Grudge car decisions...Poll

[vertigo]

So, after some lengthy conversation with my buddy Daren, we've decided to build a grudge car for me. His is very interesting, as it's an 85 coupe with a big Windsor (380+ cubes), carb'd, running through a Liberty 5-speed. His is a small-tire car, and I've seen it run a 9.19 @ 145, on the motor. He is from Detroit originally, and races around Columbus and Milan.
Here's the decision for me: what car to build? I only have a few criteria: needs to fit a big block, and needs room for a big tire eventually.
I am a Mustang guy through and through, but for some reason I've been looking at Fox T-birds and Cougars. Daren has a friend in Detroit with a 1982 GT roller, with a built 8.8, and full length subframe connectors. He offered it to me for $800. No rust.
Help me decide! And since I am not too familiar with local engine builders, or chassis guys, any references there would be helpful, too.

[mustang_gt88]

I love the 79-82 foxbodies

[mustangjon]

Just an FYI tbird linc mark Vii ect all fox platform as well so all rear end fits and front end only downside exhaust and driveshafts won't cuz length. But my mark had all mustang rest suspension all mustang front end minus came with 4 wheel disc and 5 lug factory :)

[draggin50]

I voted for the 82. My reasoning is because parts are readily available, it will fit whatever motor you want, and chassis builders have them figured out. The SN would be my next choice.

As far as local engine builders, there are a few around here that have made big power and last. Barker for one. For Chassis shops you have Rob at Rogue or Gary Rohe. You have a lot of options. Good luck!!

[vertigo]

Just an FYI tbird linc mark Vii ect all fox platform as well so all rear end fits and front end only downside exhaust and driveshafts won't cuz length. But my mark had all mustang rest suspension all mustang front end minus came with 4 wheel disc and 5 lug factory :)

If memory serves, 83-88 T-Bird, Cougar etc are Fox platform. Which is why I specified "Fox T-Bird." In 1989, they went to MN12, and all had IRS. As much as I like those cars, tossing a 9" in the back of one of those isn't easy....or any kind of budget friendly.

[vertigo]

I voted for the 82. My reasoning is because parts are readily available, it will fit whatever motor you want, and chassis builders have them figured out. The SN would be my next choice.

As far as local engine builders, there are a few around here that have made big power and last. Barker for one. For Chassis shops you have Rob at Rogue or Gary Rohe. You have a lot of options. Good luck!!

Thanks! Exactly what I'm looking for. I like the 82, especially since some steps have already been taken, and the 82 GT nose is pretty wicked. He main reason I mentioned the 'birds, is strictly being different. Which, like you said, may present other challenges. People way smarter than me have figured the Mustangs out.

[draggin50]

Im still partial to the new edge cars though. You can usually find them pretty cheap as rollers and build them the way you want. They are more comfortable also. You have a lot of decisions to make!!!

I know if I build another car, Ill find a 99 up car to build with the SBF and turbo. Cant go wrong there either!

[SN95N/A]

^thats what I'm doing lol

[mustangboy]

I know where there is a dart block 427 that would be a great engine for this build

[vertigo]

I agree with the new edge body style, they can look so sinister. I love SBF's, but I've got the monster already, I'm just undecided if I'm going fuel injected, or carb. My power adder choice is dependent on the fuel delivery system, so yeah....
If I can find a decent sn95 or edge roller for super cheap, then I'll definitely jump on it!

[draggin50]

One just sold cheap over on ExtremeStreetCars.
http://www.extremestreetcars.com/extremeforum/showthread.php?t=6541

[pegasus]

if you go with the bird let me know theirs still a lot of differences between a fox stang and a fox bird more then just the drive shaft

[vertigo]

if you go with the bird let me know theirs still a lot of differences between a fox stang and a fox bird more then just the drive shaft

I definitely will. I think the only similarities between a bird and foxbody are the suspensions, right?

[CNTLOSE]

Always loved the fox body birds. I have looked on and off over the years for a nice 5.0 one, but they are always rusted out or the people want a small fortune for them.

[SN95N/A]

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4895104730.html

[vertigo]

I saw that 275 car this morning. I doubt I could build one that caliber for that money, I just don't think by stroking a check that large at once would fly. Our goal is to pay cash for a house in the next 9 months.

[redfirepearlgt]

Okay, after doing research on what a grudge car is I now know its not a never ending project sitting in a storage shed. LOL! I love the 1982 GT. Fantastic looking car. IMO one of the meaner looking 4 eyes ever to hit the street. Would make a great car for what you are going to be doing for reasons others more knowing have stated. However, isn't part of the scheme in creating a "grudge car" to make it unsuspecting? Wouldn't the 83-88 Tbird or better yet the Cougar be more unsuspecting? Granted they need to go on a diet, but they do offer more room to work with when looking to go big tire. And the 88 Cougar XR7 is pretty nice looking.

[k062693w]

I didn't see 88 K-Car anywhere ??? :rockon:

And I just assumed by your other posts, That you'd go with a GM product, And have PepBoys do the work !!!

[vertigo]

I didn't see 88 K-Car anywhere ??? :rockon:

And I just assumed by your other posts, That you'd go with a GM product, And have PepBoys do the work !!!

LMAO!
I think I need to buy you a beer! Best response ever!

[k062693w]

LMAO!
I think I need to buy you a beer! Best response ever!

Keep the Beer, But a Coca Cola or Mt. Dew will work !!!

I didn't vote, But I figured my sig says it All !!!
4 Eyes FTW !!!

[vertigo]

Fair enough, I can load you with caffeine!
I had 3 geeks, loved them all. My first car was a 79 Cobra turbo 4. On my honeymoon in 02 I bought an 86 2.3 4-speed. Put a big Windsor in, and I think I bought the last set o Saleen ground effects for it. It was a cool ride. My 83 was an ugly, quick turd.

