My 84/88 to 86 Project

[baltimucho]

I guess the way to breach the 10-post-minimum and get all the features of this wonderful forum is to finally post about my project.

But first, some background... I've been an SVO lover since '84., and finally 25 years later, and at 40 years old, was able to own one. This is the first one I owned, which I had to sell when hardships cam knocking. (http://www.mitchellvice.com/SVO1/)

This is the one I bought a couple of years ago...
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It's a salvaged title '84 with an '88 GT front clip. It ran awesome and I knew the guy that built the '86 drivetrain. More general details about the car can be found here. (http://www.mitchellvice.com/SVO2)

[baltimucho]

Everything was fine for over a year, but earlier this Spring I started to get some smoke... Burning oil. The plugs were clean and the turbo was sloppy, so I decided to rebuild my first turbo. It was only after buying a $120 rebuild kit and going through the process that I learned the turbo was toast.

I have a good friend and fellow SVO enthusiast who said, "Hey man, I have a spare turbo you can borrow." (Did I not say he was a good friend?) So, I bolted that on and it helped A LOT, but there were still little puffs of smoke when I would leave a light, and sometimes a nice little fog would develop around the rear of the car when sitting at a light.

He was convinced his turbo was solid, but I wasn't so sure. I had to get his turbo back to him anyway, so I bought a really nice used T3 that I had checked out by a turbo shop. I can do a turbo swap in about 8 minutes now, so I bolted on my new purchase which produced no change in the amount of smoke I produced... So, I decided to get serious.
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Yes, I could probably have swapped valve stem seals without dismantling things, but I had some modifications in mind while I was at it... So, I removed the head which still has to go to a machine shop to be magnafluxed, new seats, seals and valve job.

[baltimucho]

I've never really liked the Aero GT look, especially on an SVO... But what are you gonna do? While patiently waiting for a miracle, I decided on an '88 LX front bumper and Saleen ground effects which I got for a screemin' deal... So, since had things apart...
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But, the more I thought about it, the more I thought about going this route...
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[baltimucho]

Are you looking at that wiring disaster? Well, I was... So I found an '87 TC in the wrecking yard and I snagged a very nice wiring harness.

I also grabbed the intake and decided to learn how to port.
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I'll spare you the gory details, but I think I did a decent job. I also removed all the casting marks, smoothed sharp edges and cut off the EGR flange, which I friend welded up for me.
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Now I need to modify and port the top flange to accept the Supercoupe throttle body I also got at the junk yard, and I'm working on a 1-inch spacer to raise the elbow above my valve cover. I think the spacer would also be a good place to put a alcohol/meth nozzle.

I have also knife-edged the lower intake and cleaned up all the casting marks as well as cut-off and smoothed all the excess chunks of random aluminium, but I don't have a pic of that right now.

[baltimucho]

What I do have a pic of is this...
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What the...? Yeah, it's my own design. Cool, no?

Since I'm replacing the wiring harness and rewiring all the lights, I decided to try a wire-tuck... And since I've always hated access to the alternator being too convenient, I decided to do the alternator/upgrade/serpentine/swap/thing... Thank you Turbo Coupe. What I didn't think about was the wonderful Esslinger under-drive pulleys and a beautifully simplistic, single v-belt symphony going on! I don't want to ruin THAT! So, I cut apart the brackets and fashioned a Frankenstein that holds my alternator in the traditional, pivoting fashion, while placing it in the more modern and less obtrusive place, near the base of the engine on the passenger-side.

And since I'm doing the wire-tuck, my VAM is getting the true cold-air treatment by being placed inside the fender.
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[baltimucho]

And here we go... POST #10 B*TCHES! Anyway, I hope you like my litte project. I still have to get the head to the shop, but I have had a lot more time than money lately, so my efforts have been limited to what I can with my own hands, my sawzall, and buying my welding buddy some beers.

