[BigStroker]

Hey fellas, I am new to this site and looking for advice on my build. I am doing a ground up restoration on a 88 Mustang GT, I am pretty pumped for this build.

So far Ive stripped the interior completely, pulled bumpers, hood and fenders to get ready for paint. I found rust around the sunroof and hatch lock area that will need to be cut out and replaced with new sheet metal. I also found some rust on the passenger door top hinge mount pillar that will need to be repaired. After that I am going to pull the motor, and smooth out all visable holes and sheet metal the front setion of the engine bay. I am also going to build a roll bar and install frame connectors and torque box reinforcment before paint. Is there anything else that I am missing that you'd suggest?

As for the interior I am going with new carpet, headliner, door panels, seats, etc. I tried to use a degreaser and interior paint an the old dash just to see how it would look and the paint didn't stick to the plastic, it bubbled up and looked terrible. What do you guys suggest I use to get this paint to stick? Maybe a primer? Or a different degreaser? Or maybe something cool I don't know about?

Looking ahead to the engine, I'd like to punch the 302 out to a 347. But as for converting it to mass air I am kinda lost, what all needs to be done? Do I need a new computer? My goal is to make this car as fast as possible but also to keep it reliable as it will be some what a DD. Any Suggestions?

Thanks for your time guys, Ive done a lot of reasearch but I am still pretty new to the foxbody world and your insight is appriciated.

Ryan

[ryanw]

mustang mass air conversion | eBay
Yes you need to change the computer for the maff convesion you can buy a kit of piece it togeather
1989-93 Mustang 5.0L A9l Computer (Pcm) for Mass Air And Manual Transmission at LRS - Free Shipping!
Ford Mustang EFI 5.0L 5.8L Mass-Air Conversion Pigtail | eBay
Plus youll need the maff meter calibrated to the size of the injector you want to use, the bracket for the maff. Im not sure if im leaving some thing out. Ive never done this, so i cant really answer any more question about it.

Id have the subframe conectors installed before you pull the engine.

[BigStroker]

Thanks for the links and your input. Good point on doing the connectors with the engine in, never thought of that.

[nolife]

You can get a reman A9L computer (Cardone 78-4352) from most auto stores for about $90 +70 or so for a core. Even without a core, that's still cheaper than LRS. Just throwing that out there.

What's your budget?
Godspeed.

[BigStroker]

Good deal, I like options. It's an pretty much an open budget...but within reason. I always wanted to build a fox body Ford, they launch like a mofo and look sexy as hell. I am gunna take my time, gather the info I need and build it right. This forum is perfect for this project, I am learning a lot. Thanks for the info man, keep the suggestions coming guys, appreciate it.

[ryanw]

Originally Posted by nolife You can get a reman A9L computer (Cardone 78-4352) from most auto stores for about $90 +70 or so for a core. Even without a core, that's still cheaper than LRS. Just throwing that out there. What's your budget? Godspeed.

Thats cool i didnt know they can be had for so cheap, now im curious why... people on ebay and latemodelresto would charge so much for some thing that could be bought cheaper at the local auto part store

[ryanw]

Originally Posted by BigStroker Thanks for the links and your input. Good point on doing the connectors with the engine in, never thought of that.

You want the car to sit normal with the engine in it when you weld in the sub frame, if the engines out when you do it, could through some thing off

[ALEXLOPEZ62188]

Mass air conversion is actually fairly simple. Pro M sells the harness that comes with instructions. As for the PCM, you could usually find em on Craigslist.
I actually used an A9P out of a 91 GT. pulled it from a junk yard and did te 5 finger discount.

This was done to my 87.

[ryanw]

Originally Posted by ALEXLOPEZ62188 Mass air conversion is actually fairly simple. Pro M sells the harness that comes with instructions. As for the PCM, you could usually find em on Craigslist. I actually used an A9P out of a 91 GT. pulled it from a junk yard and did te 5 finger discount. This was done to my 87.

That the auto computer right ?

[fogged306]

Originally Posted by ryanw That the auto computer right ?

Yes

[ALEXLOPEZ62188]

Powertrain Control Module. Yea XD

[BigStroker]

Thanks for clearing the mass air conversion up gents, seems easy enough. I can now worry about that after I get my engine details worked out. What about painting the interior, anybody figure out a good method for painting our interior plastics that looks good?

[nolife]

Originally Posted by ryanw Thats cool i didnt know they can be had for so cheap, now im curious why... people on ebay and latemodelresto would charge so much for some thing that could be bought cheaper at the local auto part store

I wonder the same and the reman has a warranty. I started a thread questioning that about 6 months ago. Sadly, my car is STILL sitting lifeless in the driveway where the rollback put it needing that A9L

[nolife]

Originally Posted by BigStroker keep the suggestions coming guys, appreciate it.

If you are removing your interior already, I'd consider replacing the heater core if your are getting into the dash as well. Cheap insurance to save time later and I'm sure you'll need heat in Alberta.

[ALEXLOPEZ62188]

I have an a9p for sale. Gimme $40+ shipping

[BigStroker]

Originally Posted by nolife If you are removing your interior already, I'd consider replacing the heater core if your are getting into the dash as well. Cheap insurance to save time later and I'm sure you'll need heat in Alberta.

For sure, I bought the car when it was -50 and drove the car home with no heat...Heater hoses were disconnected. Needless to say the heater core will be on top of my list. Thanks again