Meet Rachel - Crystal White 98 Cobra Convertible Build

96GT226410

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Got the clutch cable and quadrant installed and the clutch pedal is hard to push down now, but only on the top of the throw. That's a new one for me... I then try to start it to check for adjustment and it barely ran. I shut it off to make sure I didn't leave anything disconnected under the hood and now it won't start, just cranks. I checked for spark on cylinder 1 and all good there so I know the CMP and CKP are working. I checked for fuel and I have 35 - 38 PSI at the rail when cranking, but the fuel was yellow and it smelled bad. My car has been sitting for a few months, I might let the fuel pump run the tank dry and fill it up with fresh fuel.

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96GT226410

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It's been a while since I updated this... I haven't had much time at all to look into the no start. I have fuel, I have spark, I have terrible compression numbers throughout all cylinders (45 - 60 PSI dry and 75 - 90 PSI after adding a tsp. of oil), I scoped the cylinders on the driver side (I'll do the passenger side soon) and there's no contact between the valves and pistons, and I watched the cams rotate. Right now I'm wondering if it's a fuel wash down from a clogged return line or bad fuel pressure regulator or I messed up on timing the engine. This isn't my first time doing a mod motor and I haven't had any issues prior, but you never know.
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96GT226410

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I found a good deal on some very lightly used pistons and rods from MMR. They're rated for 750 RWHP, but I'm only looking to make 500 - 600 RWHP so these will be fine. I would have liked to find pistons that had a higher compression ratio, but these will get me where I want to be. This is what I bought:

18cc FORGED PISTONS, RINGS AND ROD KIT COMBO [OPT1] - $999.99 : Modular Motorsports, Home of the Worlds Fastest Modular Engines

They should be here on Saturday. They're 0.020" over so I'll get my original Teskid cleaned up and get my crank turned 0.010/0.010 for the install. I'm on the lookout for some ARP hardware next while I start disassembling my original block.

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Poco

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I'm interested in the rotor kit you installed. I'm looking to change out the rotors and pads here pretty soon. I've been looking at a kit from AM and maybe a cat back system. My SVT is very original and a new exhaust system wouldn't hurt either. I'll have to take it to a shop because I blew out my knee awaiting surgery.
 

96GT226410

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The pads and rotors have been on since I bought the car over 3 years ago and have about 15,000 miles on them. They've been fine and even though the car sits for months at a time the rotors haven't rusted. They're not a performance upgrade, but they do the job.
I'm interested in the rotor kit you installed. I'm looking to change out the rotors and pads here pretty soon. I've been looking at a kit from AM and maybe a cat back system. My SVT is very original and a new exhaust system wouldn't hurt either. I'll have to take it to a shop because I blew out my knee awaiting surgery.

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96GT226410

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Ordered an On3 Coolant Crossover Delete to get rid of the factory crossover. Now I have to figure out a bleeder because the port on the thermostat housing will be for the head cooling mod. I also have an oil filter housing from a Mark VIII engine. I'll order a GT lower radiator hose for the install.
 

96GT226410

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Sometimes you just have to say...**** it.
Interested in seeing this go in.!
I was getting ridiculous quotes for blockwork and this engine popped up. I immediately jumped on it. It's a 2017 F150 5.0L with 22,000 miles on it, I got it for $2,400 plus taxes and core. I have a line in a set of 2017 Mustang cams, phasers, and intake manifold and I already purchased a Mustang crank damper.

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96GT226410

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I bought a couple things so far; Mustang crankshaft damper, Boundary billet timing gear, BBK ceramic long tubes, BBK O/R X pipe, and BBK O2 sensor harness extenders. I might have a lead in a 2017 Mustang engine that was making a noise in the bottom end. I only want it for the cams, phasers, timing cover, timing chains and gears, oil pump (which will get new billet gears), and intake manifold. So when I disassemble it I'll see what I can salvage.

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96GT226410

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Wow, it's been 9 months since I've updated this...


Anyway, I've been slowly collecting parts for the swap. Here's a list:
- Power By The Hour parts: Speed Drive Kit, Control Pack, alternator kit with clutchless pulley, hot water adapters, water neck bleeder, radiator hose reducer, and heater control valve bypass "H"
- Gen. 2 Mustang parts: Mustang GT engine harness, all four cams, exhaust phasers, timing cover, oil pan and gasket/windage tray, front crankshaft seal, flywheel bolts, ARP crankshaft damper bolt, and oil filter adapter kit
- 2015 and a 2018 Mustang intake manifold (obviously going to use the 2018)
- McLeod lightened steel flywheel, McLeod Super Street Pro 11" clutch, and pilot bearing
- B8 Bilstein struts and B6 Bilstein shocks to pair with my Eibach Sportline Springs
- Boundary billet oil pump gears
- Stage 8 locking header bolts
- MM solid steering shaft
- Aeromotive Stealth 340 fuel pump, heavy duty wiring kit, used stainless steel lines, fittings, Holley 12-886 FPR, and BBK pressure guage
- Misc: cam cover ball stud kit, engine lift plate, and crankshaft damper install tool

I'm going to make another Coyote Swap informational post to keep this post less cluttered. I'll go into detail with my decisions about the swap, cost, and any other relevant information.

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96GT226410

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Thanks for the update. Lots of parts collected so far. When do you plan to start the build?
I'm hoping to get it started soon, but I won't be surprised if I don't finish this year. I still have some things I need to get; a couple small parts to finish the swap, cold air intake, tune and possibly new handheld, wheels and tires, new top, rotors, pads, and I can definitely use some paint repair. Damn Crystal White curse!

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01silverstang

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Wow, amazing thread... also a bit terrifying because I don't have the mechanical skill and the idea of having to replace so many engines is too much. That being said, looks like your current build should take care of reliability, can't wait to see more!
 

96GT226410

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Wow, amazing thread... also a bit terrifying because I don't have the mechanical skill and the idea of having to replace so many engines is too much. That being said, looks like your current build should take care of reliability, can't wait to see more!
The engine swaps are pretty easy. I do them in my driveway with hand tools. And I'm hoping the Coyote will give me the reliability and power in looking for. Thanks.

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96GT226410

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Glad to see you still have her. Going to be fun with a Coyote swap.
I'll probably have this one for a long time. I've invested a lot of time into her already and it holds sentimental value to me. I'm hoping for good results with the Coyote swap. Thanks!

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