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  1. #26
    FEP Power Member SchoolBoy's Avatar
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    You sir have a big project on your hands! My question is how stock are you planning on keeping the car? I ask because there are a few mods that can be done for more power, and a few that should be done to keep the car from burning up.
    If you blink at the end of the straight away you'll miss the twisties and what fun would that be!
    1982 Capri RS 5.0L
    Suspension Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...tion-and-Build
    1985 SVO 2A & leather.
    Motor Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=63505
    Dyno stats and exhaust install http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...Dyno-d-finally
    My FMIC build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...-amp-D-project
    Electronic boost controller and bypass valve
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...d-Bypass-Valve
    Opperation SVO Tunes http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...51#post1148551

  2. #27

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    This phase will be to get everything running in stock form, put the interior back together and do the paint and bodywork. I've read the 400+ hp build threads but that may be down the road. As far as a project this is nothing compared to the Dominator I did. They are father/sons projects and cost is secondary. Well worth the bonding time. Also, if this wasn't an 85.5 car I probably wouldn't have done it! 😊
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  3. #28
    FEP Power Member SchoolBoy's Avatar
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    I gotcha! Well for basic power upgrades removal of the stock air box, add a bypass valve, plus the addition of a 3" down pipe gave me the most noticeable gains. Now as for survivability a few mods to the fan system will save your bacon. 1st being swapping the stock 220* cooling fan temperature switch located in the bottom of the intake manifold. I'm using the painless 195* #30110 unit. This will help take some of the stress off the cooling system. Second mod has to do with the fan itself plus the control modual thats under the dash.... The problem is that when the stock fan kicks on it draws a crazy amount of amps. Time coupled with old undersized gauge wire will melt the circuit in that relay. So the fix is to use a 4 post relay. One side of the relay is the trigger side that you would wire into the factory relay and is used to trigger the new relay. Once triggered the new relay will take power straight from the power block and send it to the fan. If you wish to take this one step farther ditch the stock alternator for a 3G unit. http://www.rothfam.com/svo/3g/
    If you blink at the end of the straight away you'll miss the twisties and what fun would that be!
    1982 Capri RS 5.0L
    Suspension Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...tion-and-Build
    1985 SVO 2A & leather.
    Motor Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=63505
    Dyno stats and exhaust install http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...Dyno-d-finally
    My FMIC build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...-amp-D-project
    Electronic boost controller and bypass valve
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...d-Bypass-Valve
    Opperation SVO Tunes http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...51#post1148551

  4. #29

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    Thanks for the information and advice!
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  5. #30

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    Quote Originally Posted by erratic50 View Post
    Great project for a deserving car! Over time if those of us in the FEP community can educate the public on who the whiz-kids were behind the SVO's design and from a driver experience why they are desirable their value is sure to go up. They were a modern marvel in their time. And a really neat car all these years later.
    Agreed. I remember these coming out as new cars while I was in college (yeah I'm old!) and lusting over them but not the $$ markup to the GT. I couldn't afford either back in the 80's, so now I guess I'm re-living my 20's by buying and restoring the "hot rods" that were on the road during my college years.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  6. #31

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    More pics. Dash wiring, new heater core, new engine wiring being pinned into gauge cluster. Name:  20180205_212717.jpg
Views: 418
Size:  133.9 KB
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  7. #32
    FEP Power Member SchoolBoy's Avatar
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    Jan 2004
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    Arlington Washington
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    2,218

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    I feel for ya man, I despise anything having to due with wiring and these cars. Are you installing a ron francis engine harness?
    If you blink at the end of the straight away you'll miss the twisties and what fun would that be!
    1982 Capri RS 5.0L
    Suspension Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...tion-and-Build
    1985 SVO 2A & leather.
    Motor Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=63505
    Dyno stats and exhaust install http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...Dyno-d-finally
    My FMIC build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...-amp-D-project
    Electronic boost controller and bypass valve
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...d-Bypass-Valve
    Opperation SVO Tunes http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...51#post1148551

  8. #33
    FEP Super Member JTurbo's Avatar
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    Jan 2006
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    Western MA
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    Keep up the good work. Fun cars when they are running correctly.

    Just remember the more HP you try to wring out of an SVO, typically the less reliable / streetable they become.
    1979 Indy Pace Car Mustang 302 / 5spd
    1982 Mustang GT T-Top 302 / 4spd
    1986 SVO Mustang - 1C

  9. #34
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Grand Junction, CO/RR TX
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    Quote Originally Posted by JTurbo View Post
    Keep up the good work. Fun cars when they are running correctly.

    Just remember the more HP you try to wring out of an SVO, typically the less reliable / streetable they become.
    I will second that opinion. In my experience a SVO with 275-300 HP is an awesome, fun, enjoyable car. Much faster than stock, but still has all the streetability and driveability of stock. Up to about 325 HP can still be relatively tame and stock like, but once you start pushing past that things get less reliable and streetable.

