Project LX Stage 2

This is really when the Project LX Mustang changed from “commuter” to “performance” car. Initially, when the car went down due to throwout bearing failure, I had intended to put it back on the road as a commuter with a low mileage 5.0 and a rebuilt transmission. That focus changed when the used engine I bought from what I thought was a reliable source turned out to be a dud.

For more details on the twists and changes of Stage 2, check out Chapter 3 as I delve into Project LX’s roots!

1/07: The situation I found myself in reminds me of an old proverb: Two wrongs don’t make a right. I’m not positive about the truth in that, but I can tell you something I am positive about: Two bad engines and no money to do anything about it certainly don’t make for an easy decision.

See Chapter 4 for the continuing saga of the Project LX Mustang!

5/07: Inspired by a magazine project car, I used it as a guide to create my own stroker Mustang. I lay out my new direction for Project LX Stage 2 in Chapter 5!

9/07: Moving forward with Stage 2, I started by rebuilding the transmission myself. Mind you, at that time, I’d never rebuilt a transmission...in fact, I didn’t even know how a transmission worked. Take a look at the results in Chapter 6!

1/08: This was a project of many firsts for me. In Stage 2, I also built my first engine, a 347 stroker. What's more, there's a change in plans. See Chapter 7 for more details!

5/08: It’s done! It’s finally done! Derrek and I drop the engine in, in Chapter 8! Check it out and discover the results of Stage 2!

Steps
• Remove transmission
• Inspect damage to clutch assembly
• Remove engine
• Overhaul transmission
• Build stroker engine
• Install engine and transmission
• Remove, replace and install rear end gears
• Remove, replace and install suspension, brakes, wheels and tires
• Test fire engine and make adjustments
• Test performance

Project LX Stage 2 Projections Vehicle 1987 Ford Mustang LX Sedan Body Medium Shadow Blue Metallic Interior Blue Cloth Layout Front engine/rear drive Engine 347 V8 Induction SFI; 65mm throttle body Horsepower (Projected) 320 @ 5000 (272 rear wheel) Torque (Projected) 370 @ 4000 (314 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 Wheels 17"x7.5" aluminum Tires 245/45ZR17 Curb Weight (Projected) 3250 lbs Gas Mileage (Projected) 22 mpg 0-60 (Projected) 5.3 sec Quarter Mile (Projected) 13.3 @ 105 Skid Pad (Projected) .97 g 60-0 (Projected) 125 ft See Chapter 8 for the results!