Building a Sleeper part 2... attn F/Z Thunderbird guy's

[Evil86lx]

First let me explain what brought this on. I'm getting really sic of driving my dodge everyday and have really been considering building a fun, quick, well handling/braking car.

The criteria...

1) Use as many of the part's that I have laying around as possible to keep cost's down.
2) Good handling and good brake's.
3) Civility on the highway. I want to be able to cruise this car pretty much anywhere that I want to.
4) A/C and heat. functional stereo etc.
5) Enough room for the familly. Good trunk space and room for the car seat..

I was thinking a fresh SEFI E7 motor with ported E7's, stock intake T-body etc, install my single turbo set up, 5 spd, 8.8 with 3.55's, SVO brake's, 5 lug wheel's and enough suspension work to handle well with out being to harsh.

I have all of the part's mentioned above except the suspension.

Now for the question's that I have for you "other" fox guy's.

Which chassis do you think would fit the criteria the best ?

I really want to throw this on something.

http://www.coloradostangs.com/gallery/data/500/60svo_pics_025-med.jpg

kyle

[Evil86lx]

BTW... If I can find something that is 79 or older I can get collecter plate's. The vehicle would only have to pass emission's once as long as the colleter plate's are on the car.

I also need to consider availability of not only the vehicle but also part's.

kyle

[Chuck W]

Well, the chassis are all the same really.

You'll get more suspension crossover (esp in the rear) with an F/Z(Tbirds/Cougars have longer upper and lower control arms), but you'll get a more "refined" package with a Tbird/Cougar.

The only 79 and earlier "other" Foxes are the F/Z's. They're pretty bare bones w/o some real work to them. I like my 80 Z-7, but it's nothing like my 83-84 Tbirds/Cougars inside.


You're "requirements" don't really zero in on any particular type.....

[Marz]

I'd go for a good Fairmont 4dr or 2 dr sedan... or the midsized LTD. Get a nice granies car and build the suspension up. For that stock ride hight the 1985 LTD LX Moog repacement springs could be used (they're similar to FRPP "C" springs).

I was going to turn my 78 Fairmont into a LTD LX clone handling wise... but preformance wise it was going to be similar to my GT. That was cause I never thought I'd have a chance to buy an LTD LX. But when I found out Frink was going to sell the LX (LTDScotts old LTD, which I was going to base the Clone on) I jumped at the chance and sold my 78 Fairmont. Corse, I would have liked to keep the 78... but I didn't have the room.

Another thing that's good about the non Mustang FOXes is that nobody really thinks about them being fast... IF they think about them at all. That's why I like them.

[Marz]

Really... with that motor you have... I'd deffinetly go for the F/Z with it's nice big engin bay. If a 460 can fit in it... that engine should.

Bryan Sharers "MontZilla" is a good example.

You could get ideas from DeanT's work on his 78 Futura's suspension.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/3573/FZ/CrazyFZ.html

Jasen

[MHISSTC]

At the bottom of my list...a 4-door F/Z would be a big-time sleeper, but I don't think I'd enjoy driving it. Next up...the LTD LX is a more stylish, but I still don't know if I would enjoy driving it much. Above that...I like the Z-7/Futura better...but for a little more style, the Cougar/T-bird is the way to go. At the top of my heap would be a Lincoln Mark VII LSC. All the FOX interchangability with a full ration of style. I know of a couple in town and I keep threatening my wife I'm going to ask one of the owners if they are willing to sell. If I EVER see a FOR SALE sign in one of them...it will be mine!

[Chuck W]

Really all the engine bays are the same size. Only the TBird/Cougars might have a little bit less vertically, but the engine sits a bit lower in them anyway.

[Evil86lx]

Thanks for the response's guy's.

Chuck. I left it a little a vague in hope's of getting as many response's as possible.

Marz. The ltd lx is sweet. But I have never seen one in person around these part's so that may not qualify in the "availablity" category. Thanks for that link. Now I have some more info to help in my decision.

MHISSTC. I would agree with you on the Thunderbird/Cougar having a little more style. I have alos been checking out some of the LSC's.

I'll narrow down a few more question's. I have never owned any of these "other" fox car's so bear with me.

Thunderbird.

Are the 86's SEFI like the mustang?
How would you guy's feel about a car seat in the back seat of one?
How are the trunk's on the car's, big enough to haul baby stuff and luggage?
How abput a T-5 swap? Would the fox mustang pedal's work or would I need to custom fab them?

