" LOL. see ya

[NXcoupe]

Cool man! Congrats. Invite me and I will get you a great wedding gift for your car!

[Gregg@TFS]

Looks good!!! Lovin the TFS bling...:bigthumb

[NXcoupe]

Thanks! I think the black powder coat is sweet, I use the same black powder coated stuff on my real street car.

[NXcoupe]

Got to work on the car now that I have had sleep and am done with the Pinks car for now.
I got the plug wires on it, heater hoses on it too. I also mounted the intercooler up under the bumper. the blower tubing from the blower to the intercooler is done, and some of the intercooler to engine is finished too. The intake is bolted down now and the throttle cable and cruise are mounted.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac648c02600b.jpg
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[NXcoupe]

I also mounted the battery in the trunk, but I still need to run all the cables.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac609811fc26.jpg

[93Snakebite]

Wow! Great pics, it looks mean just standin' still!

[NXcoupe]

Last night I got the steering shaft shortened and bolted in, the rack tightened for the last time, and tightened the shaft up securely. I also tightened the motor mounts up. I wired in the reverse light switch on the T56, it has to go over the trans to the passenger side. I also took off the driver's side wheel and started hooking up the wiring to the starter solenoid and routing the other wires. Not much, but puts me that much closer to being done.

[R825OH]

Wow that really is apretty engine lookin good !!

[wild87stang]

Looks awsome Mike! Im gonna have to stop by when i get a chance and check it out , i always drooled over that motor lol.

[NXcoupe]

Thanks! You and anyone else are always welcome to stop by and check it out. I have a lot of other projects we are working on too. I got a ton done this weekend, almost ready to start it. I will put some pics up in the next day or two.

[bcoh5gt]

That is some good looking work!!!!!!!!!!

[NXcoupe]

Thanks! More pics to be posted up tonight!

[331TwistedWedge]

how much compression are you running? ... i would love to throw a supercharger on my trickflow ~ 331 stroker ... do you know what the max compression is allowed - to do such a thing?

that should be an easy mid 10 second car, if not more ... nice project :bigthumb

[NXcoupe]

Thanks! yeah it is 9.5 to one. I would say 10 to one would be the highest I would run a procharger on, and limit the boost. I sell ATI stuff and have spec'd a lot of blowers over the years. To give you an example, most of the 96 to 01 cobra kits are only 7 or 8 psi with a three row intercooler. Pics up in a few minutes.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac653bc92b21.jpg
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Power pipe is installed, radiator, fan shroud is trimmed and fitted, MAC hoses are installed, fan is on, etc. Getting very close now.

[kennebellcobra]

Looks great! Love the fact it has A/C:rockon:

[orangedemon331]

That set up looks killer, I may build a supercharged car later down the road(after the orange beast is done):smokin:

[331TwistedWedge]

thanks for the info ... i am exactly 10.0:1 ... im going to double check with my engine builder to make sure ... im really leaning towards a supercharger ...

love the AC, nice thought out project ... big trick flow parts with boost, should be a very fast and fun car ... good luck with it :bigthumb

[5.0Greaser]

Damn son!Looks good :coo1:

[NXcoupe]

Thanks guys! Should have some video of it when I get it started. Getting real close now. Yeah, had to have a/c. Got a deal on getting the compressor polished and just went with it. The goal was to have a really comfortable car that sounded good, ran strong and still had creature comforts and would make a long trip with no problems. The T56 helps with that.
The plan is to get the engine running and the car driving, then finish with the rear end and brakes, and anything else I come across that needs attention.

