Black Gold 380R's 65 Mustang Build Thread

[Black Gold 380R]

View attachment 1680361

Seeing that injection system pushes this project a few notches closer to ASTOUNDING. Not cheap, but OH so nice. And, like you said, it fulfills a dream you've had, Glenn. That makes the addition money well worth it. I want to see the huge smile on your face the first time you (A) start it up, and (B) take the first drive.

So you're having the TKO-600 built to your specs?

Thank you Bob! I really appreciate you saying that. I would love for people to use words like Astounding to describe my build. As everyone knows I'm a rookie at this overall. I "DO" have big dreams and aspirations. I look at the pros Kindig it Designs, Foose, Martin Brother's, Gas Monkey, etc. and want to build/own something like they build. I know I won't get to that level, but I'm sure as hell having fun trying and I'm already smiling and enjoying everyone's comments and feedback in this thread.

Yes sir on the TKO. I told my engine builder about my power level that I want to achieve. When I told him I was running a TKO600 he said they have a problem shifting at higher RPMs.

I contacted American Powertrain and told them what my engine builder said. They indicated they had a fix for this. So, I asked them to add it to my build.

This is part of what they listed on my build sheet:

Sure Shift Upgrade Package - For high RPM TKO shifting and smoother gear transitions. Includes:

Carbon Fiber Lined Synchro Rings
Billet Fork Pads
Race Tolerance Build

 

[geoffmt]

You will like the borla once tuned in! My buddy has one on his 67 fastback build and it’s a beautiful sight

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[Black Gold 380R]

You will like the borla once tuned in! My buddy has one on his 67 fastback build and it’s a beautiful sightView attachment 1680820


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Thank you geoffmt! I do believe, after doing all my research, I'm making the right choice.

Based on your "once tuned in" comment, that's the only thing I'm nervous about. I have a pretty radical cam in my set up and I've heard EFI and radical cams don't play well together. So, we will see.

I'm really looking forward to getting this project completed and seeing how it turns out.

I appreciate your feedback and your comment on how your buddy's looks. That's what I want. "A beautiful sight."

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[01yellercobra]

Thank you geoffmt! I do believe, after doing all my research, I'm making the right choice.

Based on your "once tuned in" comment, that's the only thing I'm nervous about. I have a pretty radical cam in my set up and I've heard EFI and radical cams don't play well together. So, we will see.

I'm really looking forward to getting this project completed and seeing how it turns out.

I appreciate your feedback and your comment on how your buddy's looks. That's what I want. "A beautiful sight."

Sent from my SM-G950U using the svtperformance.com mobile app

EFI and radical cams can be made to work together. Will you have to tune it or is it self learning?

 

[Black Gold 380R]

EFI and radical cams can be made to work together. Will you have to tune it or is it self learning?

I have zero experience and zero equipment to tune myself. I'm currently unaware of anyone who does tuning here in town, but I'm sure I know someone who can point me in the right direction.

So, as of now Bob it will be a self tuning program as offered by Borla through the Holley Terminator system.

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[CobraBob]

Thank you Bob! I really appreciate you saying that. I would love for people to use words like Astounding to describe my build. As everyone knows I'm a rookie at this overall. I "DO" have big dreams and aspirations. I look at the pros Kindig it Designs, Foose, Martin Brother's, Gas Monkey, etc. and want to build/own something like they build. I know I won't get to that level, but I'm sure as hell having fun trying and I'm already smiling and enjoying everyone's comments and feedback in this thread.

Yes sir on the TKO. I told my engine builder about my power level that I want to achieve. When I told him I was running a TKO600 he said they have a problem shifting at higher RPMs.

I contacted American Powertrain and told them what my engine builder said. They indicated they had a fix for this. So, I asked them to add it to my build.

This is part of what they listed on my build sheet:

Sure Shift Upgrade Package - For high RPM TKO shifting and smoother gear transitions. Includes:

Carbon Fiber Lined Synchro Rings
Billet Fork Pads
Race Tolerance Build

That's quite a nice TKO-600 build. They did a fine job.

