New Project Car

[28HopUp]

Our 14yo son, Jack, is interested in cars (with me as his father he didn't stand a chance otherwise!). The Mrs. and I had planned to let him drive the 66 Mustang that I drove in high school, but she was concerned about the car not having airbags, ABS, shoulder belts, etc. So we've been keeping an eye out for a project car for us to work on together. I figure if he has his time and money invested into a car before he gets his license, then he'd be more likely to take care of it. So we've been looking for an airbag car or truck that needs work. The only requirement was that it needed to be a stick shift.

I had been keeping an eye out for another SSP, but nothing jumped off the page at me. I ran across a 95 Mustang GT convertible that was priced right and fit the term "project car", but I didn't like the idea of putting him behind the wheel of a powerful GT. So we kept looking. Earlier in August I found a nice prospect on AutoTrader. I spoke with the seller, and decided it was worth the 1 hour drive to check it out with the family.

The car was a 98 Mustang coupe with the 3.8L V6 and 5 speed transmission. Fourth gear was gone, the AC blew hot air, the windshield was cracked, the front brakes were thin, and the tires were worn. But the body was nice and rust-free, and the interior was clean. It was perfect! I showed Jack how to check out a car, and also how to haggle with a seller. A deal was struck, and we took the car home that weekend when the notary was open.

Jack is VERY excited. He has joined 4 Mustang forums, and is trying to learn all he can about the car. I got the car insured, and plan to get it tagged this week. Here's a pic -

http://www.mustangcollective.com/imagehosting/2774c7c1cc09132a.jpg

[MOstang]

Congrats...I remember gettting my first car (a 1966 Mustang) as a young lad and it was a real thrill.

[ssp91ssp]

Bill, I hear ya! We just did a quick 2600 mile round trip for a project car for Austin , my 15yr old..
1993 white coupe with all ruby red interior, it's a roller project !
Mamma and I told him we will buy him parts as his report card comes out!:D
this should keep him busy and out of trouble!
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss28/alvar4/0828000740.jpg

[ImEvil1]

Nice stories/pics guys. :2thumbs:

[28HopUp]

Hector, that's a very nice looking Fox! It looks to be a great project for you two to work on.

Jack is very excited about the 98. He is catching some grief from his friends for being spoiled. In actuality, the dollar amount really isn't that much. I think everyone here recognizes the benefits (on several levels) of a project like this. My only regret is that I don't have a bigger garage!

[28HopUp]

Quick Update

Jack & I recently drove to North Carolina and back to pick up an 8.8" rear with 3.90:1 gears and a t-lok. We knew the seller from another forum. Yes, 919 miles in 16 hours is a long way to drive, but we got the perfect rear for Jack's car. The rear is sitting in my garage now; waiting on a set of lowering springs.

I might also pick up a set of OEM 17x8" SVT 10th Anniversary rims and tires. Although I like the waffles, it would be nice to set the car off with a cool set of rims (I'm a tire/stance kinda guy). The nice thing about 17x8" rims is the wide choice of tires. The only tires for wider rims are summer-only tires, which won't work on a daily driver in this part of the country. The tires on the waffles are summer-only, which explains why the seller said the car was so bad to drive in the winter. The deal is still pending, so we'll see.

[mac88chp]

Very good first driver for a 16 year old. A nice looking and sporty vehicle with just enough power to be fun but not enough to get into (too much) trouble. Plenty of potental for future cosmetic and mechancial upgrades too...great choice! :2thumbs:

[stadair]

That's great! I am doing the same with my daughter...but not on her own car just yet. Gotta start early!

[28HopUp]

That's great! I am doing the same with my daughter...but not on her own car just yet. Gotta start early!