I think I have everything kinda planned out, but I'm always looking for suggestions and tips from the more knowledgable. I was a non-paying, non-member, S.O.B., P.O.S., lurker on the other forum for years, just searching, reading and tying to learn without ever having any questions. Not that I never had any, but I was usually able to find an answer to something that someone else already asked... But I am totally open to comments, constructive criticisms, tips, pointers and random thoughts.

I'll part until my next update with a question. Wait for it... The hood I have was SERIOUSLY modified to fit the Aero front clip. It has some sheet metal welded to it, Bondo and filler to smooth the edges, etc. and all of this was expected. What I didn't expect was this...
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I didn't expect the hood to be AN INCH longer that the four-eye clip! So, I bought a near-flawless '86 hood and I am considering a graft. Any thoughts on the best way to proceed? I noticed that SVOC (http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1053-1979-Mustang-Ghia-Turbo-4-Project/page3) has a four-eye SVO (Damn you! I thought I would be the first!), so maybe he can chime in. I'm just wondering if prying off the skins and swapping frames would be easier than cutting and welding stuff. Body work has never been my strong suit, but hey... I never ported anything before either, and that turned out pretty sweet! =)

[SVOC]

OH yes have fun with that, yeah if you don't like body work then the hood mod is not for you:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/195881_479899755362416_2062680361_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/551645_479899898695735_2122942081_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/378340_479899942029064_514816627_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556659_479900032029055_211673358_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/253924_480364848649240_1308142926_n.jpg

[SVOC]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539498_480365138649211_241742855_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/551084_480365235315868_545968335_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/578651_480366008649124_1809030344_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/527186_480366491982409_143618829_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/291949_480367078649017_1195047640_n.jpg

[SVOC]

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/561552_480367421982316_352900191_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/253946_480367555315636_1986166745_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/556497_480369058648819_993181661_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/561482_480369431982115_746362699_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/402274_488724781146580_2084240754_n.jpg

[SVOC]

It's still not finished, I need to aline the sheet metal some more, and install the 86' GT chassis harness for all the lights, and of course paint:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/218027_488724631146595_336183224_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/223966_488724514479940_1736200872_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/558232_488724701146588_1649484894_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/427809_488723161146742_159126273_n.jpg

[baltimucho]

OH yes have fun with that, yeah if you don't like body work then the hood mod is not for you:

I think I may like body work, but I've only ever frenched door handles and turn signals on my '76 Opel back in '84. So, this may take me a while! It looks fantastic from what I can see!

That is the same idea I had... Cut out the scoop and graft it in. Another friend had the idea of peeling off the SVO skin and trying to put it on the '86 frame, but finishing the front edge my be more challenging than a graft in the middle of the hood.

Did you graft the frame too, to accomodate the intercooler seal?

[SVOC]

Like you mentioned this pic clearly shows the length of the hood in relation to the four eye'd bumper cover:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/62916_158044327547962_2724108_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/62239_158044377547957_2333138_n.jpg

[MikeFleming]

The front of the SVO is longer than other 'Stangs. Extra space to hold all the awesomeness.

[SVOC]

extra space to hold all the awesomeness.


bwhahahahahahahahahahahahaha :)

[baltimucho]

The front of the SVO is longer than other 'Stangs. Extra space to hold all the awesomeness.

One whole one and one-quarter inch of extra awesomeness! I wonder what I'll have to do to make up for it?

[MikeFleming]

I wonder what I'll have to do to make up for it? I believe the appropriate response is More Boost. Packs more awesomeness into the smaller space.

[baltimucho]

I believe the appropriate response is More Boost. Packs more awesomeness into the smaller space.

Oh, there will be boost... As soon as I figure out how to graft in this wiring harness!

[MikeFleming]

BOOST == Awesomeness.

[86svo9l]

Good luck on the wire tuck! It took me about 2 weeks to finish. It always looks like a simple process until you start repairing the bad, moving, extending, figuring out where to mount stuff so it can be accessed down the road, etc.

[baltimucho]

Good luck on the wire tuck! It took me about 2 weeks to finish. It always looks like a simple process until you start repairing the bad, moving, extending, figuring out where to mount stuff so it can be accessed down the road, etc.

