Dubstep Shep
WUB WUB VROOM VROOM
Well guys, seeing as I'm finally getting the ball rolling on my projects, I figured it would be a good idea to start a build thread.
This is going to be a constant work in progress, and likely I'll be updating this thread for years to come. I'll update this post as necessary if my posts get lost on down the line.
NEW UPDATE 8/21/13
To start, I'll introduce myself and my baby.
My real name is Wade, and I'm at the time of this posting a Mechanical Engineering senior at the University of Oklahoma. I've been into cars since I was a little kid, and have always loved good 'ol American Muscle. I'm about as OCD and Anal Retentive as they come, and I'm also a Grammar Nazi. As an engineer I find thoroughness and perfectionism befit me, and I apply that mentality to my everyday life and vehicles as well.
My Mustang is a 2008 Mustang Bullitt #4054. My dad and I bought the car back in February of 2009. We bought a front clip from a 2006 mustang and cannibalized the frame and body to repair this one. The local Ford dealership did the frame and body work; all the mechanical stuff my dad and I did. In any case, the car was repaired by July 2009, and basically sat in the garage for four years. We just recently sold my truck in June 2013 and my dad gave me the mustang. Needless to say I hit the ground running looking for things to improve on it. Because it's a rebuilt title, I can't really sell the car, and so I've decided I'm keeping it until the wheels fall off. And then I'll just get new wheels.
Before
After
I'm sure some of you guys recognize Jim's car. That'll come up later hehehe.
Now onto my build. Basically, I'm planning two basic build stages.
Stage 1 is an all around build at a entry level. My goal is a daily driver that can tear it up at the track as well. The goal is to reach a point where I've done just about everything I can without choosing to go down the dedicated track car route or the awesome street car route. Basically Stage 1 ends at that fork in the road.
Stage 2 will be a ways down the road, probably at least five to ten years, and I'm still not 100% sure I want to do it. If I do, I'll be rebuilding my motor and spending some serious money; probably in pursuit of a true track monster or a mean street machine
I'll breakdown my Stage 1 plans here:
Department of Boost Supercharger system:
Jim (Crown Aviation) got me started on this one. I did a ton of research for a couple months and finally pulled the trigger on a DOB kit. I bought a few extras, got my gauges installed, etc., and then got the SC system installed August 16th-18th. Still working on some kinks from the original wreck that were never caught, so I'll update when those electrical gremlins have been exterminated. Found the wiring that was never repaired from the wreck and got in done. Runs perfectly now. Not sure about the knock sensors, I need to datalog to check.
Overall, I FREAKING LOVE THIS SYSTEM, AND JIM IS AWESOME. Why?
The cost of the kit is lower than basically every other positive displacement SC system out there.
The kit can be upgraded to serious HP numbers later on; Jim is running like 750 RWHP without NOS.
You get to build the kit. For some that's a downside, but for me I want to have a hand and an eye on everything that goes on with my car. Jim did the install and did a fantastic job, and I helped some. With anything like this there are going to be things that cause problems, but he had no trouble at all resolving them. The problems with the AC, Temp, and knock are from the original wreck, not the system or Jim's work.
It's reliable. You'd never know my car had a SC based on it's mannerisms or drive-ability until you put your foot into it. I LOVE IT!
I need to get a new clutch now though hehehe.
Griggs Racing Street Suspension:
I've also been in kahoots with Griggs racing talking to them about a full Short/Long Arm system. I'm not wanting to fork over over $8,000 for suspension for my Stage 1 build though, so they suggested the SS system. Likely I'll be ordering that system piece mail over the next couple years. I'd like to have it done within about two years of completing my SC system. Right now I have the adjustable LCAs, Torque arm, and Watts link ordered and paid for. I'm just waiting for them to ship.
Current State:
Department of Boost Supercharger Kit - Complete!
Gear Swap
I'm going back to 3.55 gears from the current 4.10s I have. I'll be keeping stock rubber for now, so I felt going back that far is necessary to keep tires on it. Plus I hate the road and engine noise from 4.10s. Ordered the gear replacement kit from American Muscle. Now I just need to find the time, tools, and expertise to try this myself lol. Likely I'll recruit my friend who did all the work on his 600+hp 2004 Cobra.
Prothane Bushings
I originally bought new Prothane Engine mounts to lower my engine. Reason being I wanted to make sure the SC would clear the unique Bullitt cross brace that has the VIN and 4054 production number. Unfortunately, I discovered I can't lower my engine with the JBA Shorty headers I have on there now so I left the mounts at stock height. Even more unfortunately, the cross brace won't fit over the intake from the SC. I'm going to look into other avenues, like different or even a custom cross brace, or perhaps replace the headers and shave the mounts. A lot here that's tabled for later work; I want the cross brace but it isn't a pressing matter
I also bought a full Prothane Bushing Kit. I'm not a fan of rubber bushings, and I've always felt that Bushings are a good place to start on suspension as well. Unfortunately, It's going to be awhile before I can get around to installing these. It's quite an undertaking apparently.
Clutch
Literally just got the SC in and I need to resolve the knock sensor issue when possible.
So that about wraps it up for right now. I peruse the forum almost daily for info related to these projects, but if any of you guys have any pertinent info or suggestions, I'm always more than happy to hear what you have to say.
