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  1. #1

    Default My 79 Pace Car Resto mod build

    I bought my Pace Car 4 years ago from a member on this site and it has been sitting ever since. My goal was to at first just make it a nice driver but then I decided to make it more of a modern restoration (similar to my SVO build). So I started looking at different engine/transmission options from coyote/navi/pushrod, etc. I had a couple donor GT500's slide through my fingers over the past couple years.

    Well last week I finally got my hands on the engine I wanted from the beginning, it is a 5.8 trinity from a 2014 GT500 backed by a T-56 and Mcleod twin disk clutch. I still have a long and expensive road a head of me, but I am a patient guy when it comes to a project car (SVO build ).

    This past weekend I also picked up a 85 t-top roller (also found on this site) that has just about very piece (minus door glass) to swap out my rusted sunroof to a t-top .

    I was inspired by both the SINIS built Pace Car and the Cobra Jet Pace Car and hopefully mine will eventually look as good as those cars do.

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    Last edited by Unclesams_SVO; 09-14-2021 at 09:50 AM.
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  2. #2

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    Picture of the Pace Car next to my SVO (few years ago)

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    The day I picked it up in San Diego (with Marshal's help)

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    Still undecided on how I want the interior to look, but this was all done by the previous owner.

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    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  3. #3
    FEP Super Member JTurbo's Avatar
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    Looking forward to following along with your build.
    1979 Indy Pace Car Mustang 302 / 5spd
    1982 Mustang GT T-Top 302 / 4spd
    1986 SVO Mustang - 1C

  4. #4
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Grand Junction, CO/RR TX
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    Cool Project! Same idea I originally had for my 82 GT, but with 2 daughters in college, a third in HS, starting a new business and the wife changing careers, there's no way I could swing the $$ for the Shelby. So . . . . I am using a Navigator 5.4 DOHC, with some aftermarket tricks and parts. I will warn you the 5.8 is a HUGE engine trying to fit between the strut towers in a FOX. Since I want power brakes, I have modified the firewall to move the position of the Hydra Boost unit over towards the outer fender to clear the back of the driver's valve cover. More fun to come once I catch up other daily driver projects that never seem to end. Good Luck with your project and feel free to PM for all the things NOT TO DO!
    ​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

  5. #5
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    Still undecided on how I want the interior to look, but this was all done by the previous owner.

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    Oh man, you lucked-out...that's how I would want my PC optioned; Cruise Control, Tilt wheel, Power Locks, etc. It seems like most of them, at least 60% of them, had the non-cruise wheel. MSRP on that was well-over 10 grand

  6. #6

    Default

    I will reach out once I start working on this as knowledge is power.
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  7. #7
    FEP Power Member conmech's Avatar
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    LUCKY!!!! GT500 powered will be sick.
    conmech - aka Marshall
    Pending build-1983 Mercury Capri RS NOT staying as it left the showroom floor......
    Sonic blue pearl, sand beige, netted halos, FR500 wheels and shiny under the hood.

  8. #8

    Default

    Wow this is great! I thought i was the only one here doing a modular 4v swap!
    Nice to know i'm not alone
    79 Zephyr, 4.6L 4v/4r70w swap, with team z front and rear suspension, 8.8 and upgraded brakes and coil overs. Running Holley Terminator X Max.

  9. #9

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by massacre View Post
    Wow this is great! I thought i was the only one here doing a modular 4v swap!
    Nice to know i'm not alone

    Nope we are both crazy haha. I will have to check out your build to learn some stuff as this will be my biggest project.
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bryan Knebworth View Post
    Still undecided on how I want the interior to look, but this was all done by the previous owner.

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    Oh man, you lucked-out...that's how I would want my PC optioned; Cruise Control, Tilt wheel, Power Locks, etc. It seems like most of them, at least 60% of them, had the non-cruise wheel. MSRP on that was well-over 10 grand[/QUOTE]

    It also has a rear window wiper, v8 and 4-speed. Someone must have said "all of the above" when checking the boxes when ordering this car.
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  11. #11

    Default

    I picked up t-top door glass thanks to FB Market place, those things are like gold on the west coast. ��
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  12. #12

    Default

    What are you going to use for engine management?
    1979 Ford Mustang Pace Car
    4.6 2V conversion underway!!

