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...bad, bad tires...bad tires...ooo, 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, BFGoodrich tires complete with 14”x6” 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 drivetrain 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 drivetrain 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
| Project 351 Stage 2 Projections | |
| Vehicle | 1966 Ford Mustang |
| Body | Ivy Green |
| Interior | Black Vinyl |
| Layout | Front engine/rear drive |
| Engine | 351W V8 (352) |
| Induction | 350 cfm 2-barrel carburetor |
| Horsepower (Projected) | 190 @ 3600 (161 rear wheel) |
| Torque (Projected) | 350 @ 2600 (297 rear wheel) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual; OD |
| Rear End | 2.80:1; open differential |
| Steering | Manual |
| Suspension | Independant/solid |
| Brakes | Drum/drum; manual |
| Wheels | 14"x6" mag |
| Tires | 205/70SR14 |
| Curb Weight (Projected) | 2840 lbs |
| Gas Mileage (Projected) | 15 mpg |
| 0-60 (Projected) | 7.5 sec |
| Quarter Mile (Projected) | 15.5 @ 90 |
| Skid Pad (Projected) | .77 g |
| 60-0 (Projected) | 180 ft |
| Stage 2 results are on their way! | |
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