Those are great shots Toshi! :thumbsup:

[28HopUp]

Here are some pictures that show off what Jack and I did this winter to the '98 coupe:

slightly wider New Edge 8.8" rear with 3.90:1 gears and t-lok
Eibach springs
New Maximum Motorsports LCA's
1.4" hubcentric rear spacers
S197 17" Bullitts & tires (10K mile take-offs from local CL for only $100!!!)


http://mustangforums.com/forum/members/jrab277-albums-car-pics-picture37966-after-the-drop-and-8-8-with-s197-17-bullitts.jpg

http://mustangforums.com/forum/members/jrab277-albums-car-pics-picture37968-after-the-drop-and-8-8-with-s197-17-bullitts.jpg

http://mustangforums.com/forum/members/jrab277-albums-car-pics-picture37969-after-the-drop-and-8-8-with-s197-17-bullitts.jpg

http://mustangforums.com/forum/members/jrab277-albums-car-pics-picture37967-after-the-drop-and-8-8-with-s197-17-bullitts.jpg


It's amazing what a new set of shoes and a drop will do to improve the look, doncha think? Next on the list is to pull the transmission for a rebuild, new clutch, then getting divorced dual exhaust. Being a dual-airbag V6, it should be a great first car for Jack for not too much coin.

[ImEvil1]

That's one lucky kid!

It looks nice.

[Andy]

Looks Great!:yes:

[28HopUp]

Just a quick update -

We got the T-5 transmission rebuilt last week, and went ahead and had a RAM HDX clutch put in at the same time. Although we planned to yank the trans out ourselves and have it rebuilt by the shop I ended up using, I decided to grab a pen (for my checkbook) instead of a wrench. We just have too many projects going on right now. So the transmission is now fixed. :)

The car goes in Thursday for dual exhaust. The shop who installed the exhaust on my SSP will be called into duty again. The plan is to cut into the factory y-pipe after the cats, and run true duals with an H-pipe crossover and Thrush Welded series mufflers, with both pipes exiting at the rear bumper.

Future plans call for a "split-port swap", which is basically changing over from the single port heads to the better flowing heads and intake from the 1999-2004 3.8L's. Porting, roller rockers, and a new cam will be done too, and that will be handled by us in our garage. This combination should be good for about 240rwhp, which should be MORE than enough for this car. :D

[Wolfe1013]

Great-looking car, Bill. Nice color, too!! I like what you've done.

Gee, I had a 6-cyl 4-dr 1975 Ford Maverick at that age. It was green (ext), green (int) and more green (vinyl roof)! Replaced it with my first Mustang, a brand new 1989 4-cyl hatchback. Both got me through college.

I would love to have the Maverick back now just for kicks.

[NoDrama43]

very nice. I am sure he is excited by it all.

[MOstang]

Sounds like fun for dad and son. My first car was a 1966 Mustang (no I'm not that old LOL as it was a used one) and I have lots of fond memories.

[28HopUp]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. It is fun getting greasy with the kid on a project like this. We're both learning new things!

[28HopUp]

Jack and I got the new headlights, Cervini's Cobra R hood, and Cobra bumper installed. Here it sits at the body shop awaiting paint -

http://images57.fotki.com/v139/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9802-vi.jpg


Since the paint is starting to fail on the roof and quarters, the whole car will be repainted back to factory paint code #FU - Dark Green Satin Metallic. I'm using the same shop that painted my SSP. Here are a couple of pictures from Friday -

http://images59.fotki.com/v684/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9803-vi.jpg

http://images110.fotki.com/v629/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9804-vi.jpg

[GSPI]

That car is going to look sharp! It's nice to see a father/son project coming along.

[ssp91ssp]

Jack is one lucky son!!! ;)
Looking good guys! Do you see a V8 conversion in the future?

[28HopUp]

A V8 swap is not planned, although Jack would LOVE to do a 5.0L Coyote swap! Debbie and I steered clear of GT's because we didn't want Jack to drive a car with too much power. We picked up components for a "split-port swap", which is basically changing over from the single port heads to the better flowing split-port design from the 1999-2004 3.8L's. In addition, we got a Windstar (yes, minivan) plastic intake which has better flow characteristics. We'll get the heads ported and polished locally, and install roller rockers, and a new cam. I've seen similar combinations get about 240rwhp on the dyno, which should make it a low 14-sec car in the 1/4 mile. That's enough power IMO, without the temptation for Jack to get himself into too much trouble (we hope!)