F/Z.

Is the ride similar to a mustang or better?
Did any of them come with manual tran's.
If not what would I need to use for a steering colum and center console for the T-5 swap.
Being a four door I would think that rear seat accesability would be good but I have never owner one. How are they for rear seat room and trunk space?

Lincoln.

Is it a true fox chassis car? My turbo kit is designed for a mustang and I wouldnt want to have to redisgn it to fit.
How abou the T-5 swap? I dont think any of the lsc's came with a manual tran's.
How about the electic suspension crap? Reliable or a piece of poop.

kyle

[MHISSTC]

Car seat in a T-bird/Cougar? I have no problem with it. Access with 2 doors is a little less handy than with 4, but still not too bad since the doors are l-o-n-g. The childs seat just adds to the "sleeper" look...especially if there's a child in it! My XR-7 will have one if I ever get a good turbo for it. I think the trunk is plenty big for hauling "stuff". I'll get some pics when I get home today.

Some of the XR-7s and TurboCoupes had T-5s in them, so I don't think it would be a problem. Get either one of those and they already have a console on the tunnel with a hole for the shifter. That would be easier than having to convert from the column shift. Although auto on the column would be more "sleeper-like". I'm pretty sure I read somewhere the Mustang/Capri pedals are a direct swap.

I think all the LSCs had a floor shift for the autos. I'd be tempted to keep an AOD...although a built one...in the LSC. I'd also be inclined to get rid of any electronic suspension peices if for no better reason than giving me piece of mind that nothing WILL go wrong.

[Evil86lx]

Auto vs manual.

I'm not a big fan of auto tran's. I really like to shift my own gear's.
Also I would like to stick with the manual for fuel economy reason's. With the turbo and a auto the car will be making boost going down the highway almost continuosly. With the manual you have alittle more control over it and you can short shift before boost come's on. Kinda like driving the SVO, short shift it and get 4cyl fuel mileage, put it to the floor and get V8 performance.

kyle

[Evil86lx]

I'm adding this link for future reference.

http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22321&highlight=

kyle

[MHISSTC]

With a manual tranny preferred, I'd go Cougar/T-bird or find an LTD LX with a floor shift. Were the Z-7/Futuras available with the floor shift?

Scroll down here:

http://www.musclemustangfastfords.com/features/0410mm_luxo/

Another here:

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/55758/

Another:

http://www.musclemustangfastfords.com/features/0401mm_fair/

For Sale:

http://www.fordltd.org/Police/



Here's about one of my all time favorites...it's just done right.
http://www.mustangandfords.com/mustangfords/featuredvehicles/p145730_image_large.jpg

[Evil86lx]

This is exactly what I'm looking for.

http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/album_pic.php?pic_id=3671

Very nice.

Anyome know anything about this car.

kyle

[MHISSTC]

Ah, yes. Very nice example. Metallic grey/silver is a sleeper color. No red, shiney black, or hideous '70s/early '80s green/yellow/brown/orange. Chome intact without any blackout treatment. Simple pinstripe. No graphics. Modern wheel upgrade.

[Evil86lx]

I found a 79 for sale today. It's in Ft Morgan stashed away in a barn. I'm not sure on the price or condition but I got the "get it out of my barn" response. It's a 1979 Fairmont 4 door in light baby blue.

If I get a chance I'm going to drive out there and check it out this weekend.

I hate it when I get these crazy idea's. The last time this happend I came home with a 86 Saleen. :D

kyle

[Chuck W]

This is exactly what I'm looking for.

http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/album_pic.php?pic_id=3671

Very nice.

Anyome know anything about this car.

kyle
I'm pretty sure that was Forrest's old car..

[MHISSTC]

I hate it when I get these crazy idea's.

None of my ideas are crazy...just don't ask my wife.

For comparison, my youngest daughter who is three is helping me show how much room there is for kids in the XR7.


http://www.carrollsweb.com/scottlockhart/foureyes/XR7seat.jpg

http://www.carrollsweb.com/scottlockhart/foureyes/XR7seatin.jpg

http://www.carrollsweb.com/scottlockhart/foureyes/XR7trunk.jpg

http://www.carrollsweb.com/scottlockhart/foureyes/XR7trunk2.jpg

[Evil86lx]

LOL.

kyle

[Marz]

Marz. The ltd lx is sweet. But I have never seen one in person around these part's so that may not qualify in the "availablity" category. Thanks for that link. Now I have some more info to help in my decision.

