tiretread

I finally got my fox. It's a 1989 LX convertible. The main reason I bought this car is because I am a "credit-card mechanic". I am tired of looking at people with blank stares when they talk about "stroke", "TDC", "short-block", etc. I am exaggerating a bit, but I really want to get my hands dirty and some busted knuckles with this project. I want to say, "I built it myself".

I have recently purchased a 351 Cleveland engine. I plan on transplanting it into my 89 vert. I would also like to add nitrous to this as well (it's the only power adder I have not used). Am I crazy? Is this going to twist up the chassis of my poor fox and have it ending up looking like a pretzel? I am going to weld in some sub-frame connectors but I'm not sure that's enough.

tiretread

I know that a 351C is a heavy bitch already adding to the weight of the vert. I don't really care. I like doing things a bit differently from everyone else. My main goal of this project, as stated before, is to get my hands dirty and to learn. I just don't want to finish the engine and destroy the car. I'm kind of fond of my first Ford.

Any comments or ideas would be appreciated (especially supporting items for the NO2 set up).

immr.mustang

I have an 89 vert with a 383wand I would suggest a roll cage to help with the flex a bit, as I have twisted mine pretty good already without one. I dont care cause I am looking for a notch anyway..should be nasty though. It doesn't have to be heavy either, my car is only 3150ish with me in it(190ish).

wildcobrar

The Cleveland is an easy swap and even more so if you go carbureted. It shares the 5.0 engine mounts and transmission bolt pattern. You will need a rear sump pan(moroso,milodon,canton) all make one and headman or hooker engine swap headers for a Cleveland in a FOX chassis. Really mo different than using a Windsor in a FOX. If you do your homework you will find a Cleveland can be made into an ANIMAL. Trust me, I know. I have one that has stock ported 2V(2 barrel Caburetor heads, the 4V/4 Barrel heads are better) with stock rods and crank with 13cc dish pistons for pump gas compression that runs 10.74@128 in a 3250 pound car. This is an engine that does not have a power adder. All Motor here. Just do your homework and that thing will fly.

Joe

tiretread

Thanks for the replies.

302army187

how did you get a vert down to 3000lbs!?!??!!?!?


i weighed my vert and it was 3570lbs with me in it!!! (im 230lbs)

Bold_Yellow

I'd say do it, you wont twist the frame if you have subframes.

immr.mustang

I'd say don't respond if you don't have a clue what you are talking about! I have full mmr suspension+ k-member etc... and mine IS twisted. None of my pannels that used to line up do any more! 500ft lbs torque + mickey Thompsons did it w/ 1.48 60' times.

tiretread

F@#k it! Twisted frame here I come! lol

Bold_Yellow

EDIT: i wont bother actually.........