You say you're a rookie, but your passion for this project has enabled you to do things that might not have seemed possible or certainly not easily done. I think you know what I'm trying to say. I know the end of this project will be, well, ASTOUNDING.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

That's quite a nice TKO-600 build. They did a fine job.

You say you're a rookie, but your passion for this project has enabled you to do things that might not have seemed possible or certainly not easily done. I think you know what I'm trying to say. I know the end of this project will be, well, ASTOUNDING.
View attachment 1681050

Thank you Bob! I'm hoping the TKO will be pretty stout.

I hear you Bob. Believe me, if I could afford it I would have loaded my car on a trailer and drove it down to Martin brother's in Austin and have them build my car. However, as you mention, with my passion and desire to make this dream come true I had no choice, but to attempt to do it myself, with the help and advice of friends around my town and those on this site.

I am very particular on how I want things done and therefore, I do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions of my fabricator friend before I attempt anything. Also, I know enough people in the automotive industry around here that if I need a pro I'm good. However, I try to avoid that because those guys don't work cheap LMAO!!!

Friends is friends, but business is business LOL.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

Hello everyone,

Well I did "NOT" get much done over the weekend. I'm still waiting on my Doug's headers (they are scheduled to be delivered today). I need them to see if A) they fit as advertised and B) to finish mocking up my steering. I'm also waiting on my TKO in order to get my hydraulic clutch assembly mocked up. I need to figure out where on the firewall I need to drill and get all the reservoirs and hoses installed/routed.

So, the only thing I could do was work on a couple of small things. My alternator bracket came in and some ignition parts as well.

Here you can see the new alternator bracket is longer in order to fit the 351W block.

My alternator is apart while I wait for the new case to arrive. However, using the old case you can see it fits great.

It is looking pretty good with this wide angle shot.

After looking at the wide angle shot I realized the old coil worked well on the old set up, but like everything else so far, it does not seem to fit in with the new set up. I don't like the color or design. So, I decided to ditch this coil. Besides, it's chipped and dented. No good LOL.

So, I went with this Chrome MSD one instead. I peeled the MSD sticker off, polished the coil and bracket and the reinstalled it. I like this much better.

I did some research online and guys running a 427 are running these plugs with good results. My research also indicated that if your engine is making 10.1 to 13.1 compression you should run a gap of .40 to .50. So, I gapped these plugs to .40. I have not installed them yet since the headers are not in. Don't want to risk breaking or cracking the porcelain when installing the headers. I ran Autolites' before and like these or Motorcraft in my pushrod motors.

I ran these on my 347 set up and really liked them. Since my old set was cut for the 302 block, I bought a new set so I can custom cut them for the 351W block.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

Oh... and on anther note I ordered these emblems over the weekend.

These emblems will replace my current 347 emblems. Which means one will go on the taillight panel (on the right side) and the other will go on my glovebox door.

I'm going to speak to my fabricator after work and run an idea by him. If he can work something out for me then I'll let you know where I plan on mounting these . I hope it works out because I think it will look badass if he can pull it off.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

Okay everyone,

Guess what arrived yesterday? . Man, these things are amazing with 1 3/4 inch tubing and a 3 inch collector. They look incredible too. After I unboxed them I couldn't wait to get them mocked up. So, I went into the garage last night and put them on the car. They fit great, they look great and I'm VERY happy with the results. They clear everything with zero problems.

The only slight issue I have is my steering shaft looks like it will need to be modified (Meaning it cannot go from the rack to the steering shaft in one shot). So, this weekend I'll work on adding that double D coupler and cutting the double D shaft to fit. There is plenty of room around the header to do this. Also, the reason I need to do this is I originally had a Borgeson steering set up and it comes with a shorter steering shaft. So, my current set up is different than the original which is why it needs to be modified.

So, what do you guys think?

Passenger side. Clears with no issues. You can see the sharpie marks on the frame where my old headers hit and now there is plenty of clearance. (Ignore the valve covers. These are not the ones staying on the car).

Driver's side. Again plenty of clearance.

Here you can see the header tube is above the P/S out put port. So, there is plenty of room for my P/S hoses.

