After almost janking up the crank I got new bolts for the flywheel and got the trans attached. Seems my motor mounts need reworked to fit the headers as well as hitting the starter. So either grind on the flanges or shell our $150+ for a new starter....

Anyway the old in out by yourself gets old quick.

 

And you don't even have the front clip on!

 

True, but I do have to push the truck out he door so I can swing the lift around and get the motor lined up. To get the truck out I have to move random stuff that is in the way. I have no room. Anyway off the pity pot, motor mounts hacked up to fit headers and I guess a new starter it is. Exhaust is going to have to wait til I save some more cash.

 

This is what I have to work with, not ideal but still very doable. I just wish I had more storage.

 

Now you are just making me feel bad, for grumbling about not enough space.
Two years ago my wife graciously gave up her spot in the two car garage for my project "Teddy"
Just goes to show for enough is never enoughfor me!
Although it has kept my mess behind closed doors, and that was surely her plan.
Your project is coming right along, engine and transmission are looking good.
Your drive train will fully utilize that IFS

 

At least you have room for a parts catalog on your bench so you can order more stuff to fill up the shop!

 

Yeah well, the deal was I didn't like the house or the tiny yard but my wife did soo....She stays outta the garage. I manage to even stuff my bike in there.

Speedway gets a disproportionate amount of my paycheck every 2 weeks much to my wife's irritation. I got nothing done last night because the heat made me wanna puke. I took all me vaca so next week it will be ON!

 

I cut out that same brace when I put in my mustang tank. I didn't need to do it.

Nice build.

 

Ha great minds eh? Thanks, more to come this week!!

 

I took last week off of work and got many things accomplished. I have to finish up painting the inner fender wells on the front clip. I had to re work my trans cross member to fit the AOD. Found out my driveshaft is too short so off to the junkyard when I get a moment. I sent back the headers which were causing me much strife and found a set yesterday for $50, they aren't pretty but they fit!!



And now I can return that starter for other pieces parts I need. I am shorting the stock steering column as well as using the lever for shifting the trans.

 

NOw that I've got my header issue sorted I am working on my custom tilt(not really) column. I wanted it back in my lap from stock so I cut a pie piece and bent the bracket.


And welded it back together....much better.


Cleaned up and cut the column


I eliminated the top shift arm and modded the bottom one so I can keep it and use the auto trans!!!

 

2 months later and not much accomplished...kinda got burned out and needed to do something else for awhile. Soo I did get the driveshaft back together but now I am missing the caps to bolt it back to the rearend. Another trip to the junkyard is in order. Also I had another engine related setback, the EFI engines use a serpentine belt system which I wanted to keep. Well the serpentine belt turns the the water pump the reverse of normal. Since I am using a mechanical fuel pump I needed a custom timing cover that incorporates parts from EFI and carb engines. So $130 jegs has a reverse flow timing cover with a boss for a mechanical fuel pump. Now I get to take off the dampener, pulley and crack the motor open to install the correct cover. Does it ever get any easier?

 

a late 80's EFI timing cover has the provision for a mechanical pump, you'll just have to open the hole up.

 

351 powered crown vics used a serp setup. Something to consider.

 

thanks guys I did get the jegs unit installed, now I'm trying to figure out water pump bolts. I seem to have ahem...misplaced mine for the time being.