Project Newbie

under construction · October 28th, 2009, 01:49 PM

i've got an '87 GT that will no longer pass smog so it's going under the knife. well sort of. i'm going to keep it stock engine wise, with possibly a few suspension upgrades. my main goal is a very clean daily driver that will last for another 190,000 miles. barring any surprises in the engine, i'm going to stick with the stock 302 and most or all of the stock pieces. basically a tear down, inspection, and basic rebiuld. i'm going to start tearing the the engine down in the very near future to see what it looks like inside. while the engine is out, i'm going to revamp the suspension since it's pretty much shot. i'm pretty much clueless as to which way to go here. i don't want a drag car or a single purpose slot car. if i can upgrade pieces for about the same money as putting it back to stock i'll go that route. again, i want a nice riding/driving daily driver. there is a good possibility i'll put a couple of extras on there just to improve overall handling (subframes, strut tower brace, etc). i'll most likely stick to the four lug, although rear disc brakes would be GREAT!!! i've a couple of pics of what she looks like now. i'll try to take a few pics of the engine and interior and post them in a couple of days. it also has a few minor door dings that i'll need to take care of before any new paint goes on. so i don't know that my ride will qualify as a "modded mustang" but hey, a guy has to start somewhere right

Core834 · October 28th, 2009, 02:00 PM

good show brother. I'm pretty much doing the same thing.

Core834 · October 28th, 2009, 02:01 PM

so what are the major issues with it right know besides the body.

under construction · October 28th, 2009, 02:09 PM

it has some serious oil leaks, the suspension is pretty much non-existant, and the interior constantly gets douched with dust since there are no seals left in any door jam. it has some electrical issues as well....like when i get out of the car, the radio cuts out. also, the power seems very flat until it hits about 3grand then it kicks in pretty hard. there is a sensor on the top, passenger side, towards the front that when i leave it plugged in the idle jumps to about 2000, when i unplug it the idle drops to normal. it's not a total basket, just MANY somewhat minor issues.

under construction · October 28th, 2009, 02:11 PM

it also runs extremely hot! could be a simple radiator flush and thermostat issue though. i'll find out when the engine goes back in the car

ironsteed5.0 · October 28th, 2009, 03:49 PM

Eibach pro springs, kyb gr2's are cheap, mm frame stiffening kit goes for around $350 i think. Comes with full length subs, strut tower and k member brace.

you can get a full weatherstripping kit for relatively cheap.

My car in particular leaks from the rear main seal, which will be replaced when I get back from Afghanistan (along with my AOD to T5 swap

).

As far as the sensor thing goes, when my egr is plugged in it idles really high, so i leave it unplugged and the car runs great.

M L Struck · October 28th, 2009, 04:10 PM

This will get you started, and throw in some sub frames
Mustang Front Chassis Bushings at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
79-93 Bushing Set, Rear Control Arm, Oval by Prothane at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
79-04 Spring Isolator, Rear Lower by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
79-04 Spring Isolator, Rear Upper by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
87-93 Kyb Shock And Strut Kit, 5.0L - Includes Front Struts, Rear Shocks, & Quad Shocks, Mustang by KYB at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

under construction · October 28th, 2009, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by ironsteed5.0

Eibach pro springs, kyb gr2's are cheap, mm frame stiffening kit goes for around $350 i think. Comes with full length subs, strut tower and k member brace.

you can get a full weatherstripping kit for relatively cheap.

My car in particular leaks from the rear main seal, which will be replaced when I get back from Afghanistan (along with my AOD to T5 swap ).

