We have been busy on the little 1988 Mustang LX notchback this summer and we’re close to firing it up with 3x the engine displacement and heading back to MotorSport Ranch for more test laps before we dive into the suspension development work we have in store.
In the latest Forum Build Thread update for our 21st Century Fox project we cover the dismal June track test we did with the original 2.3L four cylinder, which lasted four laps before the engine began sputtering and shutting off. Max speeds of 74 mph, slowest lap time we ever recorded – just awful. Shortly after getting the Fox back to the shop we found the cause, and dove into an engine swap using an “all aluminum V8” and a Tremec TKX manual transmission – with the goal of a “quick upgrade” to get back to the track for a proper baseline test with the stock suspension. Best laid plans…
Things quickly snowballed and this turned into a full on 500 hp upgrade, which is the opposite of what we advise our customers to do (chasing power is last!), but we have our reasons – explained in the Forum update. The V8 swap went pretty far afield, with an 8.8″ limited slip axle upgrade, complete fuel system, new cooling system, hydraulic clutch conversion, and much more.
It happens – just a simple plan that snowballs, as one upgrade leads to needs in other areas. We cover a lot of these systems, the decisions and actual work, in the latest update. Even if you have no interest in this chassis or even this engine, many of these techniques we show in detail could apply to your project. Who knows?
One of the wildest revelations from this “quick upgrade” to the drivetrain was how heavy the 1980’s iron four cylinder and T5 manual were compared to the modern aluminum pushrod V8 – the latter was actually lighter, which we did not expect. Lots of weights are given and great detail in the thread.
We covered about three months in this 4-part forum update, which is chock full of pictures and video. Lots more to cover next time, as we’re ahead of where we left off already – but have so many other build threads to update. Thanks for reading!