[28HopUp]

Paint is ON!

http://images110.fotki.com/v629/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9805-vi.jpg


:cool:

[mac88chp]

Really coming together...nice! :cool:

[NoDrama43]

very nice....that is going to be a super car for him !!

[Andy]

Nice :)

[Wolfe1013]

I've seen similar combinations get about 240rwhp on the dyno, which should make it a low 14-sec car in the 1/4 mile. That's enough power IMO, without the temptation for Jack to get himself into too much trouble (we hope!)

That's just a few ponies less than my stock '01 Bullitt!!! :2thumbs:

Greg

[28HopUp]

Thanks guys! The body shop is making progress. The rear of the car is assembled, and the hood is on and aligned.

http://images116.fotki.com/v618/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9806-vi.jpg

http://images110.fotki.com/v109/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9807-vi.jpg


The rockers, sides scoops, a and c pillars, cowl, door handles, mirrors, and front bumper are still to go. They will also need to assemble the interior panels. But it looks as though they will be finished well ahead of their estimated date of the end of October.

:D

[ImEvil1]

Nice!

[FHP813]

Very nice Bill, that is a quantum leap from my first car!!!

[28HopUp]

Thanks again guys!

Very nice Bill, that is a quantum leap from my first car!!!

It REALLY is going to be a nice car, but it's surprising how inexpensive the project is. We weren't going to put him in a $600 beater, and we certainly were going to buy him someting new either. But these SN95 Mustangs are dirt cheap (relatively speaking) and the 3.8L V6 will run forever (particularly the latter year versions). The paint and body work was an added splurg, but he worked hard last year and got good grades. We want him to recognize the benefits of working towards a goal.

[NoDrama43]

Bill that is some damn good parenting there! To often any more parents just give their kids anything, and I am as guilty as anyone in that regard. At least you will give him the understanding that getting good grades is not only important, but it has rewards also. :yes:

[03cobra]

Thats really nice....its great to see them come together.

[Mustang Kid]

Lucky kid! Even as a V6, that would be the nicest car at my school(until I get my 84 done heh heh heh).
Great color combo with the wheels too. It's nice when you have the money to be able to do stuff and buy things:)

[28HopUp]

Thanks Sam!

Time for a couple of more pictures taken this morning. There was a bright back-light from the sun outside, so these aren't the best shots. But here is how the new hood looks -

http://images28.fotki.com/v1028/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9809-vi.jpg


This shot shows that the passenger-side parts have been installed -

http://images57.fotki.com/v221/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9808-vi.jpg

[NoDrama43]

that has a sinister look to it right there. Looks like it means business.....

[ssp91ssp]

DANG!!! that looks really nice, Bill.
Will Jack be taking it to car events with ya?? if so ...That will be great father/son time.:thumbsup:

[28HopUp]

Thanks Hector! Yes, it's been great quality time working together. He rode with me over 800 miles round trip one day to pick up the 8.8" rear-end from a member at another forum who lived in North Carolina at the time. That was a great experience! We swapped the rear-end into the car together, and I'm learning to step back and let him handle the wrenches. Once he has his graduated license, this will be the car we take every day to school, weather permitting. It's funny to watch at school when the young drivers pull up with their parents, and they switch seats because the parent continues to work in the car. That'll happen for 6 months, at which point Jack will be able to drive alone under specific restrictions until he turns 17yo. I'm sure we will be taking his car to certain shows/events.

[28HopUp]

This is the last picture I will be posting from the body shop -

http://images15.fotki.com/v2/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9810-vi.jpg


Everything is done except for screwing on the antenna. New Tri-Bar ponies are installed on the fenders, and a new Ford logo is on the decklid. A used cowl was found and painted Trim Black. The new headlights look great compared to the original yellowed ones, and the Cobra fog lights are mounted (but not yet wired). The body shop will be detailing the car today, and we will pick it up tomorow! Better pictures will soon follow.

