Hello fellow fox nutz....
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic1.JPG
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic2.JPG
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic3.JPG
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic4.JPG
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic5.JPG
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic6.JPG
I bought this cougar in Georgia in Feb 2003. This car specifically was to modify, drag race, and just have a fun rust free car in the summer(difficult to do in Michigan). Its been a fun ride. I have went through a couple of engines, trannies. About year ago I decided I wanted to hit some 11's in the 1/4. I started researching an upgraded head and cam for the 2.3T. Not lots of good, inexpensive options. Plus I need 450rwhp to move my 3450lb fat cat. I just didnt want to deal with a 450hp 2.3T. So I decided on 302 swap with turbo. Well that lasted about 6 months....after I had already purchased an engine for the swap. Because of the weight of my car, I would really load the turbo 302 down. Basically the stock block would fail me at 450hp or slightly more. Not really worth all the expense and work. So the project moved on to the 351w. The 351w swap above the 302 will cost addition $800. But with young children. I almost have more money then time. So I want to do it once.
Im about 40% through a 351w turbo swap. I already have removed the factory 2.3T and C4. I have received my on3performance fox mustang 351 swap kit. http://www.on3performance.com/mustang351.html Not the best quality, but for $1500 shipped to my door....put me in coach.... :)
An early christmas gift to myself. I got it last Thursday. It was shipped to my office. ;-)
I already have a Stingers PiMP I got this summer( http://www.stinger-performance.com/universalparts.html ). It look pretty dang neat.
It looks like all that I have to modify in the wiring harness is 8 injectors vs 4. I have a couple other 2.3 injector harness. If anybody else has a better plan let me know.
Couple of things I need to make the car run. Injectors, 3G alternator swap, Chucks motor mounts. I will be using a 351w Spyder intake with EFI elbow. It should just fit. Im not a cowl hood kinda guy. Things I will do after the car is running. Upgrade my 7.5" rear end and suspension. Bigger fuel pump. My Walbro 255 is 9 years old. Subframe connectors so I can continue to shut my doors.
I'm hoping to have the car up and running by May 1st. We will see.
Travis
aka 86XR7auto
Good luck with the swap! Your youtube video is one of the things that convinced me to finally do a 2.3T swap a few years ago.
Nice Cat! Should be a runner with the upgrades you have planned out.
Hard to believe that was in August 2007. Back then I was still using the big VAM. It was a one trick cat if you know what im referring too. WOT was great...but nothing else was, It did make good power though. In 2009 i upgraded to the 2.3T MAF conversion....didnt have much luck. 2010 I update to SVOJohn speeddensity code for 2.3T. That was good. I also had Quarterhorse, BE software, and a LM1 wideband.
Spring 2011 my second child was born. So I know I would be busy for the next 6 months. So I decide to do the V8 turbo swap.
Travis
Im going to order these injectors tomorrow.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Siemens-Deka-80lb-EV1-High-Impedance-Fuel-Injector-8-/390213457802?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5ada88d78a
Does anybody have any personal experience with them?
Thanks,
Travis
Thot I'd make it easier to see the pics
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic1.JPG)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic2.JPG)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic3.JPG)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic4.JPG)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic5.JPG)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/xr7pic6.JPG)
Thanks....Its appreciated.
Travis
this is a cool project are you going to keep the stock pistons or get some forged pistons to handle the boost?
Well not quite sure on that. The stock pistons are pretty good for boost. If you know what you are doing and keep the revs down. They seem to last well in to 600rwhp. I wont be looking for that any ways. My fuel system isnt getting the big upgrade this year. Just the big 340 Aeromotive pump. The really big fuel will have to wait until 2013. So my plan was to get a van 351 from a local yard. There are several.
Then a friend of a friend has a fresh rebuild 95 block 351 with 9.2 hyper pistons, cleanup E7 heads. He ran the engine for 60 mins 2.5 years ago. Then removed it from the ranger he had been playing with. The engine has a performance products spyder style intake and the correct oil pan. Just not sure on the rods and crank.
Im going to check that out next week or so.
Thanks,
Travis
Got the carputer all setup and ready to go. (http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/carputer.jpg)
10" touch screen for backup I have a mini usb keyboard touch pad unit. The size of a cell phone.
Travis
P.S. also got the 80lb high-z injectors....nice
Cool stuff. Where are you mounting the screen?
Not quite sure Jim....That's more of a April thought. The touch screen does have an adapter for the seat bolt support deal. Kinda like for a laptop. I would like to set it up so I can do a quick release. So idiots dont try to steal it.