[bbfstanger]

theres already one bigblock 82 gonna be out this year.lol!
but hey nothing wrong with another!
stay away from the later birds suspension suck front and rear.
im thinking like a maverick or a new edge.

[2Fast4You]

Get you a 1978 Mercury Zephyr, no one would ever see it coming and it is the first year for a Fox chassis.

[vertigo]

theres already one bigblock 82 gonna be out this year.lol!
but hey nothing wrong with another!
stay away from the later birds suspension suck front and rear.
im thinking like a maverick or a new edge.
Mine won't be out this year, that's for sure! There's an MG I get to rebuild and re-wire first, and I'm doing nearly all of it here.
I'm pretty sure I PMed you with a few questions recently.
Once I decide how exactly I'm going to fuel it, and if I'm going nitrous or turbos, I'll send the engine out.

[vertigo]

Get you a 1978 Mercury Zephyr, no one would ever see it coming and it is the first year for a Fox chassis.

I'd have to make that REALLY fast, just so no one would see me driving it!

[SN95N/A]

Big block and bunch spray!! Lol

[k062693w]

theres already one bigblock 82 gonna be out this year.lol!
but hey nothing wrong with another!
stay away from the later birds suspension suck front and rear.
im thinking like a maverick or a new edge.


Mine won't be out this year, that's for sure! There's an MG I get to rebuild and re-wire first, and I'm doing nearly all of it here.
I'm pretty sure I PMed you with a few questions recently.
Once I decide how exactly I'm going to fuel it, and if I'm going nitrous or turbos, I'll send the engine out.

If you're going BBF, John is The Man !!!
Even though his BBF is going to get Phucking OWNED by my Stock Windsor on the Street !!!

[vertigo]

Big block and bunch spray!! Lol

I do have a buddy back in Florida who owes me a nitrous kit....

[vertigo]

If you're going BBF, John is The Man !!!
Even though his BBF is going to get Phucking OWNED by my Stock Windsor on the Street !!!

I'd hoped to hear back from him, it was only a few questions that I had. It's not like I haven't googled the piss out of this swap. Just looking for some info that can only be had from experience. I can't weld, but I can damned sure turn wrenches.

[k062693w]

I'd hoped to hear back from him, it was only a few questions that I had. It's not like I haven't googled the piss out of this swap. Just looking for some info that can only be had from experience. I can't weld, but I can damned sure turn wrenches.

Did you PM him ???
He's good about returning them ...

[bbfstanger]

I haven't got any pm's lately.

[vertigo]

I haven't got any pm's lately.

Sorry, man I realized after I read it again how much I sounded like an asshole. I'll send it again. It was on the 28th.

[chris91]

What about a Fairmont? Not sure if the BBF fits but that would be sweet.

[vertigo]

Fairmonts are just so ugly..... I realize that I'm planning a no-frills race car, but I'd still like a bit of aesthetics. See the response to the Zephyr comment above! Lol!

[k062693w]

BIG Tire'd, BIG Inch BBF, 82 GT ...

/Thread ...

- - - Updated - - -


Sorry, man I realized after I read it again how much I sounded like an asshole. I'll send it again. It was on the 28th.

He's a Dick Soooooooo ... LMFAO

[pegasus]

Yes and some sn95 parts, it kinda cool how for used the t-birds and marks as the proving ground for the mustang

[chris91]

Fairmonts are just so ugly..... I realize that I'm planning a no-frills race car, but I'd still like a bit of aesthetics. See the response to the Zephyr comment above! Lol!

That's the whole point though. Pick up a puke green or turd brown one and throw some widened steelies in the back and surprise the shit outta people. Haha

[vertigo]

That's the whole point though. Pick up a puke green or turd brown one and throw some widened steelies in the back and surprise the shit outta people. Haha

Says the guy with a gorgeous New Edge....

[chris91]

Gorgeous but slow. LoL

Thanks!

[2Fast4You]

I have some big block parts if needed, like a motor plate and a Fluid Dampner.

[vertigo]

I have some big block parts if needed, like a motor plate and a Fluid Dampner.

PM me with pricing, please. I've never used a motor plate. Are they used in lieu of mounts? Sorry, I know nothing about them.

[k062693w]

PM me with pricing, please. I've never used a motor plate. Are they used in lieu of mounts? Sorry, I know nothing about them.

Yep ... Keeps all the BBF Power from twisting the K-member and motor mounts out ...

[vertigo]

Cool. I like learning! So, I'm guessing it bolts to the engine, and to...strut towers?

[k062693w]

Frame rails ...
Strongest point ...

[SN95N/A]

Yeah motor plate good idea,I just got mine

[pegasus]

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4920712815.html

[vertigo]

Dude, that piece has been for sale for over a year. I'd rather drive a turd brown Granada.
The whole project is on hold for now. Took a job at Wyler Eastgate, and I'm spending nearly 90 hours a week there, plus my 45+ minute commute each way. I'm happy just to see the wife and baby.

[draggin50]

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4920712815.html

Good god!!! Someone needs kicked in the nuts for that mess!

[vertigo]

Good god!!! Someone needs kicked in the nuts for that mess!

It's uglier than a man's ass.
That poor Mustang got butt-raped by a Nissan Hardbody!

[2Fast4You]

But it runs 12's on a two barrel?

[draggin50]

But it runs 12's on a two barrel?

Who cares when it looks like that! Id rather run 17's in my jeep!! That's got to be the worst thing I have ever seen!

[2Fast4You]

I was being sarcastic. Lol

[draggin50]

I thought you was gonna try to trade the coupe for it there for a minute!!!