1993 Fox Body

[Merritt5]

Figured its time to start a thread on this car.


Picked this car up last year for around $1200. The guy before me swapped in the 5.0 and 5 speed, along with a rear from a 98 stang. Had a little brake issue and need to fix a few small issues.


I completed the 5 lug swapped and upgraded the brakes to sn95 components.


Someone added stop leak to the motor, so I swapped out the heater core and radiator, then flushed it for days!


Here is a few pics from when I picked her up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37098238250_d7e2f26624_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YwfaKq)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37324305732_d0873737cb_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSdPJC)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37353857311_f4b22ceeaf_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YUQhoB)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37098232310_3f564b8ee9_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ywf8Z1)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/36684639203_fef6ba338e_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XTGnan)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37098236840_05f16e7200_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ywfak7)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37098239990_9ef53314bc_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ywfbgq)

[Merritt5]

Here she is with new shoes! They are 18X10's with 285's on all four corners...and I do get a slight rub in the rear

Also swapped that hood with the ugly scoop for a stock one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37098238640_4b0afca5cf_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YwfaS9)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/36684638633_e3bc9d56b9_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XTGmZx)


The swapped hood

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37324309552_81a11a25f1_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSdQSu)

And how she looks now...This was on a trip through the tail of the dragon

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/37353856131_57c3948614_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YUQh3g)

[Merritt5]

Also installed a solid steering shaft after the old rag joint broke on me. Its always a nice feeling when you hear a pop and gain some slack in your steering.

Next on the list is subframe connectors and possible some Datsun Z flares.

Future plans:
For the rear, I a plan to design a 3 link setup and add a panhard bar.

For the motor, I have a lq4 and t56 that I have sitting in my parents garage...along with a 4in crank. So I am on the fence about swapping it into this car or saving it for another project. Decisions decisions

[ManwithNoName]

Very nice! I had a 1991 LX convertible that color with a white top. Loved that car.

[Typhoon1015]

I like it! Looking forward to the results.

[wyattroa]

I miss my LX fox

[andrewb70]

I had a 89 LX 5.0 in that color...good times.

Andrew

[chet]

how did you fit 285's in the front? Nice looking fox

[Merritt5]

how did you fit 285's in the front? Nice looking fox

I rolled the fenders and added 3/8" spacers. It still rubs the frame a little at full lock, but I don't have much problems with it rubbing the fenders.

[Merritt5]

The fuel pump has been screaming for a little while now...so bad I could hear it over the radio! I assume it was the stock unit.

Anyways, I dropped the tank and replaced it with a Walbro 190

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/37307247776_4fc9caffd0_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YQHoZW)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/37324505752_0fb8eee10a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeRcf)

After I got it done, I took it for a drive down the Devils Triangle! :drive:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/37324502252_780fdb2951_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeQ9U)

[Merritt5]

I originally bought the car just to compete in autocross, which was Feb. 2015. I didn't get the car drive-able til Nov. 2016.

Now fast forward to last weekend, first autocross. I'm pumped and ready to go, check the car and everything is fine. I head out early in the morning and drive out to the event. I stop right before I get there and grab some snacks at a gas station. I get in the car and go to start it.....NOTHING!!!!!!! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

I haven't had this problem in the car before, and of all days it could give me problems...it chooses the day of my first autox event! I give it some time and tried to turn it over a few times. Finally, it fired up. :bananna2:

Got my car through tech and walked the course as much as I could. We got to make six runs and it was a blast! :drive: Now, I need more seat time and suspension goodies.


Few photos from the event

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Entering20turn_zpsdlhy8lzj-1.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/whbaseball5/media/Entering%20turn_zpsdlhy8lzj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Exiting20turn_zpsyvkvhkat-1.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/whbaseball5/media/Exiting%20turn_zpsyvkvhkat.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Slalom201_zps7pj3srp3-1.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/whbaseball5/media/Slalom%201_zps7pj3srp3.jpg.html)

[LERM]

Awesome! Looking forward to watching this evolve.