On a side not. I got a nib ford racing f303 cam for the 351. Also got a super deal on the correct oil pan and uber arp head bolts.
The project right now is buying stuff. Although I started to make the fuel injector harness.
Question Jim is your MS firing batch fire?
Thanks,
Travis
Yep.
I'd have to go to my notes to tell you which cylinders are tied together.
I want to start looking for parts for the 351 swap. Then when my headers rust out I can do the conversion.
Hey Jim
I would like to look at that wiring harness diagram if you can. No big rush. you can email me if you wish turbotrav@hotmail.com
I have 2 different 2.3t injector harnesses. The stock 87-88 which has tons of I dont need. I also have the original 86 2.3t harness which is 4 wire connector. Of the 4 wires there is bank 1, bank 2, 5 vref, and temp gauge on the dash.....I goal is to use all the 2.3 harness. Which would be ECT, TPS, ACT(which I have to wire), TFI, BAP, ??? The factory 86 2.3t harness only has 40 or so wires.... :) Alot less wires than the 87-88.
Thanks,
Travis
Does your ecu plug right into a Ford harness?
I ran a new engine harness from MS into the bay and spliced Weatherpack connecters onto the Explorer's harness.
Yep(pretty much any ford 60 pin eec4 its plug and play, besides a couple of jumpers)...it is pretty sweet. Abit pricey, but great support from Shannon and his crew. I really didnt want to mess with removing the harness. Also my dash is mint. I would fear I would crack it. Some day, when the pimp has sfi control which the new version of megasquirt 3 do. PiMP is based on MS2.
The 4 cylinder harness should have all the wires you need, including the idle valve diode. I would probably just use the existing plug for the injectors and splice the extra wires on right there. The IAT wires are in the VAM harness. I used those when I MS'ed a Merkur years ago.
If you want, email me a set of the Pimp instructions and I'll look it over for you.
Are you going to be running E85 or gasoline?
Yeah on the IAT/ACT. When I had the LA3 in the car for years I never wired up the ACT. So I currently not have anything in pin 25 IIRC. Or I may just repin and use the VAM harness....not quite sure. I forget your email address Jim.
This year im going to be running 93. Cannot aford the fuel line upgrades this year....2013 if all goes well. I can get about 600rwhp on the stock lines with a big pump. I also have the pump hotwired. Again, I would probably be super happy with 500rwhp this year. I also have to upgrade all the rear end suspension.
Travis
P.S. I will get you the pimp startup. There is lots of info on stingers proboard.
Got my 351 fox mustang oil pan. Also the uber arp headbolts.
Proceeding!
Travis
Pickeup a set of 351 GT40 heads...for a great price. Cannot remember if I mentioned the fcam.
Travis
I like that carputer.. I'm going to use a laptop for now for tuning with quarterhorse, but that seems like a nice longterm solution.
I did the laptop deal for many years running QH/BE...worked great. Im a computer consultant by trade. We had this stuff hanging around in boxes from a couple of years ago. It was a first generation touch screen and atom computer. Tablets have replaced that technology. Its low power and will work well for what I need. Runs XP great. Also I could use the 2 serial ports on the MB for easy of communication with PiMP.
Travis
Yeah, the big drawback to an inexpensive tablet solution (at present) is the inability to run any windows based software. You can't use one for Megasquirt, QH, Baumann, Innovate, etc. The 'perfect' cheap car/pc/entertainment/tuning solution doesn't exist right now. Everything has limitations. That being said, you can use multiple pieces of hardware optimized to their application to end up with a nice finished product. It just costs more and takes more effort to install. OR spend the money for a Windows tablet and get more capability at a premium price.
I like the looks of what you have so far, Travis
My office currently uses Viewsonic Viewpad 10. It has dual android and win7 boot. Works really nice. Not cheap at $700 or so. That is with 2gb ram and 32gb ssd hdd.
Travis
Pretty sweet all-around device.
Ok...now im getting there. Got the fresh rebuilt 95 roller block 351 with 9.5 hyper pistons, in the back of my truck. Also got a fresh rebuilt C4 with reverse manual valvebody 2800 stall torque convertor. My lightning GT40 heads also showed up. Just my Fcam is missing.
Thanks,
Travis
P.S. i will get some pictures later today.
Ok...now im getting there. Got the fresh rebuilt 95 roller block 351 with 9.5 hyper pistons, in the back of my truck. Also got a fresh rebuilt C4 with reverse manual valvebody 2800 stall torque convertor. My lightning GT40 heads also showed up. Just my Fcam is missing.
Thanks,
Travis
P.S. i will get some pictures later today.
not to poke or push buttons, but why an F-303?