[NXcoupe]

Well, it's about time I update this. I have a lot of pics to put up, but being in Afghanistan, it's going to take a little bit of time before I can access my computer files and get them posted. Maybe Matt will post them up for me.
So far the progress is that the car is running, made close to 600 hp on E85 and is a blast to drive.
The downsides to the car are the brakes are not nearly enough for the power now, and the car wants to twist in half anytime I get into it.
I also still have a stock 3.27 8.8 in it with stock upper control arms and stock axles, yikes!
I also used a stock block to build the engine, and I am going to have Matt swap everything onto a Dart SHP and then turn up the wick on it.
For the rear end, I have 9" ends, Moser 31 spline 9" style axles for an 8.8, Eaton 31 spline posi, 3.73 gear, and cobra 11" rear brakes with motorsport e brake cables and ebrake main cable. the housing was cut and welded to around 7/16" narrower than stock on each side so the wheels would sit nice up under the car.
I have 18" chrome Saleen replica wheels with huge 10.5" rears, 9" fronts and nice wide tires on them too. The front I have already put POR 15 painted sn95 spindles, Cobra front brakes, and to top it off a set of Tokico Dspec struts. I have the matching rear shocks as well. I am putting spherical upper bearings in place of the bushings, and then UPR street upper control arms along with the current Lakewood lowers. Also putting a TFS rear end cover on it to round it all out. Painting the entire assembly with hammered black rustoleum. The car is going to be sweet and finally have the driveline to handle the powe and the brakes to get it stopped.
Also bought a new pioneer stereo for the car, already removed the trunk mounted cd changer that quit working and the alpine will be coming out when I come back home from here.

[NXcoupe]

Ok, so on with the story. I got the trans in and started to put exhaust on it, when DENIED! Problem. Only H would work was an old BBK I had and we had to spread it apart to clear the T56 crossmember. I bought a stainless cat back from MagnaFlow, thinking it would look good and sound good, but that's another story. I had to let the H hang down to clear and that caused the flow tubes to also hang down, and then that in turn raised the tailpipes up,and well the result is a few posts away....
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[NXcoupe]

Ok, so I got it running and took it down to Colletti's because I hadn't gotten my dyno yet, was still at the old shop. Well, I took the car down and hooked it up on the rollers. I had the base tune pretty close, but wanted to make sure. Well, first pull I stopped it at 5300 rpms, because it looked like it was going lean, and it happened so damn fast, I wanted to be careful with my new engine. Well, the guys that went with me all said, JESUS! That thing made nearly 600 rwhp, like 586 or so!!! I said stop screwing around, how much did it make. I finally got pissed and got out to see for myself because I thought they were fuckin with me. NOPE! That was the hp number. I got a little sick feeling in my stomach and said crap. Stock block. So, I kept pulling timing out and adding fuel and no help, got it down to 545 and it ran like crap wot. So I added a couple more degrees in it, and it jumped back up to 570. It was going lean so I needed to work on that. Well, I figured out that E85 was going to be a cool way to run a blower car with lots of octane, so Mike and I jumped in my car and tuned it on the street with E85. It worked out pretty well but when I put it on the dyno, it was running out of fuel at 3800 or so. I decided to add a booster pump and 60 lb injectors.

[NXcoupe]

I put the injectors on it and the pump, but it still went lean up top and was loosing fuel pressure, so I knew I needed more pump and la de dah. So I said screw it for now and started driving it and just keeping my foot out of it for the most part.
My woman and I took a trip for the weekend in it, and cruised out to IN and then down to KY, and then back up through IN into OH and Oxford. We stopped off and I snapped a couple pics. Car still had stock fuel lines, rails and a booster pump. Got 16 mpg on E85 and 20 on premium. I was pretty impressed and the car drove like a stocker thanks to that 6th gear.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ac8e4548b83d.jpg
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[NXcoupe]

Ok, so one day I decided to pull the car out of the garage and take it to work, nice sunny summer day, good day to have some fun. I back it out and smell fuel, so I stop and look under the car for a leak, and DAYUM! There was a water fall coming out of the middle of the trans/engine, so I pulled it back up in the garage and shut it down quickly. I got to looking and the fuel pressure regulator was pressed up against the upper intake and had cracked one of the welds on the rail.
Time for new rails. So I ordered the trick flow rail kit, and got it out of the box to start installing it. I find out that it is really designed for an SN95 and the fittings are incorrect, so pick up the phone and start ordering what I need. A few days later, I got the rails on and started cutting and assembling the braided lines. Here are a few pics as I got started.
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[NXcoupe]