Thanks! Yes... I have 2 harnesses and and awesome little soldering iron! =)

You got any pics?

[86svo9l]

No good ones. I sold the car around a month ago. Hopefully the new owner finds his way over to the board.

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx53/86svo9l/SVO/0720122300.jpg

[Bob Holmes]

Wow, whole lot of AWESOME in this thread. Thanks for participating.

[baltimucho]

No good ones. I sold the car around a month ago. Hopefully the new owner finds his way over to the board.

Nicely done. I'm trying to draw the line between just tucking, and a tuck with a hole-fill/smooth-job. I think I have enough on my plate just trying to get it running by Thanksgiving. Also, I'm picking up a spare engine this weekend. I'll use that as an excuse to hold off on smoothing the engine compartment until my 2nd motor build is ready to drop in. ;)

[baltimucho]

Wow, whole lot of AWESOME in this thread. Thanks for participating.

I hope I'm part of that awesomeness! :cool:

[SVOC]

Wouldn't be me, I'm just a hack :p

[baltimucho]

Wouldn't be me, I'm just a hack :p

I bow before your awesomeness.

On a side note, this Saturday I'm going to look at a little ol' lady's '85 XR7 Turbo that hasn't run in 5 years.

[baltimucho]

The XR7 turbo was actually a supercharged 3.8, like the SuperCoupe. Anyone interested?

So, after the disappointing Cougar run, I travelled 30 miles to buy a spare 2.3T longblock for $50. Then I went to clear my head at the pick-a-part near my home, where I found a front-mount intercooler from a Probe GT. It looks comparable to the stock SVO/TC intercoolers, so I may use it while I work on my hood graft.

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I still need to get my head done, but once that happens (hopefully in the next 2 weeks), I should be able to reassemble. In the meantime, I'm going to start soldering the crap out of my new wire harness.

[mrzw70]

I was thinking of converting the front of my Svo to an '85 or '86 four eye as well. My header panel is destroyed and Svo bumper covers are very hard to come by at a reasonable price. I found a four eye front bumper cover but now I'm a little confused. I'll need impact absorbers as well, I'm gathering, but if I do this I will need to shorten the '85 hood? Is that correct? I was hoping this swap would be a little easier, I'm not sure about having to shorten the hood or even how to go about it. I don't need the hood scoop as I'm using a FMIC. Any advice or expertise is appreciated before I start collecting parts.

[baltimucho]

If you use the the stock '85/86 hood, you will have no problems. If you use the SVO hood, you will find it 1-1/4" longer than the foureye front clip.

You will also need the '85/86 impact absorbers as well. It is a fairly straightforward swap unless you want the SVO hood scoop... Which I do.

[mrzw70]

Thank you very much for the info. I have a complete front bumper waiting and now I will look for the hood and supports.

[86svo9l]

I was thinking of converting the front of my Svo to an '85 or '86 four eye as well. My header panel is destroyed and Svo bumper covers are very hard to come by at a reasonable price. I found a four eye front bumper cover but now I'm a little confused. I'll need impact absorbers as well, I'm gathering, but if I do this I will need to shorten the '85 hood? Is that correct? I was hoping this swap would be a little easier, I'm not sure about having to shorten the hood or even how to go about it. I don't need the hood scoop as I'm using a FMIC. Any advice or expertise is appreciated before I start collecting parts.

Get a hold of SVPU. They make new header panels and adjuster brackets. There is a several week wait time for it to be produced but the quality is top notch and some of the weak points are corrected. It is a bit expensive for someone on a budget, but it is money well spent. I searched forever trying to find decent header panels and adjusters only to find people wanting tons of money for cracked ones. I ended up buying new from SVPU for less than most wanted for broke or cracked used.

[rcrcman]

Your getting there... remember spring is only 4 months away lol

[Raven855]

I have an SVPU header panel. It is one of the worst products I have ever bought. My body shop tried to install it and ended up telling me they couldn't and wouldn't. It took close to 4 months to get it also.