So at car shows and track events you can say "It's got an Effin Cam in it !!"????????
j/k
Its all good to ask questions...thats why I put this type of post up. Peoples opinions and ideas are a good thing.
Couple of reasons on the F303 cam. Its pretty cheap. I got my new for $150. I had access to stock 5.0 and stock truck 5.8 roller cams. Both of those cams really die off after 5200rpm and even more so for the truck.
I want the engine to make power to 6k. Lots of really fast Mustang turbo guys use it. Its sounds pretty good with a turbo....that all I got.
Travis
duh.. stock bore/stroke.. lol good reasoning, but if you ever build a stroker, i strongly recommend a custom grind.. OTS cams really suck in a boosted stroker.. i went through 5 cams before calling cam innovations.. unfortunately, it appears he's no longer making cams :(
Yeah a custom grind is always a good idea. The Fcam will work for now.
Thanks,
Travis
Give Ed Curtis a call at FTI.. $325 for custom cam, sell you f cam. For the extra ~$200 your combo will have more power and better drivability. Its going to pull the whole combo together IMHO.
Hmm. It's a possibility. One of my many hurdles is that my fuel system this year will only do 600 rwhp.
Stock fuel lines! Just no budget this year for the big fuel system. I can probably make 550rwhp on 12psi
On stock stuff. So wasn't really needing the cam to wow me.
Travis
I understand now, I really didn't know too much about F cams and turbos to be honest with you, sorry for jumping the gun with my custom comment :) It's a whole different world with turbo applications that I wasn't aware of
I hear ya Bob. With a turbo you dont have to have the perfect intake air flow to make good power.
The GT40 lightning heads are at the machine shop getting checked out. If all goes well the engine should be installed mid March.
Travis
what size turbo are you using just wondering wanting to compare my setup vs yours lol. I have a staock 302 botem end and a f303 cam, it also has trick flow twisted wedge heads 170s but they have been ported dont know how big they are. Also i have blowthrough setup instead of efi so you got me there lol.
I have a cheap 75mm with 1.00 ration exhaust housing. Blow through carb is a great way to use a turbo setup. Im a computer guy, so I like the EFI stuff. Your biggest hurdle besides tuning is the failure rate of the 5.0. People break the block with stock heads and cams. So with your upgraded heads and cam, you will just make more power on less boost. If you keep it to 450rwhp, it should last.....should.... :)
That is why I stepped up to the 351. Yeah more cost up front, but the engine will stay together.
Travis
Received my 351 spider eBay nock off. Looks sweet. Also got Tue edelbrock Efi elbow.
Travis
You know a 351w max hp rating isn't a whole lot more then a 302 right? Maybe 50-75 hp depending on what year the engine is.
Interesting....that is not what I have read on the net....many many times. Do you say this from personal experience.
Travis
HOGWASH! the factory 351w blocks are good for 750-800hp..
Well my response is....maybe the poster is mistaken..... :)
Travis
P.S. the last thing I need is headgaskets? I have uber arp head bolts. Any ideas?
Travis
PS I hope you are saying the Stock 351W block will make 750-800 REAR wheel HP??
The 1974 Windsor block in my turbo car broke @ 675 @ the rear tires
Just my personal expreince
i guess it should have been specified a bit better lol.. at the flywheel
How fast do I want to go. I'm really will be good with 550rwhp. My stock fuel lines this year won't support more.
Travis
9333 is the number for the gaskets I got. Turboforums guys I trust recommended it. (PS... I found a leaking hose that may have been my issue with coolant. Need more road time to tell for sure.)
Yeah....the 9333pt1 is looking like the best option. Everybody seems to run them. Price is right also! I forget Jim to you are studs or bolts?
Travis
Arp studs to recommended torque. Too much just pulls up the threads from the block. Fastener size will dictate value is my belief.
follow ARP's specs.. they're usually a few ft/lbs more, for a better seal
Thanks guys
Looks like I will be using 9333pt1 with my uber arp bolts.
Thanks
Made a different switch today. I got ARP head studs and bolts for the 351. I just dont want to do headgaskets because the dang head lifted from the power the cars making.
Travis
Picked up my 351 Lightning GT40 heads from the machine shop. All cleaned up with compcams 280 valve springs. Also had the guys clean up the shrouds. Cost a few buck but should work well.
Travis
Sounds like a plan Travis. Just about time to assemble!
I plan on installing the cam, heads and intake on Friday. Got the day off and the kids are at Grandma's.
Travis
Set backs..... I really hate those.
