New 78 Mustang Build

[ForGotN78]

My first time here or any site. just want imput on what is best for building a pro touring car. I know this is a hard build but have kept it since college way back in 90's, so now I will try to make it unforgettable and respectable. Hello

[Space Dynamics]

Hello! Tell us more about the car, pictures too! Don't see very many mustangII's like, ever.

[Red67Mustang]

I had a '76 Cobra II as my first car. Super fun to drive and good handling compared to early models.

I've always thought the proportions of the car were good but the front wheels needed to be pushed forward. They did that on this custom build and IMHO is a large part of why this one looks so cool:

http://www.stangtv.com/features/car-features/a-mustang-ii-we-can-all-respect/

[jakespeeds]

The best car to build is the one you have. I love the Mustang II and think they are way too overlooked. This is still one of the coolest cars I have ever seen. Would love to know who owns it or more information about it.

Jake

[J-440]

Heck yeah man do it! Put bigger fender flares and bigger spoilers on it. I'm not saying go all "Corvette Summer" on it though. (You youngsters go and check out that flick!!). Maybe copy an IMSA car from the 70's. Definitly would be different.

[ForGotN78]

Mine has the same stance as the one pic, don't know exactly how to post pic but will soon this is the beginning of the build. Going with 351 w, T 5, Already have 9 inch rearend installed with disc brakes. Building T5 now.Thinking about options on cam, heads and intake . Already have pro injection for it.

[alcino]

It doesn't take much to make these fun. Just like anything though the more competitive you want to be the more work and or money you'll need to invest.

If autox/canyon carving will be your thing my budget recommendation on suspension is: All new bushings/joints(polyurethane), performance alignment, quality shocks(ridetech/bilstein/kyb), sway bars if your car doesn't have them, and probably most importantly a quality set of tires(200 treadwear variant). Some other budget things that require some fabrication skills are subframe connectors, lowering the car(cut coil/blocks), and a panhardBar/wattsLink.

If you want to do trackdays you don't have to but you will want better brakes(bigger rotors/better pad compound/hitemp fluid/steelbraid lines) and much more power.

I want to give you fair warning that the 351w is going to make some things like headers, air cleaners and oilpans tough to near impossible to fit without surgery of the hood, enginebay and inner wheelwells. It's really cramped with the 302 as it is. Looking back most if not all people who have done the 351 in a II conversion would have rather have just stroked a 302. Also if you use the typical (157t)t-5 bellhousing there will be minor fitment issues(trans tunnel area clearance, fork to exhaust clearance, trans mount relocated). I have done the t-5 and can give further details.

Since you are thinking about engine components I would recommend(for autox) a dualplane intake, any performance head is better than factory by far, and get a mild cam with a broad powerband. This is so the car has the ability to negotiate slow turns and power down a straightaway without needing to up/down shift. Rear gearing may need to be adjusted to aid this. Lots of power here just makes the car harder to control.

Anyway I could go on. Hopefully I helped a bit and if you want more details or have more question don't hesitate to ask. There are some older threads with good info so try searching key words mustang ii or pinto.

[cpd004]

I too like Mustang II's. Good luck and definitely looking forward to pics!

[DarkBuddha]

If you're looking for inspiration, you might check out A-Team Racing's "Mustang Evolution":

[PT Sportwagon]

The best car to build is the one you have. I love the Mustang II and think they are way too overlooked. This is still one of the coolest cars I have ever seen. Would love to know who owns it or more information about it.

Jake

Same with me. That is one bad ass looking Mustang II. I have thought about building one myself. My wife's first car was a MII.

Tim

[ForGotN78]

I seen another post of someone building a pro touring II, this is what I plan as well. As posted building a II is full of road blocks but I am going to do it. Currently working and looking for fuel cell options. But still need real info on T5 Swap. I think the 86 T5 I have with longer 94 input shaft and modern drive line spacer with short throw shifter will fit in current hole. Rebuilding with upgrades and .80 fifth gear. Also have a 95 T5. Any sources or contacts welcome. Tried to do 3 link out of later stang but so far staying with upgrades Eaton springs and rear sliders. Will Send pic as soon as wife shows me how.

[jakespeeds]

I was over at Stevie's garage about 6 months ago in Simi Valley. He was doing a T5 swap on a MKII King Cobra. If I remember right the biggest headache was that the engine did not sit center in the car with the V8. It was causing a number of issues he was working on.

Jake

[ForGotN78]

This is with 15 inch wheels and 45 series tires, Old school, will probably go with 17 inch wheels in the end. This Is also with Eaton rear leaf springs ordered to my specs.

[ForGotN78]

Any Other Mustang II Builders.

[Red67Mustang]

Definitely need the larger tires and wheel arches too. Any thought to lengthening the wheelbase by pushing the front wheels forward?

[feeble]

Definitely need the larger tires and wheel arches too. Any thought to lengthening the wheelbase by pushing the front wheels forward?

Just don't go as far as the Mustang Evolution SEMA car did. I love the car but the wheelbase stretched too much in the front for my taste. I would have moved it a couple inches in the back and 5 to 7 inches in the front.

[Nothingface5384]

that Evolution looks bad ass