New Project "R" thread

[birdman941]

Originally Posted by fiveliter

Birdman, love the pics.
u should consider posting all pics together on a web hosting site. nice work, keep pics coming

They are on this thread and on http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...ad.php?t=45041
And thanks!
Slow progress being made every day.

[birdman941]

Got some more stuff done today..... (Never ending it seems, but fun)
Special bolts for crossmember came in today. (longer, hardened and coated)
I was actually able to install the shims and bolts
with the motor and trans in the car, and the full suspension!!.
It involved removing the bolts that hold the crossmember to the body,
removing my "home made" shims, and installing the ones made by the fabricator.
Now it is all shimmed equally all around.
The motor actually sits better than ever, and the ride height didn't change.
Steering is still fine.
It will definitely fit under a stock GT hood now. (room for a shaker!!)
Now there is probably enough clearance to change spark plugs.
Some time this weekend,
I will be installing the driveshaft and measuring the driveline.
This car must like me or something, it's cooperating at every turn.
I always have my guard up for stuff it might try to sneak by me though.
I will try and post some pics tomorrow if I can.

[Tonik'sMach1]

it keeps getting better and better:ORANGE: can't wait to see the pics :HOPPY:

[birdman941]

A local Cobra owner (98) stopped by and saw "R".
Guess what he wants?
Yup, a 5.4. :HOPPY:
No more IMRC's...........

[birdman941]

Here are some pics of how the engine is currently sitting in the bay.
Firewall height clearance:


Suspension height:
Note how the lower intake is barely above fender height.
A far cry from where I started.
I think I can get it nestled down a bit more without hurting anything.



Here's a shot of the curb height with the engine and T56 in the car,
and FRPP "J" Springs (Eibach Pro Kit) springs installed.
Front height is 26 3/4".

[98StangRidah]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...3/IMG_1104.jpg

wow, that is MUCH better. nonetheless, that sucker is still a huge summabitch

[birdman941]

I am pretty sure it will fit under a stock hood.
(The highest point of the actual engine is the egr valve w/stock Mach pipe)
That includes a Mach hood, and should leave room for a shaker bracket.
I am trying to develop all the little things that annoy the enthusiast
when they try to install some aftermarket "kits".
Nuts, bolts, brackets, and the affordability.
I want it to fit perfectly with minimum hassle, and no surprises.
None of this "Oh yeah, you also need to buy this....". BS.
The overall height of the engine is critical.
Not only for hood clearance (no need to buy and expensive hood),
but also driveline (no Vibrations),
and other things,
side clearance, noises, clunks, rubbing noises, re-use of stock TB, cables, hoses, etc.
Get the kit, get the motor, drop it in and drive.

[bryanthomas]

Originally Posted by birdman941

I am pretty sure it will fit under a stock hood.
(The highest point pf the actual engine is the egr valve w/stock Mach pipe)
That includes a Mach hood, and should leave room for a shaker bracket.
I am trying to develop all the little things that annoy the enthusiast
when they try to install some aftermarket "kits".
Nuts, bolts, brackets, and the affordability.
I want it to fit perfectly with minimum hassle, and no surprises.
None of this "Oh yeah, you also need to buy this....". BS.
The overall height of the engine is critical.
Not only for hood clearance (no need to buy and expensive hood),
but also driveline (no Vibrations),
and other things,
side clearance, noises, clunks, rubbing noises, re-use of stock TB, cables, hoses, etc.
Get the kit, get the motor, drop it in and drive.

Have I mentioned how much I admire you? :THUMBSUP:

[birdman941]

Originally Posted by bryanthomas

Have I mentioned how much I admire you? :THUMBSUP:

Awwwwwwww shucks...............
Just trying to do a good job.
Thanks!

[Tonik'sMach1]

well you're doing a very good jod :ORANGE:

[birdman941]

Did some more engine and suspension height work today.
Actually spent the day with Kyle helping.
The engine from the side view is disappearing. This is a good thing.



Vertical height from top of lower intake to firewall trim is about 2 inches:
This is a drastic overall improvement from even last week.



Clutch cable to Valve cover clearance has improved:



Master Cylinder and hydroboost to valve cover clearance although tight, is improved:

[98StangRidah]

That is very nice. What about ground clearance, any issues there?

[birdman941]

Ground clearance is like stock with lowering springs.
Not too bad.
I am using Cobra FRPP "J" springs.

[04cymach]

Birdman, read all the posts here and on Modular. If you produce this kit for the 5.4 in my Mach I'll be standing in line with cold hard cash!!!

Nice work.

[birdman941]

Originally Posted by 04cymach

Birdman, read all the posts here and on Modular. If you produce this kit for the 5.4 in my Mach I'll be standing in line with cold hard cash!!!

Nice work.

Thanks.
It's going to happen.
Still developing exhaust, upper intake and after that the shaker bracket.
Gotta make sure everything fits and works.
Late spring early summer it should be ready.

[torchredmach]

Originally Posted by birdman941

Thanks.
It's going to happen.
Still developing exhaust, upper intake and after that the shaker bracket.
Gotta make sure everything fits and works.
Late spring early summer it should be ready.

Any sort of price guestimate yet? :HOPPY: I'm anxious lol

[birdman941]

Originally Posted by torchredmach

Any sort of price guestimate yet? :HOPPY: I'm anxious lol

I am guessing in the area of 3-3500. (Not including engine of course)
The intake eats up most of it.
Trying to get headers and engine mounts into it and still keep the price down.
Right now I am waiting for the first prototype upper intake from the fabricator.
A shaker bracket still needs to be fabbed and fitted on the upper.
Once that is finalized, more can be done.
Engine height is pretty much done.
Remember, this is being done with almost all Factory Ford parts including hardware.

[birdman941]

I have been taking a break from the car.
Instead, I have been remodeling a house.
Once that's done, back to the car.

[Marks04DSG]

Great going, glad to hear good news on the build and hope it stays that way .

[birdman941]

It will get done.
I also have some projects for other people to do and/or assist with.
A local Cobra owner is definitely going to a 5.4 after seeing "R" in person.
Doing spreadsheets on that and researching it.
His is a 98 Cobra, so it's a little different than R.

[birdman941]

Spoke with the fabricator the other day.
I should be seeing the first prototype upper intake soon.
Can't wait!!!!!!!!

[Marks04DSG]

Great news can't wait to see that upper, looks like you really got your s*** together.

[birdman941]

Hopefully soon.
I did send some prototype parts to someone for his swap,
and got good feedback.
He said the parts fit perfectly. :THUMBSUP:
"Perfect is good enough!"

[ITLRUN]

Looking good Steve! We need to get together in a few weeks on your installation idea

[birdman941]

Joe, I wasn't sure you got that one.
You're at 1999 posts.
What's # 2000 going to be?