Im currently sending my block to have the #3 cylinder sleeved. The guy(somebody I know) I bought the engine from. Which is a fresh roller 351 rebuild got water into just one cylinder. Sense everything else is brand new. Im just going to repair the one hole. I disassembled the engine on Saturday and taking the short block to be fix tomorrow. I guess I will be happy if I have the car running by June 1st. Its killing me waiting for some 5.8 turbo power.
The big BS is that everything else looks brand new. The guy I bought the 351 from stored it improperly......idiot!
Travis
i share your pain.. my 408 had water AND MUD in 1 of the cylinders.. it honed up ok, but i need to make a few more passes at it with a softer stone.. really sucks when people store motors incorrectly :mad:
Sometimes they don't even need to be improperly stored...my second 5.0 had coolant in 2 cylinders, from apparently incorrectly placed head or intake gaskets. Cylinders are rusty, and had coolant puddled on the pistons. Oil looked good though...anyway..
OP, I'd look around before settling on the letter cam....for not a whole lot more, you could get a Crane cam that's more turbo-friendly.. I just feel that the cam you have wouldn't give you the potential..just my opinion though, after reading and researching for a friend for his upcoming Mustang TT project. :)
Man the F cam gets no loving..... :)
I know there are better cams, I could have a custom cam, not this engine. It will take me awhile to get the car sorted out with the power the turbo 5.8 will make. The fcam will make power until 6k. I'm good with it.
Thanks,
Travis
Got the engine mostly together. Still need to finish the rest of the accessories, oil pan and rockers....man this has turned out to be the biggest project I have ever worked on.
Travis
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/351-1.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/351-2.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/351-3.jpg)
Looking good! I'm now thinking when I upgrade the engine I'll make it an LS based conversion. No time soon, though.
Updates....Man life sure gets in the way sometimes :)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/almost.jpg)
After that picture I got the alternator and motor mounts installed. I had to switch to an Edelbrock Performer intake upper and 351 lower. My cheap ebay intake did this. After considerable amount of massaging. If the injectors bosses where moved 1/4" it might have worked.
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/injboss.jpg)
I thought about buying the correct edelbrock spyder efi intake and fuel rail. But at $550...I just couldn't budget it. I did get my nice radiator and 75mm throttlebody.
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/rad.jpg)
Getting my small list of odds and ends to finish this on Saturday morning. Needs me some 351 turbo power.
Travis
Looks good, has to be great to be that close. Seems like there is always something that slows progress.
That's a bummer on the intake. Just sloppy machining/ design.:punchballs:
All the cheap eBay stuff was all the same bad casting. It would work with aftermarket heads I believe just not the gt40's I have.
Travis
What's the difference? I am not familiar enough to picture it.
Check the middle pic of the intake. The injector boss pretty much dead ends into the head above the intake port! I had to look at it a few times to figure what I was looking at.
Those injector bungs are so far off, I'd be surprised if that intake would work with many aftermarket heads in a fuel injected application! Might work if the heads were ported to a 1262r gasket, and that is a BIG head.
I see the problem, just can't see how a different head would change anything. Strange design.
It probably wont.....just an idea. I paid $265ish for that intake and a cheap big aftermarket fuel rail. Im going to sell it all on the corral...That big intake sure would make uber power with a turbo, or super high rev setup.
Travis
Couple of more pics....If all goes well this week it will be installed. I also ordered turbo blanket, remflex header gasket, spark plug boot heat covers.
Got the lower, upper, and injectors all setup. I even got the stupid engine set at TDC. :)
Still have to put oil in her and prime her.
Getting almost there...
Im visiting Fastenal couple of times a week for quality bolts...
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/almost2.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/almost3.jpg)
Today I pushed the old XR7 out of the garage. Figured a quick wash would be a good idea. Its heading to the shop in a couple of days for the 351w.
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/clean.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/clean2.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/clean3.jpg)
About half way there....
Travis
Looks like those badges need to come off! :)
Hope it goes together well (and quickly!).
Thanks 86...beyond the physical installation of the engine and tranny. I have the turbo kit, wiring, megasquirt, and then I hope it starts!....then abit of breakin and then go from there.
Travis
P.s. I do need to update the emblems to 5.8!
Leave the 2.3 for the added sleeper look.
Nice! It'll be good to see it in the bay at last.
Totally Jim....its been over a year planing and spending $$.
Travis
Shoot. It takes me longer than that to plan breakfast.
Hehe! I'll get some work done on Saturday. Wiring mostly, pimp, wideband, act, tfi extension,
Next Tuesday I took off work to install the turbo kit and as much as I can do. I have all stuff I need now.
I have spent $200 in extra bits to replace the cheap China stuff. Rather do it once right. Lots of help from the corral on this point.
Travis
Awesome build, not sure how I missed it! I agree you should leave the 2.3 badges on for the sleeper effect.
