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Was talking with the shop about some things, we're probably looking at a new set of motor mounts and a new harmonic balancer. Right now it's a UDP, so it'd end up underdriving the blower. I mentioned I still have the stocker in a box in my garage, but they said I should think about getting a nicer I've anyway since it's going to be driving a supercharger eventually
Good chance to powder coat the valve covers while it's out ...
I was thinkin the same thing I'm going to be swapping the Ford Racing intake plenum back to stock, so I'm definitely going to need something to dress it up a bit.
I haven't been keeping up with this thread, but I gather you are rebuilding and planning to add a supercharger .... so I wanted to suggest that you check out Department of Boost, if you haven't already
@Cavero WOW... looking at that "extraction" pic makes me nervous... glad you decided to stay with us "old folks" - we've been here a long time!!! I'll be watching this thread with interest to see how you fare.
2 months down...I'd like to say time flies but it's been DRAAAAAGGING. Engine shop had shut down over the holidays and they're still catching up on their backlog -- or so I'm told. But they did finally disassemble and said they didn't see anything surprising in there. I've been expecting a parts invoice 'any day' for the last 2 weeks. Tellin myself I gotta be patient...what's 6 months in the course of the next 10 years, right?
Still, I'm goin through some withdrawals here! My wife's Mazdaspeed3 has been my coping mechanism --- and it's fun and all but it just ain't got the torque. Or the solid shifter. And it sounds like a weed whacker.
I stopped by the shop last week to get my OBDII scanner out of it, they detailed it and have it out under a cover right now (they don't have the room in the shop to have it taking up space for such a long build. Was good to at least sit in it.
Now where'd I leave my keys...
Funny how different it sits with a few HUNDRED fewer pounds in the front
Anyway, that's all I've got for now. Not much till I get an invoice. Then they'll order the parts which'll be a few more months, and maybe I'll have the car back by...memorial day?
Update -- last week finally got the invoice back from the engine shop. The parts list is growing (as is the bill... surprise) Total list now includes:
Comp Cams XFI SPR Modular 3V Camshafts
Rocker Arms, Roller, OHC Shaft Mounting Style, Steel, Lash Adjusters, Ford, Set of 24
ARP Main Studs
ARP Side Bolts 9MM
Manely Connecting Rods
Manley Pistons 14cc
Melling Oil Pump 3V
Clevite Rod Bearings
Clevite Main Bearings
Lower Gasket Set
Fel Pro Timing Cover Gasket Set
Fel Pro Head Gasket Set
ARP Head Studs
Cloyes Complete Timing Chain and Gear Set with tensioners, solenoids, and water pump
MMR Billet Reluctor Wheel
MMR Billet Crank Gear
Bronze Valve Guides
Total Seal Piston Rings
Expansion Plug Kit - Windsor
Wix Oil Filter
Driven BR Oil
As they went through it they said they saw enough wear on the bearings and the valve guides to make it a wise choice to replace all that now. An extra $400 (valve guides are expensive apparently) is a small price to pay in the scope of the work here to get another 100k out of this block.
The E.P.A is responsible for forcing automakers to comply with their clean air mandate BS by discontinuing production of all ICE's by 2035... California just happens to be one of the first states which attempts putting pressure upon everyone who buys new cars to go electric... In my personal opinion, the E.P.A shouldn't have any business in dictating what type of vehicles automakers are allowed to build, to begin with...
That decision should be left up to the automakers alone, along with the private sector.
S L O W. There was a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was in for its own engine rebuild, and was ahead of me in line (literally too, parked right in front of mine in front of the shop). A couple weeks ago the local shop said they'd gotten the Jeep's engine back, and mine was next in line! Hey, great! Me: "So how long did they have the Jeep's engine for?" Shop: "About 4 months". Me: "So we still looking at the end of May...?" Shop: "....no....looking at July based on this"
I'm not all that happy with what the shop told me the budget and the timeline would be, compared to where we're sitting at. And the kicker is that its not their fault, it's the engine shop's. It's probably for the best that the local shop is the intermediary between me and the engine shop...I'd start poking them pretty regularly at this point .
On the plus side, it's given me time to focus on other projects, like my '82 Honda FINALLY getting a new muffler. This was my dad's bike since I was in 1st grade, he got it from an Air Force buddy with this obnoxious aftermarket MAC exhaust on it. LOUD and it didn't even sound good. Even after he gave me the bike almost 15 years ago, I put up with it for years. Part of it was stock exhaust systems weren't cheap on eBay, or in good shape, but also the stock is a LOT heavier. What changed? I found a bike builder near me that was able to fab up a midpipe to adapt the MAC header to a 2" outlet and give enough clearance for a slip-on muffler (the MAC header left the tapered muffler about an inch from the suspension links).
Is it quiet now? Nope. Quiet-er but not quiet, especially when you get on it. But it actually sounds decent now, actually like a motorcycle. I can post sound clips later
As a shop owner, sadly this is the new normal. Delays out of our control happen constantly and it's extremely frustrating! A good machine shop is backed up for months it seems no matter where you go in the country...so if you don't want to do it twice you wait your turn for the quality job. Upholstery shops...same thing. Parts suppliers....don't get me started. I have parts I've been waiting on for 2 years now...it's ridiculous! Then there are the times you have problems with parts...I've been through 2 turn signal switches that are no good...now ordering my third from another supplier. It really takes a lot of the fun out of building cars.
It really does, it's sucking the fun out of this for sure. And the auto shop has had to be the bearer of bad news for everyone.
I'd love to bring the car home on a flatbed at this point so I can do a bunch of other projects on it (buff it out, ceramic coating, leather dash cover, fix the door panel leather, and more) but I doubt the shop would be a fan. That's just a whole lot more variables for when they get the engine back and something doesn't work right
I Think I Would Ask Shop About Bringing Car Home! Never Hurts To Ask! Might as Well Fix What You Can in the Down Time!
KC
Yeah I'll take a look at my options to get her home first. I've got a truck but it's only a V6 Tacoma and was checking UHAUL's site, they don't recommend towing something as big as a mustang with it. It's probably alright for taking local roads back (~ 10-15 miles) but gotta do a little more research.
While I was talking to him about the door panels today, he said the engine shop 'believes' he has all the parts in. My engine's next into the assembly room, which is when they'll do inventory. It's great to hear some news, so I was joking with him now if I can only get a picture of it w/ a current news paper!
You Reminded Me of This Local Jackass Restorer, Yea The Title Is a Stretch. Anyhoo He Would Mock Together a Customers Car & Send Pics to them Like Work Was Progressing! What an A-Cavity. He Finally Got Shut Down Some Years Back. There are very Few People I Just Could Not Stand When I Was Working The Ford Parts Counter. I Mean I Got along with 99% of My Customers Very Well But This Guy Just Turned My Stomach He was Such a Lying Putz and To Top it Off He Could Never Provide The Proper Info To Order a Part.
Oh and Don't Forget The Mustang Will be a Lot Lighter Less Powertrain. Does Your Insurance Have Towing Coverage????
12/17/23, 06:55 PM
I'm going to be swapping the Ford Racing intake plenum back to stock, so I'm definitely going to need something to dress it up a bit.
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