Revised Engine Pics- Opinions? DUW

[347togo]

Hi all,

I decided to revise my engine compartment for a little more sizzle. I liked the way it looked, but it got lost in the black engine compartment, and at car shows, few people stopped to look closely. Here is the previous version:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010002.jpg

I decided on the "Boss" theme because I have the aluminum version of the new Boss 302 block Ford re-introduced last year. I found a vintage set of valve covers that resembled the finned aluminum Boss 302 covers, and modified them with a custom emblem done by a local sign shop:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010009-1.jpg


(The valve covers make the engine look wide like a big block!!)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010005.jpg

I then picked up a chrome air cleaner cover and had a custom 347 decal made along with painting the air cleaner blue:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010010.jpg


All assembled it came out like this:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010002-3.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010001.jpg

I am rather excited about the change, and I like how it brightened up the engine compartment.

I would love to hear your input and suggestions!!!

Bill

[black4eyedcoupe]

i love the fuel injection!!!!!!!

[86GT2go]

I liked the bay before the change (not saying the new look is bad or anything, just liked the other look better).

[69clark]

I like it. However, I guess I like it both ways, lol

[sonic03snake]

I like the black best but blue is cool too.

[capriman86]

I like it. However, I guess I like it both ways, lol


I heard that about you. :D





That car is sweet no matter which set up you have..LOL

[eeprete]

looks good!

[StangBoy]

details on the FI system

[89 AZ SSP]

Very nice and detailed! I like the new way.

[EightySixNotch]

to be honest with you, i was in love with the way you had it before as it stood out to be more "fresh out of the factory" look. There was something to the look that made it look like that was the way the car came from the factory and was eye catching. When i saw the before pic all i thought was "Modular" but all in all its appearance is great looking and is still an eye catcher. Great Job!

[85bubblebackboy]

that looks great.

[85Coupe50]

Yes please more about the EFI setup... I don't see a mass air meter does the car have a good cam or is it a good speed density setup?

I really like the new look. It's different and that is what caught my eye. Those new valve covers ROCK!

[Blue86]

Great addition to a very nice car!!

[mcb82gt]

I think both ways look outstanding! Nice work.

[Motorcity]

Originally Posted by 69clark
I like it. However, I guess I like it both ways, lol

capriman86 says:"I heard that about you."

LMAO!!! The new look is not bad but I prefer the previous version. Regardless, that is one nice Mustang!

[pmc_gt350]

Either way would make me stop and look. Nice job!

[Chris Wood]

I like the air cleaner housing black-I do think that the valve covers are an interesting addition.

[82GT]

What's the deal with that air cleaner? Does that seal to a hood scoop? I want to do something like that for mine. Do you have anymore pictures?

[347togo]

Thanks for all your input guys- I appreciate it.

I must confess I am nostalgic for the BOSS era of cars. Having had a Boss 351 and a couple friends with Boss 302's, I like them a lot, and with the re-introduction of the Boss theme at Ford, I decided to try my hand at my own kind of Boss. Plus, having the car for 26+ years, I like to freshen it up a bit from time to time!

I started with the finned valve covers that were shaped like the Boss 302/ 351. These were some Homan/ Moody reproductions that I machined out the H/M logo and made room for the Boss 347 plate. I also liked the Ram Air of the Boss 351, but I originally kept the black air cleaner body, but it just did not look right without the blue body. The chrome lid was a throwback to the 69/70 Boss non-shaker lids. All in all it tries to tie in the best of the Boss era. I do have a functional cowl induction on the hood with the Cobra/ Pace Car hood scoop:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/opening3.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010034.jpg

Mine is kinda a blend of these two:

Boss 429:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P6030057.jpg

Mine:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P1010002-3.jpg

70 Boss 302 Non-shaker:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/271bengb.jpg

Here in Minnesota we have so many cars shows that it is hard for a car to stand out. Fox cars have a following, but nothing compared to the early Mustangs at most shows. Fox guys were interested, but did not give the 4 eye cars a second glance if they had an air cleaner. Add on top of that the black theme I had, and it was easy for them to walk on past. If they did stop, the more they looked, the more they saw and asked questions.

I showed the car on Saturday night after a short parade, and the reaction was totally different. The 347 Boss on the air cleaner decal stopped many in thier tracks, then they saw the valve covers and started to wonder "what the hell?" Long story short it was a busy but fun night. It was great to talk to some people and educate them about 4 eye cars, and that really made worth while!

Thanks for your input

Bill

[82GT]

Looks good!! What did the rubber gasket around the air cleaner come from?

[347togo]

Hi 82,

You'll laugh- the rubber gasket is from Home Depot used for garage doors at the bottom to seal to the ground. It was $10 for a roll, and most places wanted 80 -100.00 for a repro. Works great!

Stangboy,

The FI setup is from Holley- the Commander 950 system. I modified a Victor JR intake for injectors and it works great. It uses a Wideband sensor to better control the mixture, and has data logging to boot. The user interface is basic, but the adjustments and table are straight forward.

[82GT]

Hi 82,

You'll laugh- the rubber gasket is from Home Depot used for garage doors at the bottom to seal to the ground.

Hot Rodding at it's best!

[mustang4life1985]

Everything is awesome about your car and the engine looks great both ways! Nice job with the car :tu:

[Ackman70]

I prefer the old way. I always liked the clean look of your engine bay.

[anthonydalrymple]

I also prefer the "clean & simple" looks of the first version... But, I do understand where you're coming from & why you changed it up. Looks good!

[TL TTop Coupe]

I personally like this setup!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P6030001.jpg (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/billstang/P6030001.jpg)

Hate to say, but i don't really like the Alternator Pulley Piece... Sorry. I still worship the ground your car drives on tho!!

Where do you keep getting all your custom graphic's? Does the Local Sign Shop have a website? They do good work.

[02pnygt]

looks great.

[347togo]

Thanks for all your opinions guys- I appreciate your feedback.

In 1982 when I bought the car, the marketing theme was "The Boss is Back." A good friend of mine bought one a week after I did, and actually lettered that on the back of his 82 GT.
I have always had that in the back of my mind the 26 years I have owned the car, and finally wanted to recognize that- just for fun.

Owning a car that long sometimes becomes stale, and some guys sell it and move on. I decided that I would update along the way instead, and keep the car. I figured I would come out ahead of guys who have owned 6 or more cars in the same period of time. I am glad I did.

Bill

[Curtis]

Both look great, but I think I like your recent changes better-very ford retro!