Here's a pretty poor pick of the finished install, you can barely see the AFPR mounted on the passenger front inner fender with the fuel pressure gauge wire going to it.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acb77fa6aea8.jpg

[NXcoupe]

Ok, so next thing on the agenda was paint. The car looked HORRIBLE. It had looked so good for so long and after driving it and looking at it, I was ready for a change. So I called on Chris(plated) to do the honors of repairing the paint job I had done on it 9 years prior. Here are pics of the car on the trailer on it's way to him. Notice the melted hole in the rear bumper cover? I told you that you would see the result of the crappy exhaust placement soon. I had fixed that by getting a custom X pipe made up for it, and had ditched the Magnaflows(aka harley pipes) in exchange for some used stockers. I wanted quiet after my magnaflow experience. I decided on a BOSS hood for this project. Usually I use HO fibertrends, but this one I wanted something different.
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[NXcoupe]

Ok, so Chris did his usual magic and the car turned out very nice, I think. I am very happy with the touches he did to it. Some are very subtle and I love the stripe, it took some convincing but I'm glad he did it.
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[NXcoupe]

After driving it around and then putting it away for winter, I ended up coming to Afghanistan to work for the military and help out the cause over here while also providing for my family. when you have time on your hands, and everything you know and love is 9k miles away, your mind tends to wander. lol.
I had started gathering parts for my fuel system for about 6 months, since 08. I had talked with Rick about using an alternative to the standard huge pump in the back. This is a streeter and not a race car. I ended up following some links and got hooked up with Walbro. I used twin walbro inline pumps, and that system can support up to 900 rwhp depending on conditions. I just needed it to support E85 and 600 hp. So I bought the pumps, the inline filters, got a new tank and had it sumped under the factory baffle, and got the nice braided black hose. I already had the fuel rails and braided lines coming from them and the AFPR, so all I needed was something to push the fuel, and the walbro's had that covered.
I had to leave before I could start on it, so I left instructions on how to do it and where everything was, etc, and left for the sandbox.

[2Kblacksleeper]

Looks really good.

John

[NXcoupe]

Over 08 I also acquired a set of front 95 spindles, POR 15 coated and a set of 94 Cobra front brakes with calipers and drilled rotors with brackets, etc. The car seriously and I mean seriously needed a brake upgrade! So I set those to the side. I still needed rear brakes.
But if I was going to do 5 lug, then I needed some wheels. The tires on my current wheels were brand new, they may have 5k miles on them, so I didn't want to get rid of them, but as Chris put it, the car was screaming for some chrome wheels(bling). I agreed and started looking around for a set. I bought a set of the saleen 18" replica's with tires. I got these pics while I was in AFghan.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad5ce1dbbd97.jpg
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[NXcoupe]

I also ordered shocks and struts for it. I couldn't decide and a call to MM helped to make up my mind. Tokico had combined their road race shock and their drag race shock into one unit, called the Dspec. I ordered up a set for my car. I also ordered a larger radiator, electric dual fans, and the controller setup. I was really happy to see this stuff when I finally got home! It was like Christmas!

[R825OH]

Progress from far away!! car looks great Mike, get home soon!

[Mustard]

Too bad you dont have pics of the car the way it was when I met you. Then people would see just how far this car has really come. It's looking good now for sure

[NXcoupe]

thanks guys! I will be posting the rest of the pics and progress today sometime. I am really stoked!!! Now I can't wait to come home and drive this thing!

