Innamoratta GTE

[ProTouring442]

Well, it seems I have been collecting enough parts I thought I should detail my plans and my build.

Last year, I purchased a 1987 LX that had been converted to a 5.0 5-speed. It's a T-Top car with a good body, good paint, and a crap interior.



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/08/366039613_709007267935432_71006309835184-1.jpg


I have a room full of parts I've been buying, everything from a Cobra IRS to better brakes, etc.

In fact, here is my list of planned modifications...



2011-2017 3.7 V6
Jenvey ITBs
6-speed
Holley injection system
Global West front lower arms
Bigger brakes
Z32 Nissan 300ZX front seats
DSE subframe connectors
VHX Dash
Custom front fascia W/flip up headlight doors
Excellent sound system
Leather upholstery


The car will be driven, and I mean driven a lot. I'm also thinking of a custom dash, or using the dash from an '85-'88 Thunderbird.

Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Otherwise, stay tuned to see what all gets thrown at the little car!

[ProTouring442]

Went for a ride with my wife and came home with the Duratec 3.7 and 6-speed from a 2012 Mustang.

208716

[ProTouring442]

Yesterday we picked up a 2005 Mazda RX8. It has a toasted engine, but I want the suspension.



Both the front and rear (IRS) are mounted on fairly low profile subframes, and the width approximates that of the Foxbody Mustang. With a bit of cutting, welding, and other fun stuff, I'm 99% certain I can use them under the Mustang project.



The front is a SLA set up while the IRS is a multi-link type. The same suspension was used under the RX8 and the NC series Miata, and the RX8 weighs around the same as the Foxbody Mustang (in fact, my mustang might weigh less once the all-aluminum V6 is installed).



Should make a Mustang with a good ride that also handles like it's on rails.



Example of the RX8 suspension and subframes.
208921









I had originally decided to make it a faux brand I call "Innamoratta" (as though Innamoratta was an 80s tuner company along the lines of Shelby, Saleen, etc.).



But after giving it some thought, and considering the body mods (front and rear bumpers, spoiler, etc.) I plan on making, I've come up with a better idea. It's going to be a phantom Merkur model. The front bumper, headlights, lower spoiler, will all look much more European when I'm done, as will the overall look of the car. I even came up with a model name and designed a logo.

208922





I think my brain spends far too much time thinking...

[19,69camaro]

I'm interested to see where you go with the rx8 suspension. I have a similar idea for a 260z with a wasted floor pan.

Not to discourage you but I can't help but think that will be a ton of work for little net gain. Cobra IRS basically bolts in all you have to do is slightly modify the rear subframe mount. Then get yourself a good set of coilovers and you will have a fun little car.

btw I have a 89 notch with a cobra IRS so I might be a little biased

[ProTouring442]

I'm interested to see where you go with the rx8 suspension. I have a similar idea for a 260z with a wasted floor pan.

Not to discourage you but I can't help but think that will be a ton of work for little net gain. Cobra IRS basically bolts in all you have to do is slightly modify the rear subframe mount. Then get yourself a good set of coilovers and you will have a fun little car.

btw I have a 89 notch with a cobra IRS so I might be a little biased


There are well known geometry issues with the Cobra IRS (I have one sitting in my storage unit), but the front strut suspension is even worse.

I thought about one of the SLA conversions, but, if I pull this off, this will be way less expensive, and should ride and handle far better than the strut front, Cobra IRS rear.

We'll see, though. I'm no professional fabricator, but I have done some crazy crap in the past that worked well.

[cornfedbill]

This is an interesting build. I am eager to see how it pans out.