The SN65 project car

[GT2K]

Yeah 20fwhp is hardly worth the $750 plus 8 hours it takes to get LTHs onto a late model. At least when you compare that to the $300 plus 30 minutes they take on an early one

Uh yeah, takes that long when you have the whole car apart and installing things fresh... not even that long anyway. Also, the nicer '03/04 headers actually are pieced for quicker install.

 

[SN65]

Hi All,

Yesterday we installed the LDC Chicago cooling mod.

What a nice piece of work. I am VERY impressed with this well thought out engine modification. Where Apten just gives you $30 worth of parts (for $125) and leaves all the custom modifications to you, LDC Chicago actually put some thought into supplying a totally engineered product.

If you want to view a detailed discussion on the product follow the link below.
http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165799&page=3&pp=25

Also, yesterday I was working on installing the gas tank / fuel system. I ran into a bit of a hiccup when I realized we (Bob) broke the small check valve off the bottom of the filler neck. :-( We did install the carbon canister and finished the brake line, anti-lock break sensor hookups.

On the negative side, I made a slight miscalculation on the installation of the rear wheel impact lock system. These are the mechanical assemblies that impale the rear tires in the event of a heavy impact from the rear, stopping the car from rolling after the impact. I can install the device, but it would be tied to the rear frame rails and not the rear bumper reinforcement. Making this change will greatly alter their operation to the point where I am afraid they would become useless. That being the case, we are not going to install these devices. :-(

On the positive side...

The clutch has arrived, the clutch has arrived, the clutch has arrived!!! Yes the clutch has arrived and we can assemble the trans and the motor and bolt up the K member and install the power-plant at long last.

Well, I would love to tell you more, but I really have to get to work. Catch ya'll l8r.

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[reenmachine]

These are the mechanical assemblies that impale the rear tires in the event of a heavy impact from the rear, stopping the car from rolling after the impact.

Interesting -- I've never heard of that. I know you're going for the total OEM thing, but would you really feel that bad about leaving that system off?

 

[68rustang]

Interesting -- I've never heard of that. I know you're going for the total OEM thing, but would you really feel that bad about leaving that system off?

I have never heard of it either. I would be interested in seeing pics though.

 

[SN65]

I was actually thinking the same thing when I saw that. Someone definitely pulled them out for themselves for EBAY. Make a convertible SN65. Would that even be possible??

Hi M,

Yes, I could make a convertable, but I am thinking that a 65 fastback with "T" tops would be a better way to go.

How does that sound. An SN65 fastback with "T" tops. Or maybe a Targa top? Or instead of a normal convertable, how about making a convertable out of the 65 fastback body style? Yeah, a SN65 convertable that looks like a fastback when the roof is closed.

Hummm. Maybe I had to much coffee this morning.

Catch ya'll l8r.

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[SN65]

Interesting -- I've never heard of that. I know you're going for the total OEM thing, but would you really feel that bad about leaving that system off?

Hi RM,

Actually, yes, I do feel a little bad. I wanted to include every mechanical and electrical function from the 03 Cobra. That was my goal and now, I will always feel like I fell a little short of my goal. I thought I had the toughest problems solved (all the structural issues, the problems with the windshield wipers, the 03 dash, etc...). This is a simple mechanical device and I bet that it is the only device that keeps me from my goal.

I could just install them and tell myself that "yes, all the mechanical and electrical features are installed", but that would be a hollow victory in that I would know that they were not truly functional. Also it is a little known device that most people don't even realize are there. I could still tell everybody that "All the mechanical and electrical features are installed and functional" and even if they did not realize that this function was not included in the car, I would know.

So, you are right. It is a minor issue, but I am having difficulty dealing with the fact that a minor issue such as this, has kicked my ass and sent me home crying to my Mommy. (It must be an ego thing)

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[SN65]

Hi All,

I hope that 4" is enough ground clearance, because that is where we are at right now. Man does this car look low. Real low. Low, Low Low. How low, you ask??? Real freakin low!!!

