This is topic Project "Cheap Skate" complete! in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 
I've decided that being bored in Kansas isn't a good thing. I spend entirely too much time surfin' CL and the local forums looking for something to mess with. I guess that's what happens when the cars you have are "done" and idle downtime sets in. During my recent trips, I'd been thinking of another Coupe. Something simple, but will run 10's, completely streetable, and ALL accessories in place.
I scored this 88 Coupe off CL for next to nothing. It came with everything minus the longblock...and I mean everything. TKO trans with a scattershield, T trim, Holley Systemax intake, full fuel system, etc etc. It's a two-owner car, NO rust, and looks pretty decent. My goal is under 3k for everything, including the price of the car...and a 10 sec time slip. The previous owner pulled the R block stroker for a 67 Fastback and the car has been sitting for nearly three years in a garage. He was getting out of the latemodel scene, so literally every extra part he had or kept over the past 15 years went with the car. Two trips later, everything was home. I've sold some parts, traded others, and whatnot...so the cost is staying down. Clean title, a shade over 90k on the car. Only minus the car has so far...red interior. Here's a few pics, enjoy...
In the garage, day I picked it up.

At home...

The "new" motor. Standard bore 302, stock forged pistons, F cam, and GT40p heads with a lil massaging. Took 3 cans of oven cleaner for the block and heads. The price was right though, under $350 for the entire engine buildup...including parts!

I'll keep it updated as I go..

[ December 19, 2010, 10:07 AM: Message edited by: JohnB ]
 

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Posted by jaejae (Member # 7958) on :
 
dope!
 

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Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :
 
$3k for a complete 10 sec car...where do i sign up!?!?!
 

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Posted by Venomized93 (Member # 55) on :
 
Must be nice to have the knowledge of cars inside and out. I would be doing the same too
 

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Posted by STANGBOY (Member # 7868) on :
 
how much for the wheels
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by STANGBOY:
how much for the wheels

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I'd guess somewhere north of $1400 for the set. They aren't available anymore, as far as I know. They aren't for sale.
 

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Posted by STANGBOY (Member # 7868) on :
 
so basicly ur tellin me to go fuck ma self huh


 

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Posted by phat50 (Member # 1998) on :
 
Nice! Make sure to take lots of pics and videos.
 

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Posted by 166 Merlot (Member # 1549) on :
 
for some reason i like white with red interior
 

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Posted by 94 N.C.F. GT (Member # 3946) on :
 
Nice so what going to be the internal plan on the block
 

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Posted by Pure Stang (Member # 7251) on :
 
when do you expect it to be complete?
 

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Posted by SnakeBit (Member # 8871) on :
 
Damn, it must be nice John. I wish I had the skills.
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 94 N.C.F. GT:
Nice so what going to be the internal plan on the block

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quote:

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Originally posted by Pure Stang:
when do you expect it to be complete?

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I'm hoping by the end of October. Just waiting on Summit for the gaskets, bearings, etc and a F cam from a board member who's shipping it out soon.
 

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Posted by Pure Stang (Member # 7251) on :
 
oh wow pretty soon then. Hopefully you hit your goal!
 

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Posted by jaejae (Member # 7958) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by 94 N.C.F. GT:
Nice so what going to be the internal plan on the block

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VERY basic. Stock pistons, rods, and crank. King rod/main bearings, Perfect Circle rings gapped a lil on the big side, F cam, and all ARP hardware (all new ARP stuff came with the car). GT40P heads I scored for literally nothing...traded a Trex pump and a set of old fuel rails for them. A lil clean up on the exhaust ports and a valve job done here. Should be good for about 285-295 NA and about 450-460 on the SC.

quote:

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Originally posted by Pure Stang:
when do you expect it to be complete?

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I'm hoping by the end of October. Just waiting on Summit for the gaskets, bearings, etc and a F cam from a board member who's shipping it out soon.

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are those numbers at the wheel?
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 
Nice keep us posted . What's your plans for suspension and pipes?
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 
Yes, that's at the wheels. I know it's a lil lofty, but why not aim high?
 

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Posted by racsirx (Member # 1710) on :
 
I made good power with GT40p heads with just 12lbs of boost, whoever got mine is very lucky with all the work that was done with them. I just had one problem couldnt keep the heads on the block, too much cylinder pressure and there wasnt enough deck surface from the GT40p heads to stay on the block. You should easily run 10s with a T-trim and GT40p heads, I wouldnt go over 500RWHP with those heads unless you like doing head gaskets all the time. I made 508RWHP & 548RWTQ with 12lbs of boost and a C4. I like your budget build, funnier that way, I did the same with my Coupe, went 9s with $3000, now I am rebuilding it and spending way too much to get it back together.
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by racsirx:
I just had one problem couldnt keep the heads on the block, too much cylinder pressure and there wasnt enough deck surface from the GT40p heads to stay on the block.

