Not a car yet... Now with cars!

CraigB

Ich bin ein Kartoffel
DONOR
Joined
Feb 14, 2007
Messages
17,812
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...
 
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I was going to say have fun with those pistons, so I was a bit suprised to see a picture with one removed. Not bad. :)

But hey, you need to get a gearbox so you can attach gearstick and take a proof photo :D
 
I thought the pistons would be stuck as well, but a little oil and working the crank back and forth with a wrench they broke free. I have a T-5 that came out of one of my other cars. It needs rebuilt as well (2nd gear syncro is MIA), but I'll do that when I get home this evening.
 
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Good luck - that is one heck of a project.

Have you seen the Discovery shows made by Mark Evans (A car is born/Reborn) building and rebuilding all sorts of things - like a Mk 1 E-Type, MGB, Light aircraft and a Helicopter (I kid you not!). Sort of shows what you are up against.

http://www.markevans.co.uk/mark-evans-television-engineering.php
 
I remembered I don't like making payments. I'd rather put that money into something more fun to drive that costs much less.
A sound philosophy. :D

You always have neat stuff, I'm definitely subscribing to this thread.
 
Looking forward to seeing this thread grow.

Good luck with the build!
 
The search for a suitable recipient has ended. I picked up an '89 Mustang coupe, 4-cylinder auto. Engine is gone, but also picked up an '86 Thunderbird Turbocoupe to swap the drivetrain from into the coupe.

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Also came with two more turbo 2.3 blocks and a bunch of other parts.

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I'm going to try and get the T-bird running before I pull the engine. I had a battery in it, but could only get it to hit for a few seconds at a time. I suspect bad gas or ignition issues. It's been sitting for a couple of years.
 
Good to see you've got a proper project car(s?) again. :thumbsup:
 
Sure. It's a pretty decent looking car and if the rest of the drivetrain is solid you might as well do something with it. I always like they way those cars looked, but I'm a sucker for '80s cars in general.

Edit: How do the Turbo Coupes stack up to the SVO performance wise?
 
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They where a bit slower stock, but I had put a 1987-1988 TC ECM in the SVO when I had it to run bigger injectors. I'll actually need one for this car and the bigger VAM.

I think a lot has to do with weight. The T-bird has a lot of power options.

I don't expect the Mustang to initally run as well as the SVO did. I just want it to run.
 
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It'll be a beater more than a sleeper. Can you have a beater sleeper?
Some of the best sleepers look like beaters. :D
 
Started working on the T-bird tonight. I'm trying to get it running before I pull the engine, but it won't start.

Here's what I found:

Cranks no problem
There is spark
Fuel pressure shows 0 at both shrader valves
Fuel pump will run on 12 volts, but I can't build pressure on the gauge
Fuel pump receives 9.9 volts only when cranking
No voltage to pump with key in on position
Fuel will come out of filter while cranking

Something I just thought of, I have to use a screwdriver to start it. I wonder if there is a problem with the electrical ignition switch...

Any other ideas?
 
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