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[darkness falls]

Looking great SN65

 

[Jester67]

Hi RM,

Actually, yes, I do feel a little bad. I wanted to include every mechanical and electrical function from the 03 Cobra. That was my goal and now, I will always feel like I fell a little short of my goal.
So, you are right. It is a minor issue, but I am having difficulty dealing with the fact that a minor issue such as this, has kicked my ass and sent me home crying to my Mommy. (It must be an ego thing)
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

I know what you mean. Even thought no one could ever fault you and most would think it is a nit picky thing. Those people are not the kind of person that puts a man on the moon. Some times it’s just not right until its right. Follow your hard, you have made the right choices up until now, so I know that what ever choice you make it will be the right one.

 

[GT2K]

Any closeup pics of those driprails or lack of driprails?

 

[TT670]

I know what you mean. Even thought no one could ever fault you and most would think it is a nit picky thing. Those people are not the kind of person that puts a man on the moon. Some times it’s just not right until its right. Follow your hard, you have made the right choices up until now, so I know that what ever choice you make it will be the right one.

Based on what I know about NASA, those are exactly the type of people who put man on the moon. LOL

 

[reenmachine]

Based on what I know about NASA, those are exactly the type of people who put man on the moon. LOL

Having been a NASA engineer, I must agree!

Sometimes you just have to go for it and "light that candle!"





Alghough, like SN65 wants, we did have systems on board to destroy the spacecraft if things went awry...

 

[SN65]

Hi All,

Here is a photo of the car with Wayne as a height reference (Wayne is 6'-1" tall). We will publish the actual clearances after we have the car on all four wheels.

We have installed the gas tank and connected all the lines. We noticed that there is a connection on the top of the gas tank that is not connected to anything (see photo). The best we can determine is that it is a safety release valve. Anyone know for sure?

Also, I have included a shot of the modified drip rail areas. It is hard to tell in the photo, but the finished detail will be very similar to that found around the fastback "C" pillar vents.

I am currently assembling the trans, etc... More photos will follow.

Catch ya'll l8r.

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[SN65]

Hi All,

Yesterday we got the trans modified with a new D&D 26 spline input shaft. We installed the new CenterForce flywheel, clutch, pressure plate and throughout bearing.

What a project...

After a lot of fiddling about, we finally got everything bolted up and installed properly. Note to self. ALWAYS READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS AND ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS. Also, ALWAYS HAVE THE FACTORY SHOP MANUAL HANDY AND REVIEW IT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. That is all I am going to say on the topic. You can't make me say any more.

Today we install the engine, trans etc... Wo Hoo

Catch ya'll l8r.

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[Stang2Man]

In all seriousness if you were to attempt this type of project again, would a coupe present any easily recognized problems versus what the fastback body has showed to you? Or would it be a little easier to tackle?

 

[SN65]

In all seriousness if you were to attempt this type of project again, would a coupe present any easily recognized problems versus what the fastback body has showed to you? Or would it be a little easier to tackle?

Hi S2M,

I really don't think that there would be much of a difference at all. We have not started on the interior yet, but I believe that would be the only real difference. The greatest challenge would be fitting the coups rear seats. Right now, for this project, we are deleating the rear seats in favor of a package tray setup.

Catch ya'll l8r.

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[SN65]

Hi All,

This is going to be real tight!!!

Will the valve covers clear the frame rails? Will the steering linkage line up as designed? Will the repositioned front suspension cause any problems (the connections for the hydralic lines are now 7" farther forward than the factory design)? How far will the engine "stick up" through the hood? Did we make a mistake when we relocated the motor mounts? If the engine hits the firewall, I am going to shoot myself...

Tune in next week to "SN65 The Series" and find out. We will be busy going over all the mechanical and electrical assemblies this weekend. Monday I will be posting photos of the installed drivetrain. Until then, here is a little preview.

Bob
Come see this WIP at
Julian's Collision Center
http://www.julianscollisioncenter.com/

 

[caballo]

just found the thread... wow.

 

[Alarus]

been following this thread for a cupple weeks and am really looking forward to seeing the finished product, i would love to be able to do that kind of stuff.

 

[1320stang]

just found the thread... wow.

You should have seen what you missed before the Great Sever Crash of '05.