- Joined
- Feb 14, 2007
- Messages
- 17,814
- Location
- SWMO
- Car(s)
- Mustang SVO - Frontier Pro-4X - BRZ - D21 Hardbody
I recently sold my 2004 Mustang GT. That leaves me without something fun to drive (the Accord just isn't that fun). So, I'm going to do something a little different. I'm starting with an engine, rebuild it and find a car to put it in, a bit backwards from how it's usually done.
I'll be looking for a 1978-1983 Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr, I'd prefer a wagon or 4-door, but would look at a Boxtop. Absolutely no Futuras, I just don't like them. If it was nice enough I'd even go for an LTD II, same basic car, just a little different looking. The reason of course for such a vanilla wrapper is I want this to be a sleeper. Something that looks like your grandma drives, but runs 12s and handles well at the auto-x. Since these cars gave the basic underpinnings to the Fox chassis Mustangs there are plenty of parts out there to make it happen.
The engine will be a 2.3 Ford SOHC 4-banger, turbocharged of course. I've had a couple of these motors in other cars and really like them. The particular engine I'll be using I bought a few years ago as part of a package of 2.3 parts (including another engine that I sold). This one however was upside down without an oil pan sitting in the dirt next to a shed. Obviously it'll need rebuilt, but I'll let the pictures speak for it's condition.
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-37.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-38.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-39.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-40.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-41.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-42.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-43.JPG
Honestly I was just going to tear it down for a laugh, but when I pulled the the first rod cap off and looked at the bearings it didn't look that bad. It will need an overbore due to the rust on the cylinder walls. I'm thinking just a basic rebuild, nothing fancy. My SVO with stock long block 2.3 and a few boltons made plenty power and nearly dipped into the 12s, so I won't need anything special to get a lighter car where I want it.
Next step will be to pull the cylinder head out from under the bench and see if it's one I can use. I honestly don't remember which one it is...
I'll be looking for a 1978-1983 Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr, I'd prefer a wagon or 4-door, but would look at a Boxtop. Absolutely no Futuras, I just don't like them. If it was nice enough I'd even go for an LTD II, same basic car, just a little different looking. The reason of course for such a vanilla wrapper is I want this to be a sleeper. Something that looks like your grandma drives, but runs 12s and handles well at the auto-x. Since these cars gave the basic underpinnings to the Fox chassis Mustangs there are plenty of parts out there to make it happen.
The engine will be a 2.3 Ford SOHC 4-banger, turbocharged of course. I've had a couple of these motors in other cars and really like them. The particular engine I'll be using I bought a few years ago as part of a package of 2.3 parts (including another engine that I sold). This one however was upside down without an oil pan sitting in the dirt next to a shed. Obviously it'll need rebuilt, but I'll let the pictures speak for it's condition.
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-37.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-38.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-39.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-40.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-41.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-42.JPG
https://pic.armedcats.net/c/cr/craigb/2011/08/26/photo-43.JPG
Honestly I was just going to tear it down for a laugh, but when I pulled the the first rod cap off and looked at the bearings it didn't look that bad. It will need an overbore due to the rust on the cylinder walls. I'm thinking just a basic rebuild, nothing fancy. My SVO with stock long block 2.3 and a few boltons made plenty power and nearly dipped into the 12s, so I won't need anything special to get a lighter car where I want it.
Next step will be to pull the cylinder head out from under the bench and see if it's one I can use. I honestly don't remember which one it is...
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