85 GT Semi-Build Thread

[Sturg]

I just recently got an 85 mustang with the carb'd 302 in it... Trying to get a little build list going and also take your guys' advice as to what modifications I should do. So far I'm thinking:

Exhaust:
double hump tranny crossmember
h or x pipe
BBK shorty headers

Suspension/Chassis:
Subframe connectors
new shocks/struts
lowering springs (no more than an inch drop)

Motor:
Underdrive pulleys.... not too sure on these
holley 650 carb
edelbrock intake
heads?
cam?

I've worked on cars plenty, but I am only 20 years old and have a lot to learn, sorry for my ignorance in advance... I'd love to keep the car mostly stock and just clean it up as it is in really good shape. My goal for the car is a high 12 low 13 second cruiser.

[Krazy85gt]

Post up pics

[horsepowerjunkie]

I'd stay away from the under drive pullies, I've never had any luck with them. Add some Twisted Wedge 170 heads, Comp XE266HR cam, Performer RPM air gap intake & 650 double pumper, 3.73 or 4.10's in an 8.8 & it should go mid 12's! Mine did better than that the first time out!

[Trail]

I'd stay away from the under drive pullies, I've never had any luck with them. Add some Twisted Wedge 170 heads, Comp XE266HR cam, Performer RPM air gap intake & 650 double pumper, 3.73 or 4.10's in an 8.8 & it should go mid 12's! Mine did better than that the first time out!

Back when i had my 88gt, i installed underdrive pullies. I didnt have any of the assosated side effects with them. But if they made any benificial gains i didnt notice them ether. Money probbebly wasted. Except the sweet sticker

[Sturg]

I'll get some pics up this weekend, I just put two new tires up front because one of my fronts got a flat so I said eff it might as well put two new ones up front, the backs are still decent.... Also noticed a ton of play in the passenger side outer tie rod so I replaced that as well.... In the next two weeks I'm going to be ordering Eibach Pro Kit springs and new shocks/struts. Any suggestions as to what I can delete in the engine bay to clean it up a bit?

[Sturg]

Some random pictures!

[oldford_69]

U have a very nice ride there.

[Sturg]

Thank you

[AT6svo]

That 2nd lot last shot looks like it could have been in 1985! Congrats!

[Sturg]

The car developed a vibration at around 35-45 so I put some new U-Joints in the driveshaft and all is well again... This week I'm going to start getting the suspension together... Going to just do stock shocks/struts on Eibach Pro Kit springs.

[Sturg]

Spotted some new 5.0's parked together today... And ended up cruising with them!

[Sturg]

Got all new shocks and struts as well, hopefully I can get them on there this weekend!

[White86GT]

Nice ride!

[*SVT*]

.

[Sturg]

So I got the front ones on....





They brought the front down and leveled it out with the back. I spoke to a buddy who said my rear springs are probably worn out and sagging... So should I put the new rear lowering springs on? My buddy said that it will probably sit about how it does now....

[Domino]

That sounds about right on the rear springs. I have actually put lowering springs on a couple of Foxes and the rear was exactly where it was before the swap.

[Sturg]

Cool, I'll just wait to do the rears then. Eventually I'll get control arms and the works

[Sturg]

Update, put on the rear lowering springs and after a week the car pretty much leveled out. Also deleted the smog pump to clean up the engine bay a little

[Sturg]

Also just picked up a rear end that came out of an 88 automatic turbo coupe so it has 3.73s in it. Paid 50 for it and the guy threw in some eBay subframe connectors for free.

[85streetdemon]

Great looking car. It is in amazing shape. Somebody loved that car and I'm sure you do too at this point. I wish mine had been that straight when I got it. Good luck with it and keep us posted on your progress.

[85streetdemon]

Subscribed to this thread. Very interested to watch the progress.

[Sturg]

Thank you, and yes it was in the previous owners family for 15 years! I love this thing to death! I've wanted a fox since I was 4 years old. I don't make much money so progress will be a little slow but I will keep this updated as much as possible!

[Dschil]

Great looking car. My grandmother's 80 year old neighbor had one just like it back in '85, which he traded for another new red 5.0, 5 speed in '88. Some way I missed buying his '88 when he sold it in the '90s.

[Sturg]

Trying to sell my subframe connectors then I'm going to get either griggs full length connectors or maximum motorsports connectors.

[Sturg]

Decided to go with Stifflers full length subframe connectors! Drove out to his shop and had him install them for me. I have to say these things completely changed the car! Excellent product and also excellent service. Mike is a great guy to work with and we were even talking about how if he gets some torque box reinforcements made up we may throw one of the first sets on my car! Anyway here are some pics!