Just doesn't feel like the honest thing to do!
Travis
Closer....
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/almost4.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/almost5.jpg)
Progress for sure...getting more excited.
Travis
Very sharp looking. Should be a sweet ride indeed.
Looks great. When's the hair dryer going in :)
Have fun. I'm looking at w on3 set up but a friend of mine has me almost convinced to fab my own.
Id love for mine to be a turbocoupe again.
If your friend has good fab skills than good for it....I don't, and I don't know of anybody that does. I have pretty mad computer skills, so tuning should go well.
Travis
He's got mad skills and a pipe bender. Ill start out blow thru then some day megasquirt. That's the dream anyway.
Flipped shorties, some ells and j's, a couple of v-bands and a turbo . Easy-peasy! LOL Only took me two years.
Give me a month or two and I will report on the over all good/bad on the on3 351w kit. Just for the record I have already upgraded couple of Tclamps, Vclamps, and header bolts to grade 8. I bought some remflex header gaskets. The stuff that on3 sends is cheap and will burn out. As a man with years of turbo experience, you cant have exhaust leaks before the turbo....
Travis
Update
Got the engine/tranny spacer for sbf/c4/small bell 157 tooth, autolite 24, 5.8 emblems(to keep me honest)
Hopefully tranny in on Friday or Saturday.
I have Friday July 13 off. Going to work on the turbo stuff then....I hope.
Travis
Cool! Getting ever closer.
Cool :).
Update...
The ebay spacer plate was for the 164 tooth flexplate(which I didnt have) and the bigger bellhousing for the C4(which I do have). So I ordered the correct flexplate sense the one I had was the 157 tooth version.
Stupid roadblocks....grrh.
Travis
Got a couple of roadblocks completed today....the intercooler and piping can be installed without removing the front bumper and stuff. Got the headers mock on there. Need to finish that up so fuel lines and such and be installed.
Also got the correct C4 bellhousing, 164tooth flex plate, 2500 big torque converter, and spacer. Not going with the tiny Mustang II stuff. It will be for sale shortly.
Travis
Tranny is in. Using the 164tooth bellhousing is going to make it tight for the 3.5" downpipe....might be using a hammer....
Travis
Yah, mine was tight with a 3 inch.
Hey Jim....
Im hoping I dont have to use one that much....the underside of my car is pretty....no rust or slim. Oh well the relentless pursuit of power... :)
I have some time tomorrow to work on her. I will hope fully have the rest of the turbo kit installed. Then fuel lines, tranny lines, and the fuel injector harness....batch fire style.
Travis
Got the header on. Also finish the last of the passenger compartment wiring. PiMP is all mounted with cable read for a computer. I believe I got the alternator problem work out. That down pipe has me worried.
Travis
I know guys make it work all the time with 3.5 inch. I don't have any experience fitting one myself.
Update....
Got the headers done. Intercooler piping done. Back to my buddy shop for fuel lines and throttle cable.
Now with the tranny and engine properly mounted. The hood hits. I can mill 1/4-1/3" off the upper and couple of washers on the hood should work great.
Oddly lots of the 86 2.3t wiring works under the hood. Sensors and such.
Getting closer. I removed Tue front sway bar for easy of access.
Not a project for the faint heart!
Travis
Sweet. Snap some pictures when you can.
Calling it quits for this year. So back to the garage with the 351 and most of the turbo kit. I had to remove the C4 again. I cannot get the 3.5" downpipe between the 164tooth bellhousing and firewall. So Im going to switch that again....grrh. As time allows I will work on it abit. I will get back on it in April, weather depending.
Travis
Would it be possible to make the pie more oval at that tight spot. Not flattened out, just reshaped. I have also seen oval pipe for sale for flatter exhausts. Still has the same volume inside, just a different shape.
Like this stuff,............
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXHAUST-OVAL-TUBING-90-DEGREE-3-5-inch-MILD-STEEL16ga-/170199883823?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27a0b4202f&vxp=mtr
You know Vinnie....anything is possible... The big C4 bellhousing just made everything very tight... Besides I needed a real torque convertor verse the cheap 2000 stall thing I had installed. The 5 months will give me the time I need.
Travis
Good luck, good thread. I am doing a similar build myself.
The winter will also give me time to find the proper 1988 tbird/xr7 8.8 rear end.
What are u doing for your project?
Travis
I recently purchased a 85 turbo coupe, low miles, one owner car in great condition. I am building a windsor sportsman 4 bolt main stroker engine with a T-76 turbonetics. I am going with a 95 sn 95 8.8 with 33 spline axles and trutrac diff. Not sure on what i am going to do with the trans yet. A tremac will not hold up so have been looking at a G force 4 speed but may do a silverfox built 4r70w with rmvb and trans brake. It will come down to money in the end and i am going to end up selling my vert that i have owned since new this spring to finish building the car.