As far as the sensor thing goes, when my egr is plugged in it idles really high, so i leave it unplugged and the car runs great.

i KNEW i signed up for this forum for a reason! NOW we're gettin' somewhere. so where do you guys recommend buying parts from? are you saying that i can buy all 3 items for $350 or just the subframes? is the "mm" for maximum motorsports? i used to subscribe to "5.0" a long time ago but i haven't looked at one of their mags for a long time. looks like it's time to pick up a new magazine

MUCH thanx on the input!

under construction · October 28th, 2009, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by M L Struck

This will get you started, and throw in some sub frames
Mustang Front Chassis Bushings at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
79-93 Bushing Set, Rear Control Arm, Oval by Prothane at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
79-04 Spring Isolator, Rear Lower by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
79-04 Spring Isolator, Rear Upper by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
87-93 Kyb Shock And Strut Kit, 5.0L - Includes Front Struts, Rear Shocks, & Quad Shocks, Mustang by KYB at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

thanx for the links! it sounds like the KYB shock set up is the way to go for what i'm after. the compete shock/quad-shock/strrt kit runs $250. i'll be back on the road before you know it!!

under construction · October 28th, 2009, 06:44 PM

that same company has a kit with the above mentioned items along with a set of steeda springs for $400. how do those compare to the eibach springs? how will either set make the car ride? will it make it a jarring ride or just a bit firm?

M L Struck · October 28th, 2009, 10:30 PM

I have never had steeda springs but everything I have had from them has been as advertised,so give them a call and ask what kind of ride to expect.

ironsteed5.0 · October 29th, 2009, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by under construction

i KNEW i signed up for this forum for a reason! NOW we're gettin' somewhere. so where do you guys recommend buying parts from? are you saying that i can buy all 3 items for $350 or just the subframes? is the "mm" for maximum motorsports? i used to subscribe to "5.0" a long time ago but i haven't looked at one of their mags for a long time. looks like it's time to pick up a new magazine MUCH thanx on the input!

Yeah dude, MM is Maximum motorsports. Here is a link for that chassis stiffening kit i was telling you about. For $340 you get all 3 items i told you about and they're powdercoated black too!

86-93 Chassis Brace Package, Convertible, Black Powdercoat, Efi by Maximum Motorsports at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

I have ordered most of my parts thru summit, but i have also ordered from americanmuscle.com, and foxmustangrestoration.com as well. There's quite a few sites out there to choose from, pick up a magazine and you'll find most of them.

under construction · October 29th, 2009, 11:05 AM

right on! thanx guys!! i wasn't able to get any additional pics of the car last night. i was at my kids school for a halloween thing. i'll try to get a couple today just to be able to show some before/after shots. i will be heading to the closest magazine rack this afternoon to pick up a new 5.0 mag. thanx again for the all the input.

as i was going through the site yesterday i came across a few shots of a couple of mustangs with smoothed engine bays......NICE!!! i may just have to revisit that subject when the time comes. i understand there is MAD time involved in getting it just right. but the results are incredible. nice work to whoever did those cars!!

under construction · October 29th, 2009, 11:15 AM

so where does the K-member brace go?

found an explanation........it's amazing what you can learn if you just read

ironsteed5.0 · October 29th, 2009, 11:43 AM

no doubt dude. you can learn a lot on the forums too, there's a lot of dudes with experience and people have already made the mistakes for you so you can read and learn from them. keep in mind that this site's search function is your friend whenever you have a question. Usually someone has already asked it

under construction · October 29th, 2009, 12:16 PM

that's what i've been noticing. i've been trying to read through some of the pages in this section. i think i've gone back as far as page 12 so far. there is a ton of info in here. i just have to take the time to read through it.

i'll probably pull the battery and drain the fluids out of the engine this weekend. then break out the wrenches and get this project rolling. i'll make sure to label things, keep them in seperate bags/boxes and take plenty of pics to help me put it back together. i'm pretty stoked about getting into this as i've never done this before so it will be a learning experience to say the least. i'm anticipating it will take the better part of a year to complete the car. maybe i'll be lucky and things will progress quicker than that......yeah right

ironsteed5.0 · October 29th, 2009, 01:58 PM

Best of luck to you bro

Core834 · October 30th, 2009, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by ironsteed5.0

Eibach pro springs, kyb gr2's are cheap, mm frame stiffening kit goes for around $350 i think. Comes with full length subs, strut tower and k member brace.

you can get a full weatherstripping kit for relatively cheap.

My car in particular leaks from the rear main seal, which will be replaced when I get back from Afghanistan (along with my AOD to T5 swap ).