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quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:
Yes, that's at the wheels. I know it's a lil lofty, but why not aim high?

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nothing wrong with aiming high ..keep us posted i def wanna follow this build..
 

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Posted by jaejae (Member # 7958) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by racsirx:
I made good power with GT40p heads with just 12lbs of boost, whoever got mine is very lucky with all the work that was done with them. I just had one problem couldnt keep the heads on the block, too much cylinder pressure and there wasnt enough deck surface from the GT40p heads to stay on the block. You should easily run 10s with a T-trim and GT40p heads, I wouldnt go over 500RWHP with those heads unless you like doing head gaskets all the time. I made 508RWHP & 548RWTQ with 12lbs of boost and a C4. I like your budget build, funnier that way, I did the same with my Coupe, went 9s with $3000, now I am rebuilding it and spending way too much to get it back together.

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quote:

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Originally posted by jaejae:

quote:

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Originally posted by racsirx:
I made good power with GT40p heads with just 12lbs of boost, whoever got mine is very lucky with all the work that was done with them. I just had one problem couldnt keep the heads on the block, too much cylinder pressure and there wasnt enough deck surface from the GT40p heads to stay on the block. You should easily run 10s with a T-trim and GT40p heads, I wouldnt go over 500RWHP with those heads unless you like doing head gaskets all the time. I made 508RWHP & 548RWTQ with 12lbs of boost and a C4. I like your budget build, funnier that way, I did the same with my Coupe, went 9s with $3000, now I am rebuilding it and spending way too much to get it back together.

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was this because of a small combustion chamber?..i dont wanna have this problem with my gt40 irons

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the deck of the heads are not very thick on gt40's
 

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Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
JohnB, looks like fun!

I have to ask though, what happened to the 86 notch? I was really looking forward to that build!
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Luke87GT:
JohnB, looks like fun!

I have to ask though, what happened to the 86 notch? I was really looking forward to that build!

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I got it to the point I was going to wire it up and was offered ALOT for the car as a roller. I pulled the engine/trans/wiring back out...sold it. It's currently getting a termi swap.
 

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Posted by jaejae (Member # 7958) on :
 
btw nice cobra emblem ..so is running boost with gt40 heads asking for trouble?..i hope i can get away with 8-10 psi
 

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Posted by chevyeatr (Member # 7603) on :
 
hopefully that motor lasts longer than my pos did. hahahahahahahahah
 

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Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by Luke87GT:
JohnB, looks like fun!

I have to ask though, what happened to the 86 notch? I was really looking forward to that build!

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I got it to the point I was going to wire it up and was offered ALOT for the car as a roller. I pulled the engine/trans/wiring back out...sold it. It's currently getting a termi swap.

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quote:

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Originally posted by jaejae:
btw nice cobra emblem ..so is running boost with gt40 heads asking for trouble?..i hope i can get away with 8-10 psi

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quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by jaejae:
btw nice cobra emblem ..so is running boost with gt40 heads asking for trouble?..i hope i can get away with 8-10 psi

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That emblem, as well as the spoiler goes this weekend. Can't stand either of them!

I wouldn't say youre asking for trouble, just make sure the tune is there.

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how much for the wing. I like it
 

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Posted by jaejae (Member # 7958) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by jaejae:
btw nice cobra emblem ..so is running boost with gt40 heads asking for trouble?..i hope i can get away with 8-10 psi

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That emblem, as well as the spoiler goes this weekend. Can't stand either of them!

I wouldn't say youre asking for trouble, just make sure the tune is there.

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john its ok we will accept you regardless ..keep those rims on there to they look nice
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 
Update: Longblock is done and installed. Most of the accessories are there, to include the SC. Waiting on the pushrods before I install the Systemax II intake and fuel system. I still hate longtubes, especially with a scattershield and stock K member. What a PITA!
The longblock in it's final stages:

Waiting for the intake:

Almost done:


I should be able to fire it up next week, barring any delays.
 

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Posted by Smoked50 (Member # 9592) on :
 

 

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Posted by Pure Stang (Member # 7251) on :
 
heads look a little more than just messaged lol. Coming along pretty well. if you get this 10 second time slip. im going about performance all wrong. 347 ftl lol
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Pure Stang:
heads look a little more than just messaged lol.

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Ok, so I ported them to a 1415 FelPro...and completely blended them to the bowl. So I got a lil crazy with the grinder. The intake ports are just polished.
 