BTW,
cool vid of your XR7!
Wow selling the one owner convert! Just want to go fast now.....eh.
Travis
Just ordered the big fuel pump.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390420572770?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Travis
No real update today...but the weather was really nice in Central Michigan...over 50+...made me think about April.
Travis
@xjeffs Nice paint job!! HAhaha
very cool CAT
Thanks buddy...
It is a cool car.
Travis
Minor update...
Purchased bellhousing C4 157 tooth type...also got the correct flexplate.
I looked into a couple of different torque converters....need a quality model I guess.
Travis
Currently deciding on how much I need to spend on the C4 torque converter... its looking like $600 will do...
Travis
Where from?
Well that's the trick as I have found out....not sure on the vendor yet...
I guess making a good turbo converter is hard...is $$.. I found decent info
About Rev Max ...
I the problem is I have 2 c4...both are good but I don't know if they will last.
So 4r70w in the next year...so I don't want to spend big $$ if my c4 may not
Last....on the fence...
Travis
P.s. Jim u get the heads swapped?
The other day ordered my torque converter.... http://www.ptcrace.com guy by the name of Lane....very helpful.
It's there 9.5/10" turbo/nitrous model. Antiballoon plates, uber bearings, 1/2 billet case....2800 stall.
Travis
Converter showed up on Wednesday...now all I need is the weather to be nicer to pull the XR7 out of the garage...
Travis
Wellvthe XR7 was towed to my buddies shop for C4 installation.
Also got ARP header studs...easier to mount the turbo headers.
Travis
Looking like I will have all day on Saturday to make some progress.... The C4, correct bellhousing, and new PTC torque converter will be installed on friday...then I take over from there.
Travis
Hope you're able to knock out some work!
Got some work done tonight...
I added washers to my hood, had the upper milled down 1/3", and remove the top vacuum line from the 75mm throttle body.
Hood closes great with 1/4" to spare! :-)
Its tough getting the 351w under the hood...but I got it worked out.
Travis
Cool! Any engine bay pr0n goodness for us?
That's fair....give me a couple of days.,..
Travis
Sounds like it should be up and running soon
Some updated pictures...getting closer...
Travis
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic1.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic2.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic3.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic4.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic5.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic6.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic7.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic8.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic9.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic10.jpg)(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/pic11.jpg)
More to come...
Very Nice!
Looks like your not too far off from lighting her fire.
Travis, the downpipe looks huge under the car!
So shaging cool! Love seeing more and more power adders on the fox cats and birds now! Loving it!
I also wanted to go turbo on mine and if I would choose I'd go turbo any day. But the tech inspection in Sweden is so annoying and it's too much work removing the turbo so I went supercharger instead which I'm just going to take the belt off.
lookin good!
Fuel line ran....
Getting closer...
Travis
Well getting to the home stretch...so I have made a list...
Please feel free to edit...
1. Install alternator...on driver side if I can...I have 3 alternator kits....its a 3G...let see if I can get that done. DONE
2. One of the mounts for the wastegate needs to be ground down abit...not a big deal so I can finish the WG install DONE
3. Install ECT, ACT, temp gauge on dash....install or adjust factory 2.3T wiring DONE
4. Finish making the injector harness...DONE
5. V8 Throttle cable needs to be installed, possible rehookup of the cruise control...if possible CLEANED AND PAINTED...NOT INSTALLED DONE
6. Install Autolite 103 plugs gaps at .030 and wires (stock motorcraft) DONE
7. Install starter. DONE
8. Need a plug for the rear intake plug for the heater core, no heat this year...any idea on the size? DONE....ITS 1/2 NPT
9. finish vaccuum lines for the intake, FPR, wastegate, BOV and such
10. Finish C4 shifter install. Its a modified stock C3 shifter...looks stock. DONE
11. Install or make new tranny cooler lines..DONE
12. Install Exhaust 02 bung in the down pipe
13. Break in oil and 94-95 Cobra oil filter DONE
14. Install battery test all Megasquirt sensors...START...
This is the list I currently have...there is lots more to do after the car runs for a bit...aftermarket tranny cooler, more exhaust...deep cleaning...installing the 5.8 badges :)
Add to the list if you think its important for the first start...
Thanks,
Travis
Well an update....
Got some wiring done. More sensors in the intake. Still having problems with the drivers side alternator setup.
I got a plan now...well I think I do anyways....