[NXcoupe]

I have posted most all of the old pics that I think were up with some new ones thrown in.
While I was gathering parts, I got a complete fuel system for my car. I sold off the piggyback inline pump, the sump tank was ready, and I had what I thought were all the fittings and everything I needed to put the fuel system on the car. I got back from overseas and took a couple days to do what I enjoy and that is working on my car. I put the fuel system on it. I ran it up to the existing braided lines and coupled them up with the new -8 and -6 lines coming from the tank. I am running two walbro inline pumps and a -10 supply line. It seems to work great. I had some issues with it at first, but first the pics.
First thing was to remove all the old factory lines and the original tank. I then put in the new sumped tank and modified the plastic cover to go over the tank like factory.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acb855969a33.jpg
I ran -8 at first from the tank to the Y, but then changed it out to a -10. More on that later. I mounted the pumps onto a piece of aluminum I bought at Lowe's, and then wired it and plumbed it and bolted it onto the car.
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I ran a line from the sump up to a -8 Y and then twin -8 hoses up into each pump, then from each pump a -8 hose into another Y that put it up into one -8 that went around to the front of the tank and an inline filter. I also put a -10 TFS filter on the supply side.
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I ran the lines up to the front, down the framerail on the passenger side and then over to the rocker panel to keep everything away from the full exhaust.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7f25194bfc.jpg
Then I connected it to the existing BSS lines from the TFS fuel rail kit.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acb85592e05a.jpg
I know there are two different types of lines, but my stuff got used on a customer's car and I didn't have enough, so ran to the Parker store to get more line so it could be finished before I left. Just wanted to hear it run and drive it before I left, but I didn't end up getting to drive it again, but at least started it one day when Mark was there.

[NXcoupe]

The issue I was having was that the car felt like it was running out of fuel when I would drive it. It would run good at first then gradually just run out of power and fuel. I cleaned the filter and found it plugged, problem solved. Or so I thought, got in it, same thing, not quite as bad, but same crap. I thought about it overnight and then ordered a -10 into dual -8 Y, only MagnaFuel makes this so I have purple back there now, and ran a -10 line and fittings out of the sump. It fixed it and the fuel pressure jumped up like 2 or 3 pounds.

[NXcoupe]

While I was home, on the first day I got there, I ordered an Eaton posi, a set of moser 31 spline 9" style axles with bearings and some 9" ends for an 8.8. The axles, studs, bearings and ends arrived in 4 days. I didn't see the posi until the day I left. Nice, huh?
So Matt would have to do that while I was gone. I also couldn't weld the housing due to time constraints, so I had to source that out too.
So my buddy Jason down here towards Cincy picked up the housing and used my jig and welded up the ends on it. Matt then cleaned it up and painted the housing and started the assembly.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc82507f3cf.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc81fc0dd9e.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc812d3db7c.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc812ce9001.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc812c6faba.jpg

[NXcoupe]

Here is another shot of the housing center section. I had Jason cut it 3/8" shorter on both sides of the housing so I could make my 10.5" saleens fit under the rear end nicely. I would rather beat in the inner wheel well than try to roll or clearance the outside more. I like the tucked look. He also removed the quad shock brackets from the rear tubes.


http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc8250c261c.jpg

Then, Matt started to assemble the rear end with a gear. I did a poll on my site, as I was on the fence as to what gear to go with and ended up using a 3.73 gear I had there.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc812c343a4.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc812bd0e11.jpg

[NXcoupe]

I also had Matt remove the upper bushings, and I ordered UPR street uppers and spherical bushings for the housing. I already had Lakewood lowers on it, and they have maybe 5k miles on them now, so they are in great shape.
Well, I bought a rear end off of bangerz here, for the rear disks, and the guy gave me a great deal and even delivered it for me since I was overseas at the time. I came home and checked it out and it had the larger Cobra brakes on the rear end, so I was very happily surprised. I am buying new calipers and slides for it with new pads too, so it should stop really well. Here are the brackets we are doing something different with them to make it work and stay stock Fox width.
Here is one sandblasted and one as is.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464acc812caadea.jpg
I need to get the dust shields to Mustangboy for powdercoating