:cool:

[28HopUp]

We picked up the car today from the body shop. I've given the car a quick once-over, and so far I am quite pleased with the results.

http://images54.fotki.com/v77/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9812-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v103/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9811-vi.jpg

http://images58.fotki.com/v154/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9814-vi.jpg

http://images54.fotki.com/v627/photos/1/1804951/10067141/Jacks9815-vi.jpg


The Dark Green Satin Metallic color (Ford paint code number #FU) has really grown on me. It comes off as being black in low light, but the green really pops when the light catches it.

[MOstang]

Congrats! I'm a big fan of that color and really liked it back then and still do. Being one of those who had a used Mustang as their first car this is a great way to stoke the fire for the next generation of Mustang enthusiasts.

[Unmrkd]

Exceptional job "Probie".;)

[28HopUp]

Exceptional job "Probie".;)

Thanks Boss! :D

[Mustang Kid]

Looks ugly.
Just kidding.:D That color is making me like that style mustang even more:)

[28HopUp]

I took the car yesterday to a private track rental at Maryland International Raceway. Even though I had the slowest car out there, I was grinning ear-to-ear by the time I went through the traps. This was the first time that car has been to the track. Keep in mind the car is basically stock, except for the 3.90:1 GT rear, duals (which add nothing), and some suspension goodies. Here's a cruddy cell-phone shot -

http://images21.fotki.com/v840/photos/1/1804951/10067141/98atRTJ5-vi.jpg


The rear rims are new, which I bought from another racer at the event (planned ahead of time). The wheels are S197 17x8" silver Bullitts, shod with 325/45R17 M&H drag radials. They have a diameter of 28", which is a TALL tire, so I figure this combination has a corrected gear ratio of 3.65:1. The wider 2000 GT rear-end, combined with the offset of the S197 wheels, placed the DR's perfectly in the wheelwells.

I shaved 4/10ths over the course of the day, having made 8 passes total. I ended up with a best of:

60'... 2.158
1/8.. 10.302 @ 67.56mph
1/4.. 16.208 @ 83.44mph


I'll admit to having trouble working the pedals to do a proper burnout, as I kept rolling up to the line or killing it entirely. At the line I was actually spinning the DR's. So line-locks will allow me to heat up those DR's and lower my 60' time. I changed my shift points during the day, but generally I was shifting around 4800. My final time down the track was a 16.232, so I was able to back-up my super impressive runs. :p But at least we have a baseline before tearing into the motor this winter.

[28HopUp]

Here are a couple more pictures from the track rental at MIR on 10/28/2011. The first one was taken while in the right lane, which was the street tire lane. The second picture was taken later in the day while sporting the new DR's.

http://images59.fotki.com/v683/photos/1/1804951/10067141/98atMIR01-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v103/photos/1/1804951/10067141/98atMIR02-vi.jpg

[flying_gage]

That is a neat write up. Keep it coming!

My step son got a '98 Camaro BC4 when he was 12. The car is an ex-schp. I am with you on the power concern, but the price was just too good to pass up for his dream car. It was $2600. The car needed front body panels, a little wiring work and some tires.

Cannot overstate the value of doing a project such as these for those who have up and comers. It is a great way to get the kids away from the TV, learn a little practical knowledge and understand sweat equity.

It is also is a good vehicle, (pun intended) to maintain good grades and behavior. We are very strict with his car. If his GPA drops below a 3.0 it is gone. Drops below a 2.0 and he loses his driving privileges altogether.

He just turned 17 and plans to keep the car forever. He too has a list of upgrades he is planning. A t56 swap, suspension upgrades and a repaint.

It is fun seeing him show passion....:cool:

[Wolfe1013]

Bill, the car has turned out great. Congrats. I know he's proud, too!!

