Stage 2
Stage 2 is finally here. I’ll be dropping the 351W into the chassis and giving the car a light makeover so that it resembles the old car in some key ways. I’ll also fix up some other parts of the car that could use some attention...like a bad clutch...a bad ignition...the bad tires...and a nasty driveshaft vibration just to name a few. Some of the improvement items I plan on installing are a K&N air filter for the stock air cleaner, some higher performance ignition parts for the tune up, a Toploader 4-speed, Michelin tires complete with 14” x 6” Cragar S/S wheels just like the Original 351, a factory restoration-type dual exhaust, a sound system as well as a complete performance tune. I’ll be getting another chassis dyno run with the 351W to compare it to the 289 as well as a battery of performance tests. There was even a nice surprise thrown in the mix. It’s all starting in Chapter 3!
9/05: Okay, so there’s been a slight change in Stage 2. I won’t get to do things I had originally planned. Why? Because the Project LX Mustang nightmare...hm, that’s an interesting and befitting name for that project “Project Night Mare”...is sucking up all the funds. Take a look at Project 351 Chapter 3 for more information!
1/06: I was forced to pull the Project 351 Mustang out of storage over the summer to drive while I dealt with yet another automotive debacle stemming from the Project LX mess. In pulling her out of storage and using her, I ran into a few problems and had some positive results at the track. Check out Chapter 4 to see what happened!
5/06: The 351 has been on the road for a while now...and I can tell. The front end was quickly losing its ability to track straight and I finally decided to check to see what the problem was. That’s when I checked the front wheel bearings and came up with more of a surprise than I was ready for. See Chapter 5 for more information!
9/06: A good plan has flexibility, that’s why this one is changing. The 351 needs a lot of help before it’s in good shape again and I’m going to make sure it gets what it needs. The Original 351 was a nightmare enough to drive the first time around, I’ve decided I don’t need to relive many of its problems to enjoy the nostalgia so I’m going to fix all of this ones problems before it hits the road again. Although I won’t be doing a complete restoration, I will be doing a lot of work to get it on the road and running right, which includes repairing some body problems, which will allow me to put a stereo in the car. Check out Chapter 6 for all the details about what changed my mind!
1/07: I started Stage 2 long before I had the Project 351 Mustang and that also means I started it before I understood how a well thought out plan could improve the project process. Basically, I have a bunch of parts sitting around that I needed to inventory in preparation for getting started. See Chapter 7 to see what I’m going to need to get this project finished.
Plan
- Remove and repair interior components
- Remove and repair body parts
- Remove and repair powertrain components
- Balance driveshaft
- Remove and repair chassis components
- Inspect inner passenger side seat belt anchor plate and repair or replace if necessary
- Replace rear deck
- Repair quarter panel
- Replace trunk floor
- Powder coat rear end housing and repair third member
- Install steering components
- Install suspension components
- Install or replace brake components
- Replace rear brake lines w/factory dual exhaust lines
- Replace wheels and tires w/Cragar S/S mag wheels and Michelin tires
- Install powertrain components
- Replace engine w/351W engine
- Replace lubricants with synthetics
- Replace paper air filter w/K&N
- Replace California emissions components with non-emissions components
- Replace flywheel w/billet steel flywheel
- Replace clutch w/King Cobra clutch
- Replace transmission with Toploader 4-speed
- Replace single exhaust w/2” dual factory replacement system
- Replace radiator w/3-core
- Install fan shroud
- Install engine-to-firewall ground strap
- Install body parts
- Install interior components
- Install Custom Auto Sound sound system
- Replace tach wiring w/modified factory harness
- Replace spare wheel and tire w/late model aluminum wheel donut spare
- Test fire engine and make adjustments
- Tune engine
- Final detail car
- Test performance
| Stage 2 Projections | |
| Vehicle | 1966 Ford Mustang |
| Exterior Color | Ivy Green |
| Interior | Standard Black Vinyl |
| Layout | Front engine/rear drive |
| Engine | 351W V8 (352) |
| Induction | 350 cfm 2-barrel carburetor |
| Horsepower | 175 @ 3600 (148 rear wheel) |
| Torque | 315 @ 2600 (267 rear wheel) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (OD) |
| Rear End | 2.80:1 |
| Steering | Manual |
| Suspension | Independant/solid |
| Brakes | Manual; drum/drum |
| Wheels | 14" x 6" |
| Tires | 205/70SR14 |
| Curb Weight | 2840 lbs (projected) |
| Gas Mileage | 20 mpg (projected) |
| 0-60 | 7.5 sec (projected) |
| Quarter Mile | 15.5 @ 90 (projected) |
| Skid Pad | .8 g (projected) |
| 60-0 | 160 ft (projected) |
| Stage 2 results are on their way! | |