[NXcoupe]

I have been back over here now for about three months. I am counting the days till I get to come home, and I want this car done so I can drive it when I get home. Matt and the shop are working hard to make that happen and I really appreciate it. My buddy Rick is massaging the rear caliper brackets for me so they will fit on the inside of the axle tube flange instead of on the outside. You flip right to left and vice versa and put them on the inside and it spaces it at a fox width, cool huh? They need to be opened up to fit the 9" bearing diameter which is much larger than the stock 8.8 diameter tube as you can see if in the first pics of the rear axle. Here's a link with pics:http://forums.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=446998&page=3 Scroll about 3/4 of the way down the page and there are some very good pics of how to do it from the guy that did it back in 02 on a fox. If you read the whole thread, which I did, there is some great information there. I mean you could technically do this for less than a couple hundred bucks. crazy.

[NXcoupe]

So while I was home I wanted to get the front cobra brakes on and also decided that I was tired of the complete lack of damping out of my two rear original equipment shocks, so I started looking around for info. Maximum Motorsports gave me some great info, said that Tokico took their road race damping and their drag race shock and combined them into one, the Dspec, so I ordered a set for the car. They also came in right away, but still no posi as I was home. I am backing up a bit here sorry, bear with me.
I got the front brakes on, and put the new Dspec struts on.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7e7c3a3283.jpg
The other side:
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7e7c35949d.jpg

[NXcoupe]

Matt is going to pull the rotors off and blast them and then paint the parts that used to be anodized. They will never see rain again more than likely so should stay nice. Anyone got any ideas on what to do to make the cobra calipers look better? we are painting the rears and the rotors with black caliper paint.

[NXcoupe]

So getting back to the present, Matt pulled the old rear axle out, and left the brake lines hanging, pretty cool idea.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eadc4253f.jpg
You can see the Lakewood lowers hanging there.
Then the exhaust had to come down to get to the lower control arm bolts
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eade18de9.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eade6637a.jpg
Here are the old Lakewoods, looking pretty well rode hard and put away wet. Have to fix that up.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eadbb85ea.jpg

[NXcoupe]

So next step was to paint up the lowers and all the brackets and hardware. Then Matt put the new Dspec shocks on the back before the rear went back in.
Here are the new shocks and the painted lowers ready for the rear axle. You can see how much clearance there is for the fuel lines from the exhaust system the way I ran it.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eadc827f2.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eadbed67f.jpg
Next the instant center brackets were painted and bolted onto the fresh rear axle.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eaddb7b58.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eadd6b6e4.jpg
Here it is all together and lookin sharp. Still need to get the brake brackets finished up and on there so the calipers can go on.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eadd105e6.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7eadcc29d6.jpg

[NXcoupe]

Also, the axles don't go all the way in, I told the guy at Moser they were going into a posi unit, but I guess that didn't register. So the pin needs to be ground down on both sides so the axles can come in farther. Won't be an issue. The spherical ends are installed in the above pic too. the new exhaust is because someone that worked for me started the car up flooded and blew the mufflers off of it. lol. I wanted to change them anyway, but it's the point, come home from 4 months of work and danger, to someone blowing my shit up and not fessing up. Just my luck.
Well here it is up in the car lookin sharp!! TFS cover arrived Friday, should have pics up on Monday or so.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7f35e6d566.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7f35eca3e2.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad7f3f14e37d.jpg

[NXcoupe]

Ok, so after the rear was installed, Matt used our blast cabinet and blasted those nasty looking rotors and put them on, then put all my new wheels on, and I was smiling so big you couldn't slap the smile off my face!!! Looks like pure sex on wheels to me... just some teaser pics, it will look so cool with the black calipers on back and the rotors detailed. You can really see the detail in Chris' paintjob on it too.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad8a98520d5a.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad8a985a4d23.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad8a98567ec5.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad942f6b0ee1.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad942f717564.jpg
The end:
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464ad943ab5d79b.jpg
LOL! Just kidding, there's gonna be a lot more. The master cylinder is in, the MM 3 to 2 brake line kit is in, and the FRPP metering block proportioning valve eliminator is in.
Should have the brakes on it next week, cover on it, brakes painted and detailed, and fluid in it, and be ready to test r out!!!

