71-73 everything is stock

[123FRANK321]

If you had a perfect stock (like it came off the assembly line) 71-73 what changes, if any would be on your must due ASAP list?

 

[Austin Vert]

Hi Frank,

The first important decision i would make, would be to decide what i wanted to end up doing with the car into the future. Keep it and strictly leave it stock, or keep it, own it, and make any mods or changes to the car that my heart desired.

If i chose to make changes, the first would be to upgrade the wheels and tires for a better look.

Greg.

 

[Luke]

wheels tyres, Pipes. Then basic engine mods petronix, timing set and a new carb and manifold.

 

[Bellini]

My '71 is factory stock, although she's in the workshop for servicing and a few upgrades.

So, she's getting an uprated front anti-roll bar, Koni gas shocks, ceramic coated 'shorty' headers with a Flowmaster exhaust system and electronic ignition inside a 'stock' distributor housing.

Only the exhaust will look different from 'factory spec' and the aim is to keep her looking factory original in every other way.

 

[protouringstang73]

My '71 is factory stock, although she's in the workshop for servicing and a few upgrades.

So, she's getting an uprated front anti-roll bar, Koni gas shocks, ceramic coated 'shorty' headers with a Flowmaster exhaust system and electronic ignition inside a 'stock' distributor housing.

Only the exhaust will look different from 'factory spec' and the aim is to keep her looking factory original in every other way.

Where have you purchased the Koni shocks and which type is it?

I would say the same, change the wheels and tires and exhaust system, and then some minor mods to the driveline

 

[Bellini]

No idea, Daniel. It's with my specialist, but I'll check and let you know. I do know they're adjustable shocks.

 

[will e]

Tires, hoses, belts.

If I really had a completely stock one I wouldn't change much.

Petronix to get rid of the points but keep the stock look. If everything else was functioning I probably wouldn't change anything.

 

[protouringstang73]

No idea, Daniel. It's with my specialist, but I'll check and let you know. I do know they're adjustable shocks.

Thank you, I will appreciate that! The Koni's are not easy to find for our years anymore, only the red ones, but that's only for rear.. I want the yellow ones.. Please send me a PM when you know further, thanks..

 

[Boss1Ray]

How many cars fit that description? Not many.

I don't think I'm going to surprise anyone with my following response!!!!

If I found one 100% stock and structurally sound, I would get new belts, hoses and tires (probably saving the originals) and probably upgrade the battery. As I replaced anything I would try and get NOS or repops that best resembled the original parts.

If the original battery was still in the car - I might go to the trouble of draining/cleaning the battery or take it to a friend and have it rebuilt.

Other than that I might replace the shocks and some other suspension pieces if required to keep it safe. Then I'd detail and try to preserve the heck out of it.

Cars like that are almost IMPOSSIBLE to find and buy. Cars that have been modified are EVERYWHERE. I WISH mine were more original - one is pretty close.

I like original cars!!!!

One mod I'd consider on my cars if it wasn't originally equipped - POWER STEERING.

Ray

 

[Mister 4x4]

Today, or back in the day? It's important - if I had a brand-new, factory stock car (with no miles, I'm assuming) right now, I'd sell that sucker on Barrett-Jackson for ridiculous money and go find something I wouldn't feel bad about customizing.

After that, I suppose it depends on which model and what options came with the car, actually.

Rims, Tires, solid state ignition, power windows, power locks, alarm system, back-up camera, stereo upgