Figured if I start a build thread then I might actually finish the thing. First the plan, 5.3 (lm7) with a big cam into a 1996 Mustang GT, FiTech ultimate LS system, going through a manual valve body TH400 with a 3200-3400 stall to match the cam. 3.55 gears in the rear with 28" radials. There is going to be a ton of little stuff to go with.

I started a few months ago and so far I have the block cleaned up and re-ringed. Heads (862) have been milled 30thous, new valves, and new springs to match cam specs. I chose a BTR stage4 truck cam. Not looking to make anything special here, just want a fun weekend toy.

I put the pictures I have in this post to catch up.


The day I picked it up. front Bumper is f'ed, no biggie. I got it as a roller. Dude had a 347 in it before me.


the Junk yard snag.

Ran a dingle ball hone through them to de-glaze for new rings. Everything looked good, suprisingly no scratches.

pre-cleaning pistons.

BTR Stage4 Truck cam.


Timing and Dampner set. I don't know why you wouldnt replace these if you're already in there.

New valves, stock replacements. lapped in. Machine shop cleaned up the heads, so everything lined up.

How she sits now. Waiting on the oil pump and then some gaskets. More to come.

 

Looks like a cool project, I like that shade of blue. Any particular reason for using the BTR truck cam?

 

Truck motor= Truck cam lol...tbh I have a good friend that works at GPI and we are both curious what the Truck cam will achieve with other components.. basically how much low end torque can be made. This is a mild build as well, nothing crazy for now.

 

Small update... long delay due to that wonderful Active Duty life. Parts have been ordered. Just waiting on them to arrive.


Started the Heater Core replacement.. quite the undertaking..

Glad I did..

Some what back together.. I am installing new Holley gauges with the Terminator X so no need for everything to be back in place.

Cut this mangled garbage lower rad support out. Team Z tubular is going in with the AJE k-member.

 

Updates.. the Pics arent in any specific order. I got the engine in with the AJE K member, Team Z tubular rad support (to replace mangled core support). FAST 92 intake, Boch 42lbs injectors. Holley Terminator, Aeromotive 340 lph drop in pump.. made a new rad bracket.. aluminum was to flimsy.

Son was excited for all the new parts.. alot more odds and ends happening.. Ill try and remember to take more pictures lol..

team z radiator support. at least 5lbs lighter over the stamped stock stuff.

motor in.. team z rad support welded in.

nothing like new parts!

Test fit. had to get a holley 302-2 pan.. the muscle pan was like 3 inches below the k member.

my mishimoto rad bracket had seen better days. made one real quick with some sheet metal.

new bosch 42lb injectors

yeah those didnt work.

wife decided we needed some t's.

fast 92, jegs rails. cheap TB

ICT bolts to help the ugly coil packs.

terminator going in.

engine in with AJE k member.

figuring out f/p wiring.

fuel pump relay.. the terminator doesnt supply enough amps for the Aero pump.

 

Finally fired it up.. on e85. Terminator made it super easy. turned off "learn closed loop" no 02 hooked up, set idle to 850... idled high due to vacuum leak lol. but she's alive. TH400 will be purchased in a few months. Won't be long and I can drive it!

Once i figure out how to upload a video I will get the startup on here.


Holley pan had a crack.. looks like a casting flaw, waiting to hear back from Scram to see if they can get a replacement from Holley....

engine is out again for the pan issue.

worked on the hood some.. it had some bad scuffing and peel from a **** clear coat job.

 

 

small batch of updates. Made an AC delete plate, took the bent 8.8 out. Cobra IRS is going in its place. Longtubes are on, and I picked up some 13 inch rotors and Mach1 calipers for the front.. improvement over the tiny 10 inch rotors that were on th










ere.

 

Sweet car but an IRS? Who has a ls/th400 which is a recipe to do something then puts an IRS behind it. You might as well put a 7.5 rear in it!

 

Yes an irs.. plans changed, I won’t be racing in a straight line anymore. Also this car is going to see more street than track time. The irs is getting a full treatment from full tilt boogie racing to include upgrade diff mounts and new gears. It will be plenty strong enough for the occasional abuse.



Quarantine projects.

New work bench.. garage is coming along nicely.

Don’t mind the messy floor.. it’s covered in saw dust. Hindsight a black floor is a pain to keep clean. Oh well it’s an epoxied floor now, and looks awesome when it’s clean.

 

I've been thinking about how that reply came off since I posted it. I wasn't trying to be an azzhat, I've just been down the IRS road before and had less than stellar results. I hope you have better luck than I did. I put an 03 Cobra IRS in my '97 years ago, but it had urethane bushings/lowering springs and was otherwise stock.

 

Headsup, all good brother.. I’ve done my research and I think for what I’m doing it will be fine. Upgrades are coming for it. Solid bushings, aluminum diff mounts, reinforced cover etc. it should be able to handle anything I want to do with it. And they make beefy axles if I run into a problem there.