[Blkcobra01]

That is one good looking vert Mike it sure has come along way.

[NXcoupe]

That is one good looking vert Mike it sure has come along way.

Thanks bud! Yeah, it has taken about 12 years to get it to this point. I have scrimped and saved and traded for most of what I ended up with on it. I am glad it is almost over tho! Got to be honest, it has just been a neverending deal with this car. I want it done and ready to drive when I get home and I think it will be. I am still planning on doing the SHP block, but I think that will be after I go on leave. When I come home for my wedding, I will make sure it is finished and tuned, and ready for me to enjoy the week before my wedding.
Going to get the dustshields powder coated and the front and rear sway bars coated too soon. Stop out and check it out sometime.

[Blkcobra01]

Ill have to check it out sometime and stop by havent been out to the shop since you had the bonfire get together, I bet though, even though its been that long, with your time, money, trades, and work in it etc., it will be well worth it and a great accomplishment in the end and you cant wait.

[NXcoupe]

Roger that! Yeah, I am so stoked that it is finally getting close to being done. I could do more to it, but you know, that can wait till the new owner gets to it! lol. I am going to enjoy it a little and then most of my toys are going up for sale. I will keep the r/s car, the red 4cyl coupe and my burgundy coupe. That's it. That is more than enough for one guy to enjoy. The others are all going away! Yeah, stop over and check it out. The showroom is coming together as well. later!

[Stangman]

I love that car!!! I always go straight to that car when I go up there to see the new progress!!

You know Mike... you're gonna wanna keep it when it's done!

[NXcoupe]

Yeah, everyone says that, and my woman really wants me to keep it, I guess time will tell! I have reached my ending point with it. I can't see doing anything else to it other than what I have planned already. I would like to put a different cluster in it, change out some other things on it, like a stainless exhaust, but I have just had enough. It's time to finish what I started and enjoy it a little. There is an SHP block in the works for it tho, so I can turn up the wick a bit. lol. Got to make more power than a certain banana S197, hehe.

[cstreu1026]

Man those wheels make a world of difference.

[NXcoupe]

Thanks, I think so too. The old ones are going on my 4 cyl coupe that sits out front. You know that already has 4 wheel disks and a new m/c for them too? And an 8.8? It's got a future as my dd. So those wheels with brand new tires will look good on that car after it gets painted.

[Rich]

Looking great MIchael! Keep us posted on flipping the rear disk bracket and how it works. I also have the 9inch ends welded on and was wondering what set up to use for rear disc.

[92coupe]

That's a beautiful car Mike.

[NXcoupe]

Thanks guys! Rich, the ends have been flipped and you are welcome to come by and check them out. The ebrake handle has also been modified to work with the motorsport cables. I am hoping the brakes will be on it today sometime, and it will be ready for a test drive. That is the best way to do fox width axle with disk brakes, it is basically free, nothing else to buy. However, with the 9" ends, there is very little metal left on the inside of the bracket. I would look at the north race cars brackets and they would only need lightly modified to work, but they are expensive. I wanted to try these out first, and if it doesn't work well with the ends, then I will get the north brackets. It looks good so far tho.

[Carl]

I'll tell ya what Mike, for not even being in the country...you sure can get a lot of work done to your car!

[NXcoupe]

Thanks man. It pays to have guys working at the shop for me! I really am anxious to get back to the states and drive this thing. Still more to do with it, but it is winding down now.

