I am looking at the recent photos and it seems like it a long way to go before you can say that this restoration build is over. The progress looks nice, I am excited to see more of your work for this classic Cougar.
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I am looking at the recent photos and it seems like it a long way to go before you can say that this restoration build is over. The progress looks nice, I am excited to see more of your work for this classic Cougar.
I returned from LS Fest on Monday and am finally getting back to my regular schedule. What a trip!
I was gone for ten days and a lot of things happened, so bear with me as I get things posted in some cohesive order. The adventure started around the 30th of August with my friend BA, who has this beautiful 66 Fairlane that he built with his father and son a few years back.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9198...b9d17d1.md.jpg
On August the 30th he got a care package from Pace Performance. In case you don't recognize this engine, it is a LSx454 GM crate engine.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/917e...515d484.md.jpg
Out came his LS3...Does my picture of the intake start to make sense now?
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9189...d4735ee.md.jpg
This is a picture of the Fairlane after we drove it for the first time and did some tuning on it. Sadly, I do not have any more progress pictures, but this swap was done in a few days.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9200...14619eb.md.jpg
To be continued...
I drove my Cougar from the Kansas City area to the Chicago area on Saturday, September 4th. The next day we rolled the Cougar into the garage to begin the process of removing my 5.3L and installing the LS3.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9218...c94e108.md.jpg
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/922e...c2522c7.md.jpg
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9239...7de7a9f.md.jpg
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/924e...a871b9c.md.jpg
With everything removed, transmission pulled, it was time to take out the old engine to make room for more horsetorques...
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9255...48df162.md.jpg
Once the 5.3L was pulled, we started moving everything over from the 5.3L to the LS3. This included the exhaust manifolds, valley cover, accessories, oilpan, etc...The plan was to reuse my old clutch, but when we pulled the old clutch apart, it was obvious that the disk was a little thin. We managed to track down a new disk and pressure plate locally.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/926b...814c3d4.md.jpg
Here is the LS3 with all of the parts bolted to it, ready to go in its new home. We used the new balancer from the LSx454.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9271...def3ee4.md.jpg
Here is BA, doing his awesome best. Without his help, this would not have been possible. He is a beast with the wrenches.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/928d...d35e4ea.md.jpg
LS3 in its new home, resting between the fenders of my Cougar. Its even Ford blue...BA has a sense of humor.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9299...27a639d.md.jpg
Everything installed, trans back in, ready for the new intake base with the old upper part.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/09/15/9308...a49ad35.md.jpg
To be continued...
That's killer man!
I like the ford blue LS3 and I dig that Fairlane.
Great update! Did you move over the Ghost cam too?
Thanks! Overall, I am very pleased with how everything turned out.Quote:
Originally Posted by ryeguy2006a
I always busted BA's balls for painting the LS3, and of course, I end up with it...:rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Zachalanche
We did not have time to mess around with a cam swap, and there was no reason for it. The LS3 already had a BTR Stage 2 LS3 cam in it with upgraded springs and pushrods. It's a runner...Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Dorion
Besides, I think I have other plans for that 5.3L with the Ghost cam...:secret:
Andrew
very cool
How s the cougar doing with the LS3?
The LS3 has noticeably more torque and a lot more top end power.Quote:
Originally Posted by DrFraZZy
I have been driving it as my primary vehicle and it is a lot of fun. The other day I installed two of the new Holley Retrobrite 5.75" headlights. I only installed them in the outer position, which is both low beams, and high beams. The difference is incredible. I am trying to post some pictures, but hostmyjunk seems to be having issues at the moment. I will post pictures when I can.
Andrew
Sweet!
Very cool , You like to keep busy don't you ? lol
In preparation for LS Fest in September, I got a few things done on the Cougar. I was getting a little tired of the bug catcher and the filters needed to be replaced anyway, so I decided to go for a slightly different look.
The bug catcher was removed and the stud had to be extended a little bit. My buddy Vic whipped up a littler threaded collar and extension added.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/27/933.md.jpg
These are some Summit brand velocity stacks with 8" filters. Vic also made the nuts out of hex stock.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/27/934.md.jpg
We'll see how I like this for a while....
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/27/935.md.jpg
Next up was some dent improvement. Vic had one of these hydraulic rams. We braced it against the frame rails on the passenger side.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/27/936.md.jpg
Here is Vic working out the details...
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/27/937.md.jpg
It is far from straight, but definitely much improved.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/27/938.md.jpg
More updates to come in a few days.
Andrew
Looking great Andrew!
I was getting tired of the steel wheels look, but didn't want to spend a fortune on wheels. I found what are basically Cobra replica wheels, made by Scott Drake. I ordered some 15x7 wheels with 4.25" of back spacing. I was a little worried that the 235/60-15s wouldn't fit in the front, but they are perfect!
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/29/939.md.jpg
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/29/940.md.jpg
I ordered two more tires and the back wheels will be on next week.
Andrew
- - - Updated - - -
I was getting tired of the steel wheels look, but didn't want to spend a fortune on wheels. I found what are basically Cobra replica wheels, made by Scott Drake. I ordered some 15x7 wheels with 4.25" of back spacing. I was a little worried that the 235/60-15s wouldn't fit in the front, but they are perfect!
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/29/939.md.jpg
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/07/29/940.md.jpg
I ordered two more tires and the back wheels will be on next week.
Andrew
That's a perfect fitment if you ask me. Love the gold wheels, they really compliment the car.
Wheels look great, and I like the new look with the velocity stacks.
Thanks Wayne. I will post more pictures once I get the rear wheels and tires installed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Motown 454
Andrew
Looks great Andrew!
Thanks David!Quote:
Originally Posted by David Sloan
I am just about ready for LS Fest 2022 in Bowling Green, KY. The rear tires showed up on Monday and the rear wheels were mounted.
https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/08/11/941.md.jpg
The only thing left to do is move the CalTrak bars to the upper hole to see if I can get a little more traction at the track. I will bring the gold Rocket Racing rear wheels with the MT drag radials to the track.
Andrew