As far as the sensor thing goes, when my egr is plugged in it idles really high, so i leave it unplugged and the car runs great.

You in the Canadian Forces or with the US Military?

ironsteed5.0 · October 30th, 2009, 09:52 AM

US Air Force, but I work around a ton of Canadians

under construction · October 30th, 2009, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Core834

You in the Canadian Forces or with the US Military?

LOL....how did you get that he was military from that post???

October 28th, 2009, 01:49 PM	#1
under construction Regular '87 GT Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 55	Project Newbie i've got an '87 GT that will no longer pass smog so it's going under the knife. well sort of. i'm going to keep it stock engine wise, with possibly a few suspension upgrades. my main goal is a very clean daily driver that will last for another 190,000 miles. barring any surprises in the engine, i'm going to stick with the stock 302 and most or all of the stock pieces. basically a tear down, inspection, and basic rebiuld. i'm going to start tearing the the engine down in the very near future to see what it looks like inside. while the engine is out, i'm going to revamp the suspension since it's pretty much shot. i'm pretty much clueless as to which way to go here. i don't want a drag car or a single purpose slot car. if i can upgrade pieces for about the same money as putting it back to stock i'll go that route. again, i want a nice riding/driving daily driver. there is a good possibility i'll put a couple of extras on there just to improve overall handling (subframes, strut tower brace, etc). i'll most likely stick to the four lug, although rear disc brakes would be GREAT!!! i've a couple of pics of what she looks like now. i'll try to take a few pics of the engine and interior and post them in a couple of days. it also has a few minor door dings that i'll need to take care of before any new paint goes on. so i don't know that my ride will qualify as a "modded mustang" but hey, a guy has to start somewhere right Attached Thumbnails

October 28th, 2009, 03:49 PM	#6
ironsteed5.0 Regular 91' 5.0 LX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 101	Eibach pro springs, kyb gr2's are cheap, mm frame stiffening kit goes for around $350 i think. Comes with full length subs, strut tower and k member brace. you can get a full weatherstripping kit for relatively cheap. My car in particular leaks from the rear main seal, which will be replaced when I get back from Afghanistan (along with my AOD to T5 swap ). As far as the sensor thing goes, when my egr is plugged in it idles really high, so i leave it unplugged and the car runs great. Last edited by ironsteed5.0 : October 28th, 2009 at 03:53 PM.

October 28th, 2009, 04:10 PM	#7
M L Struck Hardcore Enthusiast 85 GT/86 SVO/2010 GT500 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rossville IN Posts: 1,017	This will get you started, and throw in some sub frames Mustang Front Chassis Bushings at LRS - Same Day Shipping! 79-93 Bushing Set, Rear Control Arm, Oval by Prothane at LRS - Same Day Shipping! 79-04 Spring Isolator, Rear Lower by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping! 79-04 Spring Isolator, Rear Upper by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping! 87-93 Kyb Shock And Strut Kit, 5.0L - Includes Front Struts, Rear Shocks, & Quad Shocks, Mustang by KYB at LRS - Same Day Shipping! __________________ no offense WT but this just reminded me of "Having a 9 second neon is like coming out of the closet, everyone is shocked at first, but in the end you're still gay."

October 28th, 2009, 10:30 PM	#11
M L Struck Hardcore Enthusiast 85 GT/86 SVO/2010 GT500 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rossville IN Posts: 1,017	I have never had steeda springs but everything I have had from them has been as advertised,so give them a call and ask what kind of ride to expect. __________________ no offense WT but this just reminded me of "Having a 9 second neon is like coming out of the closet, everyone is shocked at first, but in the end you're still gay."

October 29th, 2009, 11:15 AM	#14
under construction Regular '87 GT Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 55	so where does the K-member brace go? found an explanation........it's amazing what you can learn if you just read Last edited by under construction : October 29th, 2009 at 11:27 AM.

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Forums at Modded Mustangs Advertisement

October 28th, 2009, 02:00 PM	#2
Core834 Newbie 1989 5.0L LX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 48	good show brother. I'm pretty much doing the same thing.