[DrFraZZy]

Nice to see more foxes on this forum. I will be posting my new fox shortly.. once I have more work into it.

[Merritt5]

Been awhile since I've posted an update.

- I changed out the old faded headlights for some new ones...now I can at least see at night.
- Sanded and painted my side mirrors, since no one offers replacement manual mirrors for a fox.
- Had my fan crap out, so I hit the junkyard and picked up a 2-speed contour fan and wired it in to the ignition. I plan on adding a controller to it this winter.
- Finally, welded in some sub-frame connectors

This winter, the plan to build a panhard bar and 3-link for the rear. Along with boxing in the radiator and add some flares to the fenders.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37098470120_6b39aacf41_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YwgmFb)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/25044117998_cb52385889_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ea4DKU)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37324513432_c322b9725b_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeTtE) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37324510892_515f532bb1_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeSHS)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37324509012_b42a921943_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeSas)

Shop dog
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/23502977668_7a7c63f859_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BNSUqU)

He's not the best help lol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37324508792_cfbeb19d5c_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeS6E)

Passenger side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37324512022_7a421475b7_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeT4m)

Driver side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37324512562_690afb6b32_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YSeTdE)


Also, my brother grabbed this awesome shot one morning at my parents house
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/37307301946_42420827c7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YQHF6U)

[Z06killinSBF]

Looks like a fun project. Have you looked into the "poor man's 3 link"?

[Merritt5]

Looks like a fun project. Have you looked into the "poor man's 3 link"?

I have, not a bad way to go if you're just adding a panhard bar, but I'm wanting to free up the rear more.

I thought about a torque arm, but I want to be able to adjust it.

[LERM]

It's amazing how much better fresh headlights make these look. (I need to stop ignoring my faded, cracked stockers)

Devils advocate for the 3 link vs Torque arm idea:
I was blown away at how much a torque arm/panhard improved my fox. Bolting it on with correct pinion angle instantly made the car more capable than my driving could keep up with. No adjustment necessary. TA wont require you lose your rear seat. Lastly, if you're patient, they can be found CHEAP. I thought I got a deal on my older Griggs setup at $300, but I've since seen newer MM stuff in the same ballpark pricewise.

Either way, I'm looking forward to what you come up with, and your cars looking awesome.

[Merritt5]

Got a few updates,

Been working on building a panhard bar and 3-link for the rear. Current I have the rear out and working on removing the upper control arm brackets.


Here is the Panhard bar

Frame mount

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41277182591_9b9c7371c2_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25TwmiV)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41233707032_61706e742c_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25PFwxj)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41233708332_db9b49c2b8_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25PFwVJ)

Trying to get the right angle lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40562811814_ba0670f7d9_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24Np1Lo)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/27404337178_8bc61bc89b_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HKCoG3)


Here is the mount attached to the rear

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/40318437575_43cb734b45_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24qNwPr)

Found out the hard way, that the rear end tubes are not 3in in dia. So I made some shims to fit the 3in clamps I ordered.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/26405353287_5e92f70265_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GemkzR)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/41215076991_601ba2b0b7_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25N33tH)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/26342074767_0c8c4946d8_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G8L25T)


3-link to come a little later



Merritt

[Merritt5]

Finally getting around to updating the thread.

I got the upper torque box out of the car...it was not willing to go freely, so force (and plenty of colorful words) was used.

Plug the spot welds and painted the bottom of the rear. Got started on the upper control arm bracket and getting everything how I wanted it.