Cheers!
This is going to be a constant work in progress, and likely I'll be updating this thread for years to come. I'll update this post as necessary if my posts get lost on down the line.
NEW UPDATE 8/21/13
To start, I'll introduce myself and my baby.
My real name is Wade, and I'm at the time of this posting a Mechanical Engineering senior at the University of Oklahoma. I've been into cars since I was a little kid, and have always loved good 'ol American Muscle. I'm about as OCD and Anal Retentive as they come, and I'm also a Grammar Nazi. As an engineer I find thoroughness and perfectionism befit me, and I apply that mentality to my everyday life and vehicles as well.
My Mustang is a 2008 Mustang Bullitt #4054. My dad and I bought the car back in February of 2009. We bought a front clip from a 2006 mustang and cannibalized the frame and body to repair this one. The local Ford dealership did the frame and body work; all the mechanical stuff my dad and I did. In any case, the car was repaired by July 2009, and basically sat in the garage for four years. We just recently sold my truck in June 2013 and my dad gave me the mustang. Needless to say I hit the ground running looking for things to improve on it. Because it's a rebuilt title, I can't really sell the car, and so I've decided I'm keeping it until the wheels fall off. And then I'll just get new wheels.
Before
After
I'm sure some of you guys recognize Jim's car. That'll come up later hehehe.
Now onto my build. Basically, I'm planning two basic build stages.
Stage 1 is an all around build at a entry level. My goal is a daily driver that can tear it up at the track as well. The goal is to reach a point where I've done just about everything I can without choosing to go down the dedicated track car route or the awesome street car route. Basically Stage 1 ends at that fork in the road.
Stage 2 will be a ways down the road, probably at least five to ten years, and I'm still not 100% sure I want to do it. If I do, I'll be rebuilding my motor and spending some serious money; probably in pursuit of a true track monster or a mean street machine
I'll breakdown my Stage 1 plans here:
Department of Boost Supercharger system:
Jim (Crown Aviation) got me started on this one. I did a ton of research for a couple months and finally pulled the trigger on a DOB kit. I bought a few extras, got my gauges installed, etc., and then got the SC system installed August 16th-18th. Still working on some kinks from the original wreck that were never caught, so I'll update when those electrical gremlins have been exterminated. Found the wiring that was never repaired from the wreck and got in done. Runs perfectly now. Not sure about the knock sensors, I need to datalog to check.
Overall, I FREAKING LOVE THIS SYSTEM, AND JIM IS AWESOME. Why?
The cost of the kit is lower than basically every other positive displacement SC system out there.
The kit can be upgraded to serious HP numbers later on; Jim is running like 750 RWHP without NOS.
You get to build the kit. For some that's a downside, but for me I want to have a hand and an eye on everything that goes on with my car. Jim did the install and did a fantastic job, and I helped some. With anything like this there are going to be things that cause problems, but he had no trouble at all resolving them. The problems with the AC, Temp, and knock are from the original wreck, not the system or Jim's work.
It's reliable. You'd never know my car had a SC based on it's mannerisms or drive-ability until you put your foot into it. I LOVE IT!
I need to get a new clutch now though hehehe.
Griggs Racing Street Suspension:
I've also been in kahoots with Griggs racing talking to them about a full Short/Long Arm system. I'm not wanting to fork over over $8,000 for suspension for my Stage 1 build though, so they suggested the SS system. Likely I'll be ordering that system piece mail over the next couple years. I'd like to have it done within about two years of completing my SC system. Right now I have the adjustable LCAs, Torque arm, and Watts link ordered and paid for. I'm just waiting for them to ship.
Current State:
Department of Boost Supercharger Kit - Complete!
Gear Swap
I'm going back to 3.55 gears from the current 4.10s I have. I'll be keeping stock rubber for now, so I felt going back that far is necessary to keep tires on it. Plus I hate the road and engine noise from 4.10s. Ordered the gear replacement kit from American Muscle. Now I just need to find the time, tools, and expertise to try this myself lol. Likely I'll recruit my friend who did all the work on his 600+hp 2004 Cobra.
Prothane Bushings
I originally bought new Prothane Engine mounts to lower my engine. Reason being I wanted to make sure the SC would clear the unique Bullitt cross brace that has the VIN and 4054 production number. Unfortunately, I discovered I can't lower my engine with the JBA Shorty headers I have on there now so I left the mounts at stock height. Even more unfortunately, the cross brace won't fit over the intake from the SC. I'm going to look into other avenues, like different or even a custom cross brace, or perhaps replace the headers and shave the mounts. A lot here that's tabled for later work; I want the cross brace but it isn't a pressing matter
I also bought a full Prothane Bushing Kit. I'm not a fan of rubber bushings, and I've always felt that Bushings are a good place to start on suspension as well. Unfortunately, It's going to be awhile before I can get around to installing these. It's quite an undertaking apparently.
Clutch
Literally just got the SC in and I need to resolve the knock sensor issue when possible.
So that about wraps it up for right now. I peruse the forum almost daily for info related to these projects, but if any of you guys have any pertinent info or suggestions, I'm always more than happy to hear what you have to say.
Cheers!
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