Yeah, I'm partial to that color, too. When I had to sell my first '01 Bullitt, I picked out a '99 CVPI in the same color - FU, Dark Green Satin Clearcoat Metallic. I think I have some photos in my Webshots directory. The color was very close to the Dark Highland Green on the Bullitt.

flying_gage, there's a big following on other boards for the B4C police Camaros. I have a 1992 Colorado State Patrol B4C Camaro that I'm working on in addition to my 1982 CHP Mustang.

Greg

[93chipper]

sounds like me i had a 96 GT in forest green when i was 15 i remember it pulled a 14.9 and i had to really try! those non pi V8s are slugs! but it got me through high school along with my 93 CHP (which when i try runs 13.9) good choice with the v6 because that was my biggest down fall on both of them 12-15 mpg and that takes a toll on a high school student!

[28HopUp]

Thanks guys! It's still a work in-progress. For Christmas, Jack got a set of line-locks which need to be installed. I plan to run an in-line fuse under the hood so they can be disabled on the street. I sent out the splitport heads and lower intake to be ported and polished, which should be coming back soon. A new camshaft (I forget the specs) will be installed at the same time. The head swap will get underway in about a month (I'm waiting for the garage to not be so cold!). From there, we'll have the car towed to a local shop to be dyno tuned. :)

[28HopUp]

I posted in the following thread about our trip to Ohio in May -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4259


As stated, we had a great time. We're now getting ready to bump the power in Jack's 98. All along we had planned to perform a splitport/Windstar head/cam/intake swap on the original motor. Well, the "shop" we've been using for the porting and custom cam has been taking FOREVER to get return our lower intake and new custom cam. So Jack decided to look at going another way with his V6. We began looking for a suitable Thunderbird SuperCoupe to use as a engine donor for Jack's car. Those blown 3.8L's had 230 hp and over 300 ft/lbs of torque.

We found a wrecked 1993 SC on one of the Mustang forums, and it turns out the seller is the brother of a guy I know on another forum. The car use to belong to their Mom before the car was involved in an accident. So Jack and I will be pulling a borrowed trailer on Friday to Flint, Michigan to pick up the donor car. Later that morning, we will stop by Lapeer Dragway to catch up with at least two MOCSEM members we know. One of them just took delivery of a 2013 3.7L convertible, and he's planning to get some baseline runs in this Saturday before adding forced induction to the car. If anyone is near Lapeer this Saturday, feel free to meet us out there.

[chism]

I posted in the following thread about our trip to Ohio in May -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4259


As stated, we had a great time. We're now getting ready to bump the power in Jack's 98. All along we had planned to perform a splitport/Windstar head/cam/intake swap on the original motor. Well, the "shop" we've been using for the porting and custom cam has been taking FOREVER to get return our lower intake and new custom cam. So Jack decided to look at going another way with his V6. We began looking for a suitable Thunderbird SuperCoupe to use as a engine donor for Jack's car. Those blown 3.8L's had 230 hp and over 300 ft/lbs of torque.

We found a wrecked 1993 SC on one of the Mustang forums, and it turns out the seller is the brother of a guy I know on another forum. The car use to belong to their Mom before the car was involved in an accident. So Jack and I will be pulling a borrowed trailer on Friday to Flint, Michigan to pick up the donor car. Later that morning, we will stop by Lapeer Dragway to catch up with at least two MOCSEM members we know. One of them just took delivery of a 2013 3.7L convertible, and he's planning to get some baseline runs in this Saturday before adding forced induction to the car. If anyone is near Lapeer this Saturday, feel free to meet us out there.

Now we're talkin! Keep us updated on the progress, or link to another forum where it will definintely be posted. Thats gonna be awesome!

[03cobra]

I have an extra motor and tranny for a SC T-Bird. If you need anything let me know.

