Project GT Stage 2

Now that I know the car is a pretty capable vehicle in stock trim, I’d like to see what it can do with a little more chutzpah. Basically, I want to stuff a stroker between her strut towers. What I'll be doing is re-creating the original 347 that went into the ‘87 LX (see Project LX), but with some minor improvements.

You might have noticed I haven’t mentioned the chassis yet, that’s because I won’t be improving it during this stage. There are several reasons, but what it comes down to is the fact that the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires don’t need any improvement and I love the way it drives now. The stock drivetrain doesn’t even begin to challenge its limits and I would hate to mess up its driving characteristics since it should be plenty to handle the new motor.

Check out Chapter 4 as Stage 2 gets under way!

9/06: Stage 2 is going a little slower than I had planned. Slower, however, doesn’t mean boring...at least for me. A lot has happened since I began Stage 2.

See Chapter 5 for more on the progress of Stage 2 (don’t expect much).

1/07: I’ve started a project for each of the cars and gotten side tracked every time. One of the biggest detours I’ve taken involves the engine for the Project GT Mustang. The 347 I have slated to find its way into the GT was originally built and intended for the Project LX ‘87 Mustang. To find out more about that little adventure, check out Chapter 6!

Steps
• Replace engine w/347
• Replace clutch w/Centerforce Dual Friction
• Replace transmission w/Tremec TKO600
• Replace fuel pump w/Ford Racing 190 lph fuel pump
• Replace rear end set w/3.27:1 gears
• Modify differential
• Replace engine and transmission mounts
• Replace exhaust system w/2.5" Bassani X-pipe and Flowmaster American Thunder cat-back
• Replace coolant hoses
• Install TwEECer R/T
• Detail car
• Test performance

Project GT Stage 2 Projections Vehicle 1995 Ford Mustang GT Body Clearcoat Black Interior Opal Grey Cloth Layout Front engine/rear drive Engine 347 V8 Induction SFI; 60mm throttle body Horsepower (Projected) 300 @ 5000 (255 rear wheel) Torque (Projected) 350 @ 4000 (297 rear wheel) Transmission 5-speed manual; OD Rear End 3.27:1; limited-slip differential Steering Power assist Suspension Independant/solid Brakes Disc/disc; power assist; ABS Wheels 17"x8" aluminum Tires 245/45YR17 Curb Weight (Projected) 3400 lbs Gas Mileage (Projected) 22 mpg 0-60 (Projected) 5.8 sec Quarter Mile (Projected) 13.8 @ 102 Skid Pad (Projected) .92 g 60-0 (Projected) 120 ft Stage 2 results are on their way!