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Posted by Pure Stang (Member # 7251) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by Pure Stang:
heads look a little more than just messaged lol.

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Ok, so I ported them to a 1415 FelPro...and completely blended them to the bowl. So I got a lil crazy with the grinder. The intake ports are just polished.

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hahah looks good. gt40's can take some good porting
 

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Posted by phat50 (Member # 1998) on :
 
So you converted to stud mount on the heads?
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by phat50:
So you converted to stud mount on the heads?

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Yup. It was cheaper than new rockers. I had 1.7 stud mounts already. A $30 set of studs and alot of drilling/tapping later...I was set.
 

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Posted by stangin' (Member # 514) on :
 
get us a video when you get it running. looking good john!
 

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Posted by 87#184saleen (Member # 6276) on :
 
looking good john nice ride
 

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Posted by 707notchback (Member # 7958) on :
 
were gonna have very similar combos john ..i just need a charger
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 707notchback:
were gonna have very similar combos john ..i just need a charger

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Then get on it! Plenty of chargers for sale.

Pushrods showed last night. I got energetic and put them in, as well as the intake. Still have a valve lash to do...install the rest of the intake/piping...and button the rest up. It *may* be running this weekend.

 

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Posted by Pure Stang (Member # 7251) on :
 
Nice! intake ported too? seems like it lol
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 
Nope, stock ports on the intake. Nothing special.
 

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Posted by phat50 (Member # 1998) on :
 
Yea buddy! Few more cups of coffee and it will be running! LOL
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 
Hey folks- car is nearly complete. Waiting on a intake spacer for the Holley setup and she's done. Things got put on the back burner due to the Mrs deciding she didn't want to play house anymore (divorce...) and my right shoulder being torn up (rotator cuff and labrum) so I'm outta commission for a while. My son has volunteered to finish the car with my direction. I'll have pics up on the car shortly...
 

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Posted by 94 N.C.F. GT (Member # 3946) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:
Hey folks- car is nearly complete. Waiting on a intake spacer for the Holley setup and she's done. Things got put on the back burner due to the Mrs deciding she didn't want to play house anymore (divorce...) and my right shoulder being torn up (rotator cuff and labrum) so I'm outta commission for a while. My son has volunteered to finish the car with my direction. I'll have pics up on the car shortly...

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Sounds good can't wait too see it on youtube . Sorry to here about your troubles hope things get better for you.
 

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Posted by asskickn88 (Member # 4957) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:
Things got put on the back burner due to the Mrs deciding she didn't want to play house anymore (divorce...)

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quote:

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Originally posted by asskickn88:

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:
Things got put on the back burner due to the Mrs deciding she didn't want to play house anymore (divorce...)

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Didn't you just go through that not too long ago?!?!?! Damn, sorry to hear it though.

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Went through it in 2005. This last one made it 16 mos. I'm done with it...gonna stick to 20-somethings that think relationships are tabu and enjoy Jagerbombs.
 

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Posted by 96mysticman (Member # 8327) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by asskickn88:

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:
Things got put on the back burner due to the Mrs deciding she didn't want to play house anymore (divorce...)

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Didn't you just go through that not too long ago?!?!?! Damn, sorry to hear it though.

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Went through it in 2005. This last one made it 16 mos. I'm done with it...gonna stick to 20-somethings that think relationships are tabu and enjoy Jagerbombs.

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those are the best ones sorry to hear about the troubles
 

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Posted by 707notchback jaejae (Member # 7958) on :
 
john...lets go bag so who*es..takem to your plane and join the mile high club ..finish this project already i wanna see what these weak gt40 combos can do ..goodluck with the injury to..and get well soon
 

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Posted by 8stang8 (Member # 8082) on :
 
Nice coupe John! Hows the "fast" cobra doing any upgrades or new 1/4 mile times.
 

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Posted by SAMACH1 (Member # 7042) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by asskickn88:

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:
Things got put on the back burner due to the Mrs deciding she didn't want to play house anymore (divorce...)

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Didn't you just go through that not too long ago?!?!?! Damn, sorry to hear it though.

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Went through it in 2005. This last one made it 16 mos. I'm done with it...gonna stick to 20-somethings that think relationships are tabu and enjoy Jagerbombs.

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FAST CARS AND FAST WOMEN! FUCK THE EX!!!
 

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Posted by 90FoX (Member # 1974) on :
 
Good luck on the project. Looks like its coming along well.

Sorry to hear about the female, they come and go bro. Maybe it's time for another trip to japan and pick up a doll? At least she'll always be smiling and never talk back.

haha j/p

[ December 05, 2010, 06:13 PM: Message edited by: 90FoX ]
 

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Posted by v-town coupe (Member # 2771) on :
 
Good luck on the project. not the coupe the other one!
 