 

[Grabber70Mach]

Those headers look great, definitely a good decision on your part. Well now lets get to those emblems, ignore the valve covers and I ran something past my fabricator. I'm thinking those emblems may end up recessed into the top of the valve covers.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

Those headers look great, definitely a good decision on your part. Well now lets get to those emblems, ignore the valve covers and I ran something past my fabricator. I'm thinking those emblems may end up recessed into the top of the valve covers.

LMOA!!!! Your deductive reasoning skills serve you well Grabber70Mach! That's "exactly" what I'm doing. I have been looking EVERYWHERE for valve covers for this engine. The ones pictured are from my old set up. I hate to not use them because my Dad hand painted the lettering for me, but they do not fit as they are too short and the style really doesn't fit the look I'm going for.

I have found one set of 427 valve covers that fit the 351W style heads and I don't care for them. Not to mention everyone probably has them LOL. All the other 427 valve covers I have found fit the FE motors and the bolt pattern is way different.

So, I figured, what the hell..... I will have my own made . Also, I want people to ask me "Where did you get those?" LMAO!!!

I talked to my fabricator yesterday and he said he could do what I want. So, I'm going to find a set of valve covers I like and have him mill out the center portion of the valve cover and insert those 427 emblems in there.

I'm thinking it is going to be pretty sweet.....

 

[Grabber70Mach]

They will definitely be neat.

 

[CobraBob]

LMOA!!!! Your deductive reasoning skills serve you well Grabber70Mach! That's "exactly" what I'm doing. I have been looking EVERYWHERE for valve covers for this engine. The ones pictured are from my old set up. I hate to not use them because my Dad hand painted the lettering for me, but they do not fit as they are too short and the style really doesn't fit the look I'm going for.

I have found one set of 427 valve covers that fit the 351W style heads and I don't care for them. Not to mention everyone probably has them LOL. All the other 427 valve covers I have found fit the FE motors and the bolt pattern is way different.

So, I figured, what the hell..... I will have my own made . Also, I want people to ask me "Where did you get those?" LMAO!!!

I talked to my fabricator yesterday and he said he could do what I want. So, I'm going to find a set of valve covers I like and have him mill out the center portion of the valve cover and insert those 427 emblems in there.

I'm thinking it is going to be pretty sweet.....

What an awesome and unique plan on incorporating 427 emblems into the valve covers. Like you said, they will generate a lot of "where did you get those cool covers" questions. Get ready! I like the coil choice, too. Simplistic and good looking; and MSD quality. The Doug's Headers fortunately fit perfect for you, so that is huge. Always nice when plans fall into place.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

What an awesome and unique plan on incorporating 427 emblems into the valve covers. Like you said, they will generate a lot of "where did you get those cool covers" questions. Get ready! I like the coil choice, too. Simplistic and good looking; and MSD quality. The Doug's Headers fortunately fit perfect for you, so that is huge. Always nice when plans fall into place.

Thank you as always Bob! Really appreciate your feedback in this thread. Yeah, my fabricator has told me I'm going to get a lot of questions and as soon as I say "I built this" expect people to start asking me to do things for them LOL.

Yes sir, it is nice when things work out. Problem is I have to go through some road blocks in order to achieve my goal LOL. Since going to a 351W block a lot of things in the engine bay have not been fitting. I "did" expect it, but didn't accept it until I literally seen the part did not fit. Even with the headers, when I told my engine builder I was going to reuse my old headers, he didn't say anything, but he gave me a look while shaking his head as if to indicate, "Yeah, good luck with that buddy." LMAO!

 

[Black Gold 380R]

Hello everyone,

Well, I got a little done this weekend. Wife had me doing "put Christmas decorations away" duty this weekend LMAO!!!

So, since my headers came in I wanted to mock up my steering shaft to get that in order. It was pretty straight forward, but I had to make some adjustments.

I wanted to work from the rack back to the steering shaft. Felt this was a little more comfortable for me and allowed me to see where I needed to make the bend around the header.

First attempt (yes, I did this twice LOL). Looks good to me here.