I have to get a different dipstick tube...mine is wrong...grrh.
Man I hope this cat runs by August...
Travis
Some updates....family, work, and summer time have delayed this project...but such is life...
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/pic21.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/pic22.jpg)
(http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/trav/pic23.jpg)
Finally got the alternater mount good...cleaned up my V8 throttle cable for future install...did the driverside plug wires...started some wiring...getting closer..
Travis
Very cool ........ Love the car
Me too....my children will berry me in this car!
Travis
true car guy!! lol
yep! :)
Alrighty....the final stretch....
Got all the wiring done besides the fuel injector harness....Its amazing to me how 95% of the original 2.3T harness works...
Im going to have to cut the passenger fender area where the original air box was...I cannot get the final intake pipe to fit....with the turbo in place....grrh. I did test fit the intake/TB pipe last year, but the turbo was not installed yet... Oh well.
Got the alternator mounted...looks like the belt is only going to cover 120 degrees on the water pump pulley. I have an electric one somewhere, if it doesn't work as expected.
Also got the coolant overflow bottle installed on the taurus cooling fan. There is no more room under the hood....a big change from the 2.3T that was there.
Ill post some pictures tomorrow....
Travis
Good work so far. It is a slow grind down the stretch, seems like something is always popping up. Looking forward to more progress pics!
Always liked the 351 turbo setup. I was going to do that a long time ago. I have a 460 in a 85 T bird that is built for boost and 2 91mm's sitting and waiting.
But all good things come in time. Best of luck with your ride.
Update...All the wiring is done including the fuel injector harness I made. I have 2 wires to run for the alternator...thats it. Wow
I shooting for next saturday start.
Travis
yea
Don't know how I missed this build. Great work, I look forward to seeing it finished!
Where you at now on it?
Trying to figure out the last two wires on my original 1986 2.3T engine harness. When I removed the original 2.3T I disconnected the alternator from the engine harness not leaving the alternator pigtail that all the 3G swap directions explain to to use...been abit stuck. I purchased a 1996 Caprice 9C1...that needed some attention to get up to Daily Driver status. So I haven't worked on the XR7 in 2 months. But im out of time...the snow is coming so Im getting my ducks in a row to get this car started next Saturday.ere
Here is the post from turboford.net
http://forum.turboford.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=057375
Thanks,
Travis
Too bad I'm not closer, I'd have that hammered out in no time!
The diagrams posted on TF are good, I used those to wire a 3G into my TR7 harness on my 2.3 turbo.
Yeah...that last post on turboford should do the trick.
Hopefully Saturday.
Travis
It's going to be a warm weekend here. Gonna get some garage time?
Perhaps....the car is home now...but too much snow so its stuck outside.
Travis
Well the worst Michigan winter in 100 years if u believe people (definately on temp not snow fall)
I opened my cougar hood to figure out the few things i need to do....got the list. So should be some big engine sounds soon.
Travis
This has been great to follow, especially since I have an on3 kit, 76mm turbo 351w with a c4 in my 88 bird under the stock hood. My car is a beater though, yours is looking great.
Thanks.....it's a neat car....we will see how the big 351 does soon.
Travis
Cant wait for your review. its on my list of things to do. Good luck
My review....LOL...
Lots of work, $$, and now the engine bay is so full...
The little 2.3 was cake.
It will all be good...
Travis
I have a full weekend with family stuff, yard stuff, so no car stuff....but I did setup carputer 2.0 Win7 32bit 2gb ram 32 SSD dual core atom...so not warp drive but it does have 2 usb ports...and I have usb to serial to control the pimp and wideband...pretty neat.
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/carputer2.jpg
Well at least some progress in 2014....LOL
Travis
Small progress....I primed the fuel system and tested the PiMP aftermarket EEC4 system last night....also wash the old car...
Travis
Another minor update....ordered 3.27 gears, complete bearing/seal kit for 8.8" rear, and posi rebuild kit....the m-4700c ... got to start going through my 1988 XR7 3.08 gear rear end...
Travis
Ok....finally spent 6 hours working on the XR7....
Cut the inner passenger side fender so I could install the intake pipe from the IC to the throttle body....had to use a 3" pipe extension to get the intake pipe to fit....I have no EGR block....
Also figured out that I miss placed my upper intake bolts....grrrh. Its getting there.
Also installed the 5point8 emblems..... :)
Travis
two pictures.....
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/emblem.jpg
http://www.crystalcomputersupport.com/carstuff/engine.jpg
Travis
Last couple of parts ordered....