[28HopUp]

Thanks Jason! We will know more once we get the engine out and examine it more closely. It is leaking a bit of antifreeze by the waterpump, but it starts right up and sounds great. Ideally, I'd like to swap in the SC set-up and get that running reliably for Jack. Then we can rebuild the Mustang's original engine and match the parts selection for using the supercharger.

But we had a great trip to Michigan this weekend. The SC is now resting in my parent's garage where will be doing the swap later this summer.

[28HopUp]

Here are some pictures of Jack's new parts car. The first one shows me using the Come-Along to pull the car onto the trailer. Note the use of car dollies under the rear wheels.

http://images109.fotki.com/v779/photos/1/1804951/10067141/93SC-vi.jpg


The Come-Along only had a 6' length of pull, so once it was drawn up we had to reposition/shorten the yellow strap to pull it another 6', and repeat, and repeat, etc. :) Unloading it went about the same way, except once those dollies were on the garage floor I had Jack start it up and use the front brakes to ease it off the trailer. The car is at my parent's house, which is a 3-car unit my Dad built using recycled timbers from a barn he tore down across the street. With an 8"x10" overhead beam, I've used that Come-Along to remove several engines in the past. Just need to move some of my Mom's clutter to get the car positioned to remove the engine.

http://images50.fotki.com/v1571/photos/1/1804951/10067141/93DonorCar05-vi.jpg?1341330878

http://images22.fotki.com/v837/photos/1/1804951/10067141/93DonorCar03-vi.jpg

http://images43.fotki.com/v1439/photos/1/1804951/10067141/93DonorCar07-vi.jpg


Jack is anxious to get started. The plan is to have the swap completed and running before schools starts up at the end of August.

[ChrisL]

Cool project! What kind of power increase will that be?

[28HopUp]

Presently, the Mustang has 160 hp at the crank. The new set up is factory rated at 12 psi to make 210 hp @ 4000 RPMs and 315 ft/#'s of torque @ 2600 RPMs. That's a great torque number down low in the powerband, which should really wake up the Mustang without being overly powerful for a young driver. It should run 14's in the 1/4 mile before adding an underdrive pulley and tune. Built motors are into the 12's.

[ChrisL]

That sounds perfect, can't wait to see it after the swap!

[28HopUp]

We've made a little bit of progress through today with the Thunderbird. Being from Michigan, the car is quite rusty underneath and many of the fasteners do not feel like budging. A combination of Rem Oil, the right wrenches, better leverage, and a solid hammer are working so far. Here's our starting point -

http://images58.fotki.com/v612/photos/1/1804951/10067141/98swap01-vi.jpg


To review, we are pulling the engines at my Mom's place, where I grew up. We will be using a Come-Along strung from the center beam to lift the motors. We moved the car perpendicular across all 3 bays, which allowed us to stage a table for tools and shelves for parts and fasteners -

http://images45.fotki.com/v1480/photos/1/1804951/10067141/98swap02-vi.jpg?1343522586


With the hood off, we are able to take advantage of overhead lighting. As of this evening, we have removed the:


battery and many of the electrical connections.
radiator
intercooler
starter
unbolted (mostly) the engine from the transmission
unbolted the passenger side engine mount
cut off the exhaust pipes above and below the catalytic converters.


http://images50.fotki.com/v1512/photos/1/1804951/10067141/98swap03-vi.jpg


We need to remove the front accessories, throttle, fuel lines, electrical connections, and remaining engine mount bolts. My nephew, Kris, is skilled with a wrench, and he will be coming over tomorrow morning to help with the car(s). I don't believe it is unrealistic to think that the SC engine will be sitting on my engine stand by tomorrow night.

This is a fun project for both of us. In some ways we are both learning as we go, while I'm trying to teach him about the inner workings of the automobile. Both of us already have a more colorful vocabulary. As bolt heads get rounded which causes busted knuckles when the wrench slips, we just have to look atop the 3.8L see the final goal we have in mind for Jack's Mustang -

http://images54.fotki.com/v461/photos/1/1804951/10067141/98swap05-vi.jpg

:)

[chism]

THATS GONNA BE SICK! THANKS FOR THE UPDATE

[Mustang Kid]

Curses Bill!!