Got the shaft fitting and looking straight here.

It even looks good here (header clearance wise), but the shaft is sitting on the frame. When I lifted it into position the shaft/coupler was too close to the header. Back to the drawing board.....

So, I remeasured both double D shafts (based off the ones I just cut) and made them a little longer. This time it sits where I'm VERY happy with the results.

Here you can see there is even more clearance from the header. Yes, the shaft is sitting on the frame, but when I lift it into position it fits perfect.

Here I'm holding it in position and it has plenty of clearance around the header and frame rail. I had my wife come out and turn the steering wheel while I held the steering shaft in position and it worked flawlessly. The "ONLY" thing I will need to do now is mount a heim joint to the frame. I can't hold it in position all the time LMAO!!!

Here is the completed steering shaft. All double D shafts have been drilled. I have "not" added and red lock tight yet since it has not been permanently mounted.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

After that I wanted to mock up my radiator, fans and shroud. So, I installed my water pump pulley and then inserted the radiator set up. It looks like it's going to work based off my old measurements. Guess the 351W is wider, but not longer than the 302.

Glad I have the dual fan set up. The space between them gives me more clearance for the water pump pulley.

Even the opening looks good with plenty of room for airflow. I just need to find a radiator fin straightening tool to clean it up a bit.

 

[Black Gold 380R]

I received my thunder chicken emblems LOL. They look really cool. Can't wait to get my valve cover project completed.

Next on the too do list:

• Order my intake system
• Mock up transmission set up (received notification it will be delivered today or tomorrow).

Then I'm going to coordinate with my fabricator and have the car taken to his shop. I need him to do the following:

1. Install heim joint (I want a clean weld since it will be visible in the engine bay)
2. Have him make my upper and lower radiator tubes (I want solid chrome tubes, not hoses. So, I need him to create these so I can then have them chromed)
3. Install bungs on my brand new headers for the EFI computer and my A/F Speedhut gauge.
4. I want him to make a custom radiator cover.
5. I need him to make my exhaust (I want it over the axles and out the back. Then I want him to install cut outs after the header, but before the mufflers LOL. YES, I want the "loud" button).

So, there is a lot of stuff I need help with because I don't have the skill or tools. The good news is I feel I'm on track to make my self appointed deadline on this build ...

 

[Black Gold 380R]

WOO HOO. My wife just called and said FedEx just dropped off my transmission .

On another note...………….

I just got off the phone with Borla this morning and placed an order for my induction system.

My order includes the following:

• Stack injection system with filters.
• Fuel injectors.
• Fuel Rails.
• Fuel pressure regulator.
• Fuel pressure sensor.
• Holley Terminator ECU with sensors (MAF, IAT, O2, Water, etc.) and wiring harness and hand held tuner (this system has a self learning mode and a port to hook up a laptop and install a custom tune).
• I added the Holley distributor that is for a 351W block and works with the Holley Terminator ECU.
• I also added the Lokar throttle cable for this stack injection system that will work with my Lokar throttle pedal.

I was told based on the amount of orders they have it will take 4 to 5 weeks to be delivered. I was also told they do "NOT" charge me until the items ship... Sweet.

The "ONLY" bad news I received is the Borla tech thinks my cam might be a little too large and although the system will work he thinks I may lose some drivability. He recommends I install a little milder cam. He thinks I'll enjoy the car more. He said the self learning system needs to see engine vacuum and he feels my cam will not make enough vacuum for the system to adjust properly. So, I may have no choice, but to have a custom tune installed.

I told him I would run it as is for now and see if I can find a tuner to help me. Then if the ECU and cam don't play well together I can change the cam at a later date. A cam swap does take time, but it's really not that difficult.

Holy S#!T, I cannot believe this is really happening. I have been wanting this system for years. Can't believe the time has finally arrived!!!! Feel like I just asked Santa for my present and cannot wait until Christmas morning LMAO!!!! I'm a freaking big kid LOL.

 

[01yellercobra]

Always best to wait and see how things work. Plus what he considers a driveability issue we might consider normal.