Also picked up some Dunlop Z2's in 275/35/18 for $400!!!! Tire rack was running a deal on some older production tires, so I jumped on them.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/40318390325_c0494326c4_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24qNhLM)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/42889276701_c96982c6eb_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28kYKHX)

Bye to this hunk of scrap
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/42170901164_5ffe8c2f62_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27fuTGQ)

Starting on the upper mount and getting it fitted
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/42889243851_fdf33c085a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28kYzXz)

Really digging the gray over the typical black for the underside. Now I can notice if anything cracks or is leaking fluid much easier.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/42889249661_224ac101cc_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28kYBFK)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/41988849115_d18b16f1cd_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26YpPYp)

Now I have an excuse for new wheels!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/42170906524_cc717be6cc_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27fuVif)

[frink84]

nice build. whats the front suspension setup and the offset on the 18x10's? i have 18x10 et22 out back on my 88 fox and would love to run 10's up front. i'm on 94/95 sn95 spindles, cobra brakes, stock 88 fox k-member and a-arms.

[Merritt5]

nice build. whats the front suspension setup and the offset on the 18x10's? i have 18x10 et22 out back on my 88 fox and would love to run 10's up front. i'm on 94/95 sn95 spindles, cobra brakes, stock 88 fox k-member and a-arms.

Offset is +24. Mine is a stock k member and fox length control arms with 94/95 spindles.

I did rub at full lock, but I added a 3/8 spacer.

[Merritt5]

Been awhile since my last update, so here we go.

Got the upper control arm bracket measured out and made, tried to get anywhere from 0 to 15* of adjustment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/42096922030_453437989b_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/278XJhw)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/28968917477_27fb19169e_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/L8TgUr)

Ordered new fuel tank (old one was rusted and leaking) and weight jackers for the rear.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43187420614_0994403c2f_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28NjPwf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43187420604_78a6428890_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28NjPw5)

Got the brackets and weight jackers welded up and in the car!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43187414164_86bc39e33d_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28NjMB3)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43001291745_c35ce9d830_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28vSRTP)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/28968894697_bd34228df0_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/L8Ta8F)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/30036396358_2a16100d34_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MLdobJ)

Luckily, the weight jackers are accessible and hidden.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43924290192_1a84f9fc52_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29Vrtb9)

Got everything assembled and back into the car...(I know, I should have painted the rear while it was out)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/28968878937_91fe973b4a_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/L8T5rX)



Couple issues I did run into;

- Panhard bar hit the roll bar (thought it was good, but nope). No problem though, I just moved the roll bar forward an inch.

- The upper link clamp rotated on a test drive, I ended up welding the bottom half of the clamp to the rear.


After I fixed all that, I got the car out and ran an autocross
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/43967701762_3e380217a3_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29ZgXVu)


Car felt much better. Need to play around with some adjustments and see what the car likes.

Overall, I'm happy at the moment. Finally getting the car out and beating on it was a blast.

[Merritt5]

Got some new wheels! 18x10.5 on all corners.

The fronts were rubbing at full lock and with a spacer (can't remember the spacer thickness off the top of my head) and I didn't have enough wheel stud to feel safe.
So longer wheel studs are in the future.

Put the old wheels back on and hit the local autocross and I was able to get a shot of the rear suspension during one of my runs. Check it out!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/29804132157_a00dde04cb_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MpFY8x)



https://youtu.be/N33C2l9X9xc

[LERM]

Really cool stuff! Love that its all home built.

[frink84]

watched the video, really cool to see the system work. I was wondering why you kept the dogbone on the front of the diff. Usually everybody pulls it off as one of those "free" first mods.

[Merritt5]

Really cool stuff! Love that its all home built.

Thanks, and I dig the SLA on your fox!


watched the video, really cool to see the system work. I was wondering why you kept the dogbone on the front of the diff. Usually everybody pulls it off as one of those "free" first mods.

Its got a small vibration somewhere in the driveline and when I had it off it made it worse. The U-joints are fine, so I'll be pulling the driveshaft to check and see if it's out of balance.

I had this issue before the change, but just slip my mind when I had the car apart.

[Boosted Falcon]

Next time at NCM look me up, stop in the Holley Tower and ask for Mitch Wright.