[Meotchh]

I have an SVPU header panel. It is one of the worst products I have ever bought. My body shop tried to install it and ended up telling me they couldn't and wouldn't. It took close to 4 months to get it also.

That goes without saying. I'm surprised you got it so quickly!

[baltimucho]

I have an SVPU header panel. It is one of the worst products I have ever bought. My body shop tried to install it and ended up telling me they couldn't and wouldn't. It took close to 4 months to get it also.

Which another reason I'm moving forward with my 4-eye swap.

[baltimucho]

Your getting there... remember spring is only 4 months away lol

True, but I have one less thing to worry about... No more bi-wing sagging!

First of all, let me say thanks again to Jason for creating such an awesome product for our niche (http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1300-SVO-Bi-wing-supports&highlight=bi-wing+supports), and THANKS AGAIN for the chance to win it!

The unveiling: Not only where they well packed, but they were packed with red and green tissue paper (not shown) to add to the Christmas spirit!
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The Before: Since my car has been sitting in the garage for a few months, it was slowly turning into a shelving unit (against my will)... And while my bi-wing was hanging in there fairly well, I feared the worst and made my own "ghetto" supports to save it against the weight of empty boxes that had begun to stack.
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Yes... Those supports are wood dowels.
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Albeit, effective... But totally ghetto. I could never leave the garage like this.

The After: A picture, or two, is worth a thousand words.
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I can now leave the my garage with pride, once my motor and front end are back together!
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Thanks again to Jason for giving me back my pride!

For the rest of you, you can find your own sense of pride by clicking HERE! (http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1300-SVO-Bi-wing-supports&highlight=bi-wing+supports)

[rcrcman]

O ya! those are the same ones I bought a few months ago.... I painted mine black after test fit
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[quikup]

Since you've ported the intake side you might want to flow the cast iron header. Low to no cost and easy to do but time consuming. I made the mistake of doing in the driveway forgetting that the iron dust turns into rust and stained the drive. word.....

[baltimucho]

The header and the head have been ported already. The intake and throttle body were the only stock components. Now I have a SuperCoupe throttle body and a ported intake. Just need to get the head magnafluxed and, if everything checks out, some bigger injectors and a reassembly!

[rcrcman]

If you know anyone local that would be interested in my SVO let me know. I'm most likely going to put it up for sale soon.

[rcrcman]

would rather sell it local

[baltimucho]

If you know anyone local that would be interested in my SVO let me know. I'm most likely going to put it up for sale soon.

Why on earth...?

[rcrcman]

Looking to invest in a business I started last year thats been taking off as of late. Develop some new products and see how it goes.

[baltimucho]

I finally have an update after moving (to a house with a 2-car garage), my daughter graduating and my wife losing her job and having and recovering from MAJOR neck surgery.

I plan on motivating myself by promising monthly updates, no matter how small. You guys will keep me honest!

Anyway... I found the HOLY GRAIL OF ALTERNATOR BRACKETS!!! Earlier in this thread you saw my custom monstrosity, but that has been replaced by a fair-dinkum, genuine Ford bracket part! I found this on a 1978 Ford Courier 2.3 4X4. Originally the bracket for the smog pump, it was easily adapted to hold an alternator by knocking out the shim from the hole in the rear, and drilling out the treaded hole in the front.
http://www.mitchellvice.com/SVO2/Progress_Photos/holy_alternator_bracket1.jpg
http://www.mitchellvice.com/SVO2/Progress_Photos/holy_alternator_bracket2.jpg
http://www.mitchellvice.com/SVO2/Progress_Photos/holy_alternator_bracket3.jpg

Pretty cool, eh?! Now it just needs a 3G alternator on it!

[MikeFleming]

That's on the wrong side of the engine. Just sayin'.

hehehe

And welcome back from surgery!

[baltimucho]

HA! Now to move my battery to the trunk and my intercooler to the front!

And thanks! My wife had the surgery, but it's good to be back from her surgery nonetheless!

::m::