I have been wanting to do a SC swap into my 85 LX for a while now.
I am jealous!!!

I found a standard V6 though, so I can't do a swap anyway, unless the car I got has a bad motor as well:rolleyes:

What is the rear gearing? And does Jack's car have a 5spd or not?

From a member on FEP, he said this in a 3.8 Performance thread-
super coupe 3.8 S/C engine, with a smaller pulley, and a T5 with 3.55 gears...

I guess that is the setup to have.

[28HopUp]

Yes, Jack's Mustang is a 5 speed, but the 93SC is an automatic. On the Mustang we upgraded to a 8.8" rear-end from a 2000 GT Mustang, which is wider than the original 7.5" unit. That's fine because the different offset from the S197 (2005+) wheels works well with the wider rear. The gearing is 3.90:1, but with the tall 28" diameter rear tires the final effective gearing is a calculated 3.65:1 ratio (we wired in a Speed-Cal recalibration unit to correct the speedometer). Jack's 98 Mustang is about 400 lbs lighter than a 93 SuperCoupe, so even with a stock set-up he should have a nice performing car.

[chism]

What is the round gold thing on the long bolt with the red writing on it between the supercharger and the the coil pack out of curiosity?

[28HopUp]

From your description, that souds like the bleeder for filling the cooling system.

[chism]

Any updates on this one? :)

[28HopUp]

Sadly, this car has turned into a parts car after Jack slid off a country road into a low stone wall (salted roads are slippery too) in February. He was not hurt, but the frame was torqued. The repair cost was estimated at $2,700, which is about what the car was worth. Rather than dump money into the car, we decided to part it out to recoup some of our costs. We found a 45K mile 1994 Cobra in Virginia, and brought that home a few weeks ago (which is an interesting story too). All of the funds from selling the parts off the 98 will go to my pocket, that way Jack's investment in the 98 will be applied to the new car.

[kapracing]

Dang, sorry to hear that. Glad he was ok though and that's a great replacement! Post up some pics of " new ride".

[stadair]

Oh, that bites! But a Cobra!? I thought you and the wife didn't want him in a powerful car?

[28HopUp]

The SC swap would have put the 3.8L at the same power level as a stock 5.0L. The 94 makes 240 hp, which is 65 less than what a new 3.7L V6 Mustang makes. At least the Cobra will hold its value better than a 15yo V6 Mustang. It just got to the point where it didn't make sense to put more money into that car.

[chism]

Sorry to hear that. :( That was turning into a nice car. You live and learn I guess. I totaled my first mustang (89 5.0 GT) within the first week of getting it street legal. :( I too slid off a FM road while it was raining and they had just re-blacktopped it during the heat of summer, so it was like driving on a oil slick. It still makes me sick to this day, but I learned to respect fox bodies and how light they are in the rear. It was a bittersweet lesson learned.

http://i.imgur.com/KzE6b7M.jpg (http://imgur.com/KzE6b7M)

[28HopUp]

Well, we finally sold the 98 today. Although we had intended to part it out, we rec'd an offer on the car as a whole. The new owner plans to repair the car. :)

[nighthawk756]

Congrats on selling it! Selling it as a whole might not have netted as much $$ but it sure is much easier!

Still no pics of the Cobra?? What gives?? LOL :D

[28HopUp]

Brad, for some reason I do not have many pictures of the 94 Cobra. Attached is one we took in May before Jack left for a Junior Prom at their sister-school (Padua, an all-girls Catholic school). The 98 in the background was positioned in such a way that the damage could not be seen. :)

[kapracing]

Bill,
Good looking replacement car :-)
Congrats on sale of old project...

[nighthawk756]

Nice! I've always loved the SN95 cobras! And that looks like a fine example....45k miles? Time capsule! ;)