  13. #13

    Default

    I have been going back and forth between the Holley Terminator X and Power by the Hour's Gen1 kit as I have the ecu and full body harness from the donor car.

    My biggest thing will be ease of instal and usability and I am not quite sure which one will be better when it is all said and done. I am still researching the holley option as there is more info about the PBH kit out there (at least from what I have found so far).
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  14. #14

    Default

    I picked up a couple more items.

    I scored a brand new quick-time bell housing off of FB market place for a dang good price and now I do not have to use the stock bell housing which I am happy about.

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    I also found a 85 GT donor car thanks to this forum and got a 8.8 rear end along with the full t-top roof and trim pieces from it. Now all I need to find for the conversion are the special door reinforcement bars and window stop brackets. I do not plan on swapping the entire roof, just the actual t-top pieces.

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    Tho I have been debating on trying a S197 8.8 since I plan on using a torque arm and ditching the upper 2 control arms. I am not sure if it is a stronger piece and I know it will be wider (which is okay). Anyone have any insight in using a S197 8.8 vs' a Foxbody 8.8?
    Last edited by Unclesams_SVO; 02-08-2022 at 10:29 AM.
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  15. #15
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    If my information is correct the S197 rear axle is @ 65.40" flange to flange. It also uses 3" axle tubes which are larger than the SN94 or Fox 8.8, so standard Torque Arm kits will not fit and I don't believe Maximum Motorsports make a TA setup currently for the S197.

    I have a 04 Cobra IRS in my 86 Wide Body GT and I can guarantee you that going to the wider S197 (@3"+) setup would not work at all. You would have to run a huge offset to fit the wheel under the rear quarters if that is even possible. My Wide Body has 2" wider rear quarters right now with a 295/30/18 on a 10.5 (22 offset) wheel and it just clears the wheel arch of the new quarters and has @ 3/8" clearance to the rear subrame bracket.

    I know on my 79 Pace Car with the 03 Cobra IRS I run a 17X9 with a 36mm offset and 255 tires and rolled fender lips and the tire barely clears the quarter lips. I have some room to the inside, but can't go any larger to the quarter side.

    Personally I don't see any benefit to the S197 in a Fox. I guess you could narrow it for better fitment depending on your wheel/tire choice, but might be easier to just work with a Fox 8.8 and modify it as needed to. That is my game plan with another project, otherwise I might go aftermarket rear axle completely to do what I want/need to do. Good Luck!
    Last edited by wraithracing; 02-08-2022 at 01:54 PM.
    ​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

  16. #16

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    If my information is correct the S197 rear axle is @ 65.40" flange to flange. It also uses 3" axle tubes which are larger than the SN94 or Fox 8.8, so standard Torque Arm kits will not fit and I don't believe Maximum Motorsports make a TA setup currently for the S197.

    I have a 04 Cobra IRS in my 86 Wide Body GT and I can guarantee you that going to the wider S197 (@3"+) setup would not work at all. You would have to run a huge offset to fit the wheel under the rear quarters if that is even possible. My Wide Body has 2" wider rear quarters right now with a 295/30/18 on a 10.5 (22 offset) wheel and it just clears the wheel arch of the new quarters and has @ 3/8" clearance to the rear subrame bracket.

    I know on my 79 Pace Car with the 03 Cobra IRS I run a 17X9 with a 36mm offset and 255 tires and rolled fender lips and the tire barely clears the quarter lips. I have some room to the inside, but can't go any larger to the quarter side.

