$5000 budget Mustang

[PhillipM]

Does the LS7 come with Forged pistons standard or were those hypereutetics like other LS motors?

-matt

They come with hypereutetics.. That is why Katech does so many forged piston conversions. I remember when we originally got our LS7 the guys basically said if you plan on beating on it with repeated high rpms a piston swap was a necesity.. Like Ron said, it is hard to know what the previous owner of the engine did to it, but this is really unfortunate.

I would say the best route to go would be to rebuild the LS7. New block/crank/pistons/rods and return this beast to it's prior glory! Even if it takes extra time. I just hate throwing money at an engine that will just be a temporary solution. Seems like a waste.

[ace_xp2]

Those heads ls7 heads may bolt on to an ls3:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/genera...-bolt-ls3.html
Though the exhaust valve proximity may hurt flow too much (Do ls7 heads have low exhaust flow like l92s?). Anyways, a little valve clearance work on an LS3 shortblock could get you running again with a fair bit of power. Might be a little difficult to find compared to a ls1/2/5.3 though.

[Ron S]

Just got back into town after my daughters wedding, it was nice not thinking about cars for a few days. First I just wanted to thank everyone who called or emailed, you'd have thought a person died instead of an engine. Thanks guys

Will probably start on the sheetmetal ASAP, still looking for some engine stuff, have seriously been looking at Ford stuff, still cost too much.

[SVTforme]

Awful news Ron - glad to see that you are OK. I am sure you will have another engine built, installed and running again before most of us can swap out a set of wheels and tires . It always amazes me how fast you get things back together again and running in no time flat.

[Ron S]

Picking up some sheet metal today, have a few leads on a couple of power plants.

[RS_Customs]

Picking up some sheet metal today, have a few leads on a couple of power plants.

LS power plants?

Robert

[dusterbd13]

stroked pushrod small block fords with turbos?

[Ron S]

I'm pretty sure it will be LS powered, once again to get to the power level that I had, I'd have to spend way too much to go Ford.

I did start ripping off some old sheetmetal, used the hillbilly frame machine(a Jeep with a winch) to pull the metal around. Can't get over how ridgid the chassis was and how straight it kept the car. I'm convinced that a stock bodied Mustang would have blown the back window out, and been shaped like a taco. I guess its english wheel time.

[RS_Customs]

haha wow buddy that looks like some fun! I've used 1 poor mans puller, but not 2 lol.

Glad your sticking with the LS idea, it's one of many cool things about your car!

Robert

[srh3trinity]

New rear valence? Shelby tail lights? I am glad for your sake that your fab skills not only made a cool car, but a safe one.

[PhillipM]

Nice to see you fixing it so quickly Ron!

[monteboy84]

As far as track wrecks go, that looks pretty minimal. Glad to see it's not more severe than that. When you're touching up the paint you'll be happy you didn't go with a metallic or some kind of 3-stage ;)

-matt

[Chad-1stGen]

That is pure win Ron. For the majority of us on PT.com if we posted this pic, we'd get laughed right off the board. With your skills we just become more impressed!

Two whinches, a floor jack and a metal stabalizer bar thing. Too funny

[Gitter Dun]

Wow, that sucks. Sorry to see this. The only thing I could think of saying to better the sitch is it could have been worse. Hope you have an easy time putting it back together.

[Ron S]

That is pure win Ron. For the majority of us on PT.com if we posted this pic, we'd get laughed right off the board. With your skills we just become more impressed!

Two whinches, a floor jack and a metal stabalizer bar thing. Too funny

The crazy part is, I have full access to a state of the art frame machine anytime I want, but after measuring the car there was truely no need. The damage was all just sheetmetal, thank God. The hillbilly frame machine kind of goes with the budget theme don't you think?, and it made me laugh. Ron

[SicMonte]

Where have I been???? I had no idea the $5000 mustang thread was Ron's!! It's time for me to get out from under this rock.

Ron it was great to meet you at RTTS and it really sucks to see what happened to your car. At least you are ok though!

[vanzuuk1]

Awesome!

[Ron S]

I thought I posted these already, apparently I didn't.
http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/C...45716649_fgW7V

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

[Rotary]

I just wanted to say i really love the bare bones approach to your mustang. I have a 66 i built around ten years ago for strip duty and i've grown tired of the poor handling even with aftermarket components. I like the idea of putting a frame under it, ive wrenched for a shop for years but i think its time to learn to weld. Did i notice you ran your exhaust through the frame? Did you have to reinforce that area or is it of minimal concern?