LTD LX's are getting harder to find. One just sold for dirt cheap in Torrance Ca though.... it was very close to where I work. But I can't take another car. But you can take your basic LTD sedan or wagon (Frink likes LTD wagons) and build one of those up. Also since these cars are on the FOX chassis... you can do all the mustang stuff to them. But they are 5" longer. And as I've said... LTD LX springs are basically FRPP "C" springs. They are very nice and stiff and they don't seem to lower the car. If you were to compare my LTD LX and my GT handeling wise... my LTD can out handle my GT.


F/Z.

Is the ride similar to a mustang or better?
Did any of them come with manual tran's.
If not what would I need to use for a steering colum and center console for the T-5 swap.
Being a four door I would think that rear seat accesability would be good but I have never owner one. How are they for rear seat room and trunk space?



The F/Z were ment to be "granies" cars. They will not handle like a Mustang from the factory. But... Like the LTD... F/Z's can be built up using Mustang parts. You can also use the LTD LX Moog replacement springs to help it handle better. Again, they're 5" longer than the Mustang and some thing, like subframe connectors will need to be custom made or possibly Lincoln MKVII connectors used (I havint tried this).

My very original ex 78 Fairmont 4dr 302 V8 handeled well concidering it was an early modle and a Fairmont. But it handled like a Fairmont.

My 79 Futura (long since wrecked) got some Mustang upgrades like a 91 GT front and rear sway bars, 86 rear LCA (they were free), Konis on the rear, and a 8.8" track loc with 2.73 gears and FOX wagon 10" drums. I also converted it from a 1979 tilt steerring column with column shift to a 1979 Mustang fixed steering column (with sport 3 spoke steering wheel) and a floorshift (auto). I also installed a rare Fairmont center console.

This site will give you more details on my poor wrecked Futura:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/565542/4

F/Z's did have the manual trani as an option but they are not common. But, ford did put the dimples in the area where the floor shift would go... and floor shift can easily be put in. I did it with a rotory tool (and a face shield).

If the Fairmont came with a floorshift it is mostlikely an auto floorshift.

These cars are very comfortable... at least I think they are.

It would be easier if you found one that already has bucket seats. But converting from a bench to buckets shouldn't be too hard.

I still really like the F/Z and plan on having one in the future.

Hope this long post helps... but theres just so much info about these cars.

Jasen(Fairmont Nut)

[sbcstang]

I had an '87 Mark VII Bill Blass edition. The air ride pump was dead, but I was able to make one from a Town Car fit. I remember reading somewhere an article on converting them to a regular suspension setup (springs/shocks/struts). I liked the air ride because I was able to mess around with the ride height with the adjusters at the wheels. It was a very nice fast car and boy would it handle especially lowered. The 4 wheel disc would stop you on a dime. It had a console shifter for the AOD and suede bucket seats and digital dash. The LSCs sat a little lower and were a little more sporty. I miss that car. Full luxury and performance too!

[quarterstang86]

With a manual tranny preferred, I'd go Cougar/T-bird or find an LTD LX with a floor shift. Were the Z-7/Futuras available with the floor shift?


My 1980 Fairmont Futura has a factory 4 spd. Although I think the factory bench seat has the shifter location close to the dash than needed if you swap in a T-5 or Tremec. I'll try and get some pics.

[Evil86lx]

With a manual tranny preferred, I'd go Cougar/T-bird or find an LTD LX with a floor shift. Were the Z-7/Futuras available with the floor shift?


My 1980 Fairmont Futura has a factory 4 spd. Although I think the factory bench seat has the shifter location close to the dash than needed if you swap in a T-5 or Tremec. I'll try and get some pics.

That would be great.

kyle

[r93lightning]

With a manual tranny preferred, I'd go Cougar/T-bird or find an LTD LX with a floor shift. Were the Z-7/Futuras available with the floor shift?


My 1980 Fairmont Futura has a factory 4 spd. Although I think the factory bench seat has the shifter location close to the dash than needed if you swap in a T-5 or Tremec. I'll try and get some pics.

i would also Like to see some pics.I just bought a 1979 fairmont 2 door sedan off ebay tonight and.I'am putting a GT40P explorer motor with vortech S-trim and 5-speed in it.