    I had the pleasure of doing the paint and bodywork on an 84 SVO that Motion Dynamics built for a customer many years ago. The SVO put out an honest dyno proven 380 Rear Wheel HP! The car was a total beast and sleeper from Hell! Unfortunately it was an absolute nightmare to drive IMHO. The Boost was like an ON/OFF switch! Out of the boost a total dog and under powered, then when the boost hit it was so hard and fast that it took all you could to control the car and not lose traction and ultimately the car. Totally Badass, but lost all the fun and enjoyment of the original SVO.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  10. #35

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    Quote Originally Posted by SchoolBoy View Post
    I feel for ya man, I despise anything having to due with wiring and these cars. Are you installing a ron francis engine harness?
    Yes, that is a Ron Francis wiring kit for the engine harness.

    I abhor wiring I am glad my son is good at it. The p.o. made a mess of all of it. We are nearing the end of it thankfully.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  11. #36

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    Another teaser photo. 4 hours of rewiring in that picture. Phew. The previous owner really made a mess. We're getting there.

    Update..... We have headlights, brake lights, turns over and tries to start but backfires. Gas in tank is at least 2 years old so heading to get new gas and will check timing.

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    Last edited by dakota4eyes; 02-10-2018 at 08:48 PM.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  12. #37

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    Update. It's alive! Fired her up last night for the first time since I bought the project. Some buttoning up, fine tuning, etc. but she should be ready this week to transport back to my place from my sons and start putting the interior back into it. Good feeling.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  13. #38

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    Proof's in the pudding as they say. A video of the engine running again after many years and a masterful rewire of the entire car!

    https://youtu.be/Jj9cVM6i8Hk

    We will be doing final wiring cleanup on Thursday and getting it ready to put back on my trailer. We have 4 weeks yet before our Body/Paint friend has time to take it in and fix the minor rust spot, the small dimple dents and then make the paint great again. He's requested we dont put the interior in until he is done so this will go into mothballs until late March.

    We should be ready to put on the road this spring. Question to you guys. The original wheels are tarnished. Do you suggest cleaning them up or go with an aftermarket wheel like a bullitt or cobra wheel? I'm leaning '05 bullitt wheels but thought I'd get your input.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  14. #39

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    Proof's in the pudding as they say. A video of the engine running again after many years and a masterful rewire of the entire car!

    https://youtu.be/Jj9cVM6i8Hk

    We will be doing final wiring cleanup on Thursday and getting it ready to put back on my trailer. We have 4 weeks yet before our Body/Paint friend has time to take it in and fix the minor rust spot, the small dimple dents and then make the paint great again. He's requested we dont put the interior in until he is done so this will go into mothballs until late March.

    We should be ready to put on the road this spring.

    Question to you guys. The original wheels are tarnished. Do you suggest cleaning them up or go with an aftermarket wheel like a bullitt or cobra wheel? I'm leaning '05 bullitt wheels but thought I'd get your input.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  15. #40
    FEP Member endub's Avatar
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    Fayetteville AR
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    Question to you guys. The original wheels are tarnished. Do you suggest cleaning them up or go with an aftermarket wheel like a bullitt or cobra wheel? I'm leaning '05 bullitt wheels but thought I'd get your input.[/QUOTE]

    I like using later model Ford/Mustang wheels on the foxbody. Take advantage of being 5 lug already. Like you said needs to be 05 or later for the offset. I bought a set of '16 premium wheels in 18s that look really sharp but I plan to refinish the stockers too for when I feel like it. Only problem is the grease caps on the front. Need to figure that out.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

  16. #41

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    Finished cleaning up the wiring, installing the cowl gauges and checking everything worked last night. Put the hood back on for now as we wait for paint/body to have an opening for us in a few weeks. A pic of the wiring cleanup.


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    To do list includes painting the rest of the brackets and pulleys but we are going to wait on that for now.

    And yes, that is just a test battery not the final one we will put in the car. Needed power to check things and start it while working on it.

    Crawled under the car to hook the speedo cable in and found it to be remarkably free of rust.

    Just ran a carfax, shows last registered odometer reading of 96k in 2008 and odometer is showing 40k so it is really clean body wise for a 140k car.
    Last edited by dakota4eyes; 02-16-2018 at 09:53 AM.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  17. #42
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Nebraska
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    Super excited for you guys, that's an awesome machine.

    I would have the factory SVO wheels stripped of their clear and repolished to their original luster then re-cleared. There are so few SVOs- and a majority have already been ruined then left for dead down the line or met the crusher.

    Your car but my thoughts: People need to know what these cars really are. They were cool in 1984. They were cool in 2004. They were cool in 2014 and they will be even cooler in 2024. Stock and original simply never goes out of style. the problem with not redoing the wheels is they will continue to deteriorate until they are either saved or ruined while waiting. Once the pits get so deep there's no polishing them out.

    I have been facing a different sort of delema. What do you do with a car that received the full Racecraft suspension kit and appearance kit in someone's garage back in the mid 80's or early 90's? It's not a Saleen but it's been pretending to be one it's entire life....... ultimately I'm keeping the car true to its roots and making it nice again while leaving the Saleen theme in place yet making sure I finish it. Not sure if the car ever was right before, but it's going to be right and look the part of a four eyed Saleen now. Going full retro early 85 Saleen inside and out. Not 85-7 or 85-16 big wing style but 85-19 and beyond fiberglass facia and the smaller wing. Edelbrock top end kit on a roller 302 under the hood. The beinbad little thing should know how look all sweet and nice until a foot is planted then suddenly remember she's a party girl that likes to dance.... party on.

  18. #43

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    Sounds like a dilemma for sure. Good luck!

    Thanks for the thoughts on the wheels. Saw enough pics on the web that convinced me these cars look great with bullitt wheels so I am going to put 17x8 bullitts on her with 235/17/45 Nitto 555 G2 tires. I will then find someone to re-do the original wheels and keep them in my shop should I choose to put it back to full stock looking.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  19. #44

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    Very impressive.....great job so far. Keep her going.....looking great.

  20. #45
    FEP Power Member SchoolBoy's Avatar
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    Good to see you got her running!

    As for the wheels, had the 17x8 96 cobra waffle stars on my svo for a while and hated them because it increased my track width enough that the car would always fight me going down the road. Basically it had one side in the groove with the other one out. They were harsh as hell to with the 40 sized tire. As for the stock wheels they look good when they are polished up. But if you ever get to see a set that have been remachined "diamond cut" paint the indents argent/silver and reclear coated they are really stunning. I went a different route and found a set of 16x8 roh zr6 wheels for after I get my car painted, but they are diamond cut and silver.
    If you blink at the end of the straight away you'll miss the twisties and what fun would that be!
    1982 Capri RS 5.0L
    Suspension Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...tion-and-Build
    1985 SVO 2A & leather.
    Motor Build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=63505
    Dyno stats and exhaust install http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...Dyno-d-finally
    My FMIC build http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...-amp-D-project
    Electronic boost controller and bypass valve
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...d-Bypass-Valve
    Opperation SVO Tunes http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...51#post1148551

  21. #46

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    Loaded up on the trailer (in the dark) and headed to the bodyshop tomorrow morning.


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    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  22. #47

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    Winter storm #46 this year update. (Jeeesh, can spring just come and stay).

    Sounds like it will be awhile on the paint body. He's pretty backed up but said May/June starts to slow so it may be a few months yet. I told him I wanted to take it to the Sturgis Mustang Rally this year otherwise do it when he can (save on the $$$ that way). He is super anal about his mustangs (he owns an '84 SVO with low miles, a Saleen, and a Shelby), so I know he'll do a great job on her.

    Now if the Spring would come so the Dominator can exercise her legs a bit...
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  23. #48
    FEP Power Member vintageracer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dakota4eyes View Post
    He's pretty backed up but said May/June starts to slow so it may be a few months yet. I told him I wanted to take it to the Sturgis Mustang Rally this year otherwise do it when he can (save on the $$$ that way).

    WELCOME to PAINT JAIL.

    You will be lucky if you get paroled by June 2019!
    Mike
    Remember, "Drive Fast, Turn Heads, Break Hearts!"

    1995 Ford Powerstroke F350 "Centurion" STRETCHED Crew Cab Dually

    I like "Cut & Coach Built" vehicles!

    www.musclecardeals.com


  24. #49

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    Well, "Paint Jail" turned into a bad deal. My buddy who was going to do the painting had an unfortunate accident and wont be painting anytime soon. He had a 1000lb compressor fall on him and messed him up pretty good. Lucky he wasnt killed.

    So, change in plans. Brought it home today, and we are going to put the interior back together. Got the dash back in with pad. Got to do some wire tucking, and then we will put the inner panels (after respray of them) and then carpet, seats, etc.

    I had a rotted tire, so I decided just to put the new ones on it so I could drive it on the trailer. I need to refinish the originals some day, but these will be used for cruising around.

    Some pics:

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    Last edited by dakota4eyes; 07-28-2018 at 04:50 PM.
    2012 Boss 302

    1985 Canyon Red GT "Dominator package" T-Tops . . 7 year restoration

    1986 GT Conv. (Rare Black/Tan combo) Original 58k car

    1985.5 SVO . . #242 of 439, #50 of 75 1B Medium Charcoal Metallic 4 year restoration

  25. #50
    FEP Super Member JTurbo's Avatar
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    Western MA
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    6,086

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    That's a bummer. Hope that you have a plan B that works out better for you....
    1979 Indy Pace Car Mustang 302 / 5spd
    1982 Mustang GT T-Top 302 / 4spd
    1986 SVO Mustang - 1C

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