October 28th, 2009, 02:01 PM	#3
Core834 Newbie 1989 5.0L LX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 48	so what are the major issues with it right know besides the body.

October 28th, 2009, 02:09 PM	#4
under construction Regular '87 GT Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 55	it has some serious oil leaks, the suspension is pretty much non-existant, and the interior constantly gets douched with dust since there are no seals left in any door jam. it has some electrical issues as well....like when i get out of the car, the radio cuts out. also, the power seems very flat until it hits about 3grand then it kicks in pretty hard. there is a sensor on the top, passenger side, towards the front that when i leave it plugged in the idle jumps to about 2000, when i unplug it the idle drops to normal. it's not a total basket, just MANY somewhat minor issues.

October 28th, 2009, 02:11 PM	#5
under construction Regular '87 GT Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 55	it also runs extremely hot! could be a simple radiator flush and thermostat issue though. i'll find out when the engine goes back in the car

October 28th, 2009, 06:44 PM	#10
under construction Regular '87 GT Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 55	that same company has a kit with the above mentioned items along with a set of steeda springs for $400. how do those compare to the eibach springs? how will either set make the car ride? will it make it a jarring ride or just a bit firm?

October 29th, 2009, 11:05 AM	#13
under construction Regular '87 GT Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 55	right on! thanx guys!! i wasn't able to get any additional pics of the car last night. i was at my kids school for a halloween thing. i'll try to get a couple today just to be able to show some before/after shots. i will be heading to the closest magazine rack this afternoon to pick up a new 5.0 mag. thanx again for the all the input. as i was going through the site yesterday i came across a few shots of a couple of mustangs with smoothed engine bays......NICE!!! i may just have to revisit that subject when the time comes. i understand there is MAD time involved in getting it just right. but the results are incredible. nice work to whoever did those cars!!

October 29th, 2009, 11:43 AM	#15
ironsteed5.0 Regular 91' 5.0 LX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 101	no doubt dude. you can learn a lot on the forums too, there's a lot of dudes with experience and people have already made the mistakes for you so you can read and learn from them. keep in mind that this site's search function is your friend whenever you have a question. Usually someone has already asked it

October 29th, 2009, 12:16 PM	#16
under construction Regular '87 GT Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 55	that's what i've been noticing. i've been trying to read through some of the pages in this section. i think i've gone back as far as page 12 so far. there is a ton of info in here. i just have to take the time to read through it. i'll probably pull the battery and drain the fluids out of the engine this weekend. then break out the wrenches and get this project rolling. i'll make sure to label things, keep them in seperate bags/boxes and take plenty of pics to help me put it back together. i'm pretty stoked about getting into this as i've never done this before so it will be a learning experience to say the least. i'm anticipating it will take the better part of a year to complete the car. maybe i'll be lucky and things will progress quicker than that......yeah right

October 29th, 2009, 01:58 PM	#17
ironsteed5.0 Regular 91' 5.0 LX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 101	Best of luck to you bro

October 30th, 2009, 09:52 AM	#19
ironsteed5.0 Regular 91' 5.0 LX Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 101	US Air Force, but I work around a ton of Canadians

Threads Similar to: Project Newbie
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
project newbie	under construction	New Members Introductions	17	November 2nd, 2009 04:21 PM
Possible project?	02MustangV6e9	The Clubhouse	4	April 22nd, 2009 12:11 AM
My little project!!	svtkidd23	The Clubhouse	6	April 20th, 2009 12:09 AM
My next Project??	acmillr	99-04	30	January 14th, 2008 09:43 PM
MM+FF PROJECT CAR F/S 86 notch project frightning	kaboom	For Sale	2	February 4th, 2007 05:33 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:24 AM.
Contact Us - Modded Mustangs - Privacy Statement - Top
Modded Mustangs is ©2005-2008, All Rights Reserved, And is Not Affiliated with Ford Motor Company. Forum is powered by vBulletin ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Ent. Ltd. & SEO by vBSEO 3.1.0 ©2007, Crawlability, Inc.