Mustang 75mm egr spacer....so I have something to plug my throttle cable into...LOL
Lokar ED-5005 dipstick....as the one of got off a guy 2 years of the corral wont work....grrh
3.5" V-clamp and flang...so it can be welded to my small exhaust system.
02 bung....so I can well it in...
New Bosch wideband sensor for my old LM1....as the current sensor is very old.
with that stuff installed....just need to prime and start....almost there....hehe
Travis
Another 6 hours spent....getting dang close....
Going to spend another 3 hours tomorrow. ...
Travis
3 hours because that's all the time you need to finish it up, right? Keep digging, looking forward to some photos or even video. - Joe
I wish Joe....but very close...
Travis
It only took 12 different belts...but finally found the right one....LOL
Travis
OK Gentlemen....
The last two things have been ordered. Some 1G to 3G alternater wiring upgrade made for a 85 mustang.....then a B&M shifter cable, I missed placed the stuff I used to use.....grrh.
But everything else is done....like everything. She is ready to start. Brand new motor, turbo kit, Pimp engine management....
Excited....
Travis
Video!! Video!! :banana: Video!! Video!! :banana: Video!! Video!! :banana: Video!! Video!! :banana: Video!! Video!! :banana: Video!! Video!! :banana: Video!! Video!! :banana: Video!! Video!!
when it runs....there will be video
Travis
Ok fellow nutz
I got the shifter stuff mostly worked out...I now need to install my 1G to 3G adatper stuff I bought for $30. Then it should start....crazy 3+ years...
I have realistically today and tomorrow....the snow is coming and it needs to be inside...
Travis
it took four hours to setup the shifter....grrh...
Travis
:popcorn:
OK guys....shifter and 3G all done....lots of copper wire 4gauge, but the 1g to 3g mustang adapter setup is the way to go on the 86 and older fox cats/birds....easy peasy, directions are perfect.
went to try to start, some smoke off the pos battery terminal. Then I could no longer talk to the Pimp computer....grrh.
Travis
So the big cat is in the garage. Working on the Pimp to figure out the problem. So it now it is quiet time until nice weather in Michigan.....so May....LOL
Travis
Its supposed to be 50 on Tuesday.....
Car weather is coming....yeah...
Travis
It's getting warmer turbotrav, ts it time yet?
Finally will be above 50 this weekend....maybe some car time....
Trav
, it's still chilly up north? It's been in the 70's and 80's here for several weeks. I actually got my bird fired up for the first time since October and got to cruise it around last night.
You should be real close to starting it up, right?
Well Chris its finally warm here....but working on swapping the A4Ld on my 80k 87TC, so I can sell her....then the big cougar gets love.
Trav
Ok....so blue tbird is about done. Replaced my eec power relay...then my PIMP didn't respond anymore.
Sent that back to manufacture. Like in our modern times it needed a firmware update. So now it's on its way back.
So maybe next week if I get lucky.
Travis
Go get em.
Computer is back from manufacturer....sweet
Travis
So what ever happened to this build???
Sorry Guys
So after a few years im back...the cougar has been in storage. With the battery and starter solenoid gone. Just had lots of life getting into the way. But i bought a new red top optima battery and starter solenoid.
I will be inventorying what is going on with the car. Really haven't looked at it in 3 years....terrible I know. I believe there is a new Pimp update, so I will probably do that. The on3 performance 3.5" downpipe is just too big.
Makes packaging so terrible. So probably need a new one of those. Then the starter did not engage the engine when I went to start her in October 2015. But I bought the start back in 2012, before I figured out the 157tooth verse 164tooth. So I believe that is a problem also. I just have to remove the tranny lines to get to the starter....grrh.
Well that is all for now. I will be hanging on this site abit more. I will go through my big thread here, as the links are mostly broken. I will be fixing them.
Thanks,
Turbotrav
Good to see you back around. Few long term projects making some progress around here, must be something in the air.
Right....went and inventoried the car....really needs a bath.
More to come.
Travis
So....couple more years have went by.....
The XR7 is back to my garage....got a chance to wash her by hand....feels good.
I had my buddies 88TC in my garage for the last 5 years....but that is now gone.
Plus my garage was leaking....got a new roof.
Here is a couple of pictures...
https://imgur.com/a/37JYi8S
Nice to see something other than the modern 'stuff'.
Looks great
Thanks Guys....it really is a neat car. You never see them anymore. Almost makes the 87-88TC common place...which they are not. Well not anymore anyways.
Once the snow is gone i will remove the starter.... replace with the proper one for the 157 tooth flexplate and bellhousing.
Also need to remove the 3.5" downpipe...just no room. The 3" will support plenty of power.
So with a mild winter, maybe by the end of April it will be running....
Thanks,
Travis