[relaxednoma]

Just read the whole thread start to finish. Amazing job, great details and killer result!

[NXcoupe]

I appreciate that! I know I like reading these build threads, so i wanted mine to be as good as I could get it.

[NXcoupe]

Ok, so check this out:

[NXcoupe]

And some of the brake assembly. Just put it together for pics, has to come apart and get the rotors turned, get the paint off the friction surface. Then final assembly when the fittings get there, and bleed the system and she's done with the brakes!

[NXcoupe]

Ok, FINALLY DONE!!! and on the ground!!!!

[NXcoupe]

And a few more!

[92coupe]

Mike what are you doing for the master cylinder and proportioning valve?

[NXcoupe]

I used a 96 mustang V6 master cylinder, new unit from KOI up here, then used the FRPP part to gut the metering block. Used the MM kit to go from 3 to 2 line master cylinder. Going to use an adjustable proportioning valve from Summit to adjust the rear brakes grab. Brakes are bled and working, now the adjustable proportioning valve has to go in it, should have already been there, but I put off ordering it until I got more stuff together for an order.

[92coupe]

Mike who carries those North race car brackets for building a rear disc set up?

[NXcoupe]

You have to buy them direct from North race cars
http://northracecars.com/Brakes.html
I just modified my stockers to work, like this article here, but you have to read the entire thread to get all the info:
http://forums.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=446998&page=3
And to modify the e brake handle to work with the rear disks on a fox:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-2300-K.pdf
This should help you out!

[92coupe]

You have to buy them direct from North race cars
http://northracecars.com/Brakes.html
I just modified my stockers to work, like this article here, but you have to read the entire thread to get all the info:
http://forums.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=446998&page=3
And to modify the e brake handle to work with the rear disks on a fox:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-2300-K.pdf
This should help you out!

Thanks Mike, Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate your help.

[NXcoupe]

Hey man, no worries! I like helping out and sharing this stuff. It's what makes this hobby fun for me. I really like how my brakes turned out and it was such a cheap way to go too. Even with the 9" ends, it still worked. If you need anything else, just post up or PM me. Start a build thread on yours, I want to see the progress too.

[NXcoupe]

Here are the final pics, sway bar installed on the front, brake proportioning valve installed in the brake line and brakes bled and everything finalized. Big thanks to Matt S for getting this done for me and making it look so good underneath. I still need to get the adjustable front A arms, and that will pull the wheels in a little on the front and center the tire in the well. Going to get 91 to 93 front GT effects to give a little more front clearance of the tire as well. Let me know what you think.
First it drives!!! But scrapes, so that's why the a arms and effects parts.
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464aec83962cb98.jpg
And some of it sitting still out in the kind of sunlight:
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464aec83967dae3.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464aec8396c239a.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464aec8397100f2.jpg
http://www.daytonstangboard.com/forum/imagehosting/464aec839752f69.jpg

[Carl]

OOHHHHH, me likey!! You going to keep the cheese graters though?? Kinda kills the look IMO...

[NXcoupe]

Sorry, yep! I like them a lot, just never been a fan of the lx tails on a gt. I really like the factory gt tails.

[Carl]

Hey, to each his own. I still love the car as a whole though!!

[NXcoupe]

thanks man, I appreciate it. I have been working on this thing for 16 years now, and it's finally where I pictured it to be way back then. Finally!

[cstreu1026]

yeah Mike has some weird fascination with the cheese grater tail lights.:lol:

I saw it in person Wednesday and those wheels really do make a world of difference.

[NXcoupe]

Thanks man, I can't wait to see it when I get home. Just hope God feels a little pitty for me and lets me have a nice sun shiney day to drive it. Oh yeah, in January!

[Pitbull1052]

awesome!!!!!!

[Squale iii]

ya that's a nice lookin car man! I'm still in love with the paint job on the notch tho.