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Posted by 1sick65 (Member # 3957) on :
 
how much power do you think your getting running those gt40's over some e7's?
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 1sick65:
how much power do you think your getting running those gt40's over some e7's?

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quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by asskickn88:

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:
Things got put on the back burner due to the Mrs deciding she didn't want to play house anymore (divorce...)

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Didn't you just go through that not too long ago?!?!?! Damn, sorry to hear it though.

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Went through it in 2005. This last one made it 16 mos. I'm done with it...gonna stick to 20-somethings that think relationships are tabu and enjoy Jagerbombs.

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 
So it's done. FINALLY. Total hassle dealing with people off the Internet for parts, delays in shipping, and lack of initiative on my part due to the weather here. Buttoned everything up saturday, my son hit the key and all came to life. Love the little lope of the B cam and 1.7's. Still have to service the A/C, install the lowering springs/CC plates/shocks and struts, and ditch the Cobra emblems...but it's basically there. Should have the vid uploaded soon. Enjoy..




 

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Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on :
 
So how much total invested?
Bad ass coupe
 

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Posted by 79 cobra (Member # 10137) on :
 
bad ass coupe how much she put 2 the rear tires
 

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Posted by dubfive-0 (Member # 8965) on :
 
good to see it all together & did you go over your budget or it all came out as planned?

great job John
 

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Posted by Pure Stang (Member # 7251) on :
 
bad ass. your project cheap skate is going to be faster than most expensive builds. like mine hahah
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 
Very nice
 

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Posted by bottled95GT?? (Member # 1772) on :
 
Whoa at that interior lmfao
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by bottled95GT??:
Whoa at that interior lmfao

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Yup, it's red. lol


No dyno numbers yet. I want to have it completely finished before I strap it down. Looks like I will through a smaller pulley on it too, I'm only seeing 7 psi.

As for the total, here goes:

$2700- complete car minus longblock, given a truckload of extra parts and various stock items
$40- stock bore 302 shortblock
$70- valve springs and seals
$260- rings, bearings, gaskets
$75- oil, filter, plugs, sealant, cleaning supplies.
$20- 2 each 1.7 rockers
$60- B cam
$25- intake spacer
$25 oil pump

$3275 total

I did the the cleaning, honing, traded work for the cam bearing install, and did the build of the shortblock myself. Heads are GT40p's with portwork done and converted them to stud mount rockers. I did the valve job and spring setup as well. I had the majority of the rockers, the studs, and the timing chain set from a previous project. Pushrods, valve covers, headers, ARP hardware, intake, dizzy, and the rest of the supporting hardware in the engine bay came with the car. I sold the following:
T-rex pump $75
Vortech crank pulley $150
small billet fuel rails $60
MSD coil $25
255 fuel pump $65
24# injectors $85
Stock intake, TB, MAF $50
Drivetrain from my previous project (4v and T45) $600
3 vortech head unit pulleys $100
$1210 profit from various parts

So when all was said and done, looks like I'm into the car for about $2100. Still have to finish the AC, align it, and register it...so $2300 is a fair estimate. Bear in mind that I started with ALOT of aftermarket parts and did all the work myself, there was nothing done by a shop other than the cam bearing install by a friend who came to me for it. If I did it again, I'd buy a set of heads either done already or aluminum ones...there is a ton of time in these between the porting and the valvejob/reassembly.

Hope everyone enjoyed the build. If anyone has questions on the setup, what parts I used, etc...feel free to post up or PM me.
 

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Posted by Mach103 (Member # 746) on :
 
Hey John want to sell it!!!!
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mach103:
Hey John want to sell it!!!!

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It's possible.

I'd be willing trade for a decent condition 99+ Lightning.

[ December 19, 2010, 05:27 PM: Message edited by: JohnB ]
 

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Posted by Eddie510- (Member # 2354) on :
 
I think that red interior looks sick with white paint.. Leave the interior the same john! Some red leather front and backs would be real nicei
 

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Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Eddie510-:
I think that red interior looks sick with white paint.. Leave the interior the same john! Some red leather front and backs would be real nicei

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quote:

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Originally posted by Luke87GT:
Looks great, John!
So will this car see the track? Also, where is teh nearest track to you anyway?

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quote:

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Originally posted by JohnB:

quote:

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Originally posted by Luke87GT:
Looks great, John!
So will this car see the track? Also, where is teh nearest track to you anyway?

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Yup, it'll see it for sure. I'd love to see what it will actually do with some DR's.

Closest track is about 9 miles away. Kansas Dragway

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