    Personally I don't see any benefit to the S197 in a Fox. I guess you could narrow it for better fitment depending on your wheel/tire choice, but might be easier to just work with a Fox 8.8 and modify it as needed to. That is my game plan with another project, otherwise I might go aftermarket rear axle completely to do what I want/need to do. Good Luck!
    I am running a 03 IRS in my SVO with a 18x9 and 275 series tire with zero issues so far (fenders rolled), but with the power I plan on making I do not want to use an IRS in this car so I figured I would ask about the s197 just to see
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  17. #17
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Unclesams_SVO View Post
    I am running a 03 IRS in my SVO with a 18x9 and 275 series tire with zero issues so far (fenders rolled), but with the power I plan on making I do not want to use an IRS in this car so I figured I would ask about the s197 just to see
    With a deeper offset I could run a 275 on the 9" wheel, but not with the current Cobra R setup. The other issue is the early model cars have slightly small wheel housings than the later models. So that can affect wheel/tire fitment issues also.

    The Cobra IRS is plenty strong and capable once it has been "bullet proofed" Full Tilt Boogie Racing and Maximum Motorsports offer plenty of items to remove the slop and movement out of the IRS which is what causes or allows the damage to happen when pushing lots of power through it. I have a combination of their parts on both of my IRS units. My 86 GT is pretty much fully outfitted with everything except the control arms which are next on the list, but just didn't have the budget right now to get it done with everything else I need to do. Good Luck!
    ​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

  18. #18

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post

    The Cobra IRS is plenty strong and capable once it has been "bullet proofed" Full Tilt Boogie Racing and Maximum Motorsports offer plenty of items to remove the slop and movement out of the IRS which is what causes or allows the damage to happen when pushing lots of power through it. I have a combination of their parts on both of my IRS units. My 86 GT is pretty much fully outfitted with everything except the control arms which are next on the list, but just didn't have the budget right now to get it done with everything else I need to do. Good Luck!
    I went down that same rabbit hole with building a bullet proof IRS for my SVO and I am scared to look back and see what I actually ended up spending on it
    Last edited by Unclesams_SVO; 02-10-2022 at 12:02 AM.
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  19. #19
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Unclesams_SVO View Post
    I went down that same rabbit hole with building a bullet proof IRS for my SVO and I am scared to look back and see what I actually ended up spending on it
    I never look back at what I spend on my cars. That way I have plausible deniability when my wife asked what I have spent!
    ​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

  20. #20

    Default

    I had a set of custom coil covers made, now to decide if I should powder coat them or not.

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    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  21. #21
    FEP Member dk5_cobra's Avatar
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    those coil covers are fantastic. looking forward to this thread. Love a good, high-end resto mod
    Devin

    1979 Mustang Cobra - IRS, MM Suspension, 302/t5
    Check out my build thread for tons of IRS info, and general restoration help. There's a little bit of everything -->goo.gl/krmqNz
    Pm's welcome if you have any questions

  22. #22
    FEP Power Member conmech's Avatar
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    Looking forward to seeing this on the road. Thinking I need to hit up Vegas in the near future.
    conmech - aka Marshall
    Pending build-1983 Mercury Capri RS NOT staying as it left the showroom floor......
    Sonic blue pearl, sand beige, netted halos, FR500 wheels and shiny under the hood.

  23. #23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by conmech View Post
    Looking forward to seeing this on the road. Thinking I need to hit up Vegas in the near future.
    It has a long way to go, heck my SVO is still on jack stands
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

  24. #24
    FEP Power Member conmech's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Unclesams_SVO View Post
    It has a long way to go, heck my SVO is still on jack stands
    All good. My 83 RS is in another state getting gutted and ready for paint. One of these days I need to make a trip north to deliver some parts. You are on the way.
    conmech - aka Marshall
    Pending build-1983 Mercury Capri RS NOT staying as it left the showroom floor......
    Sonic blue pearl, sand beige, netted halos, FR500 wheels and shiny under the hood.

  25. #25

    Default

    It will be good to catch up
    1986 SVO 1E (IRS'd and too much $$ spent making it turn, stop, and go)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...esto-Mod-Build

    1979 Pace Car #2179 (Gathering parts for GT500 5.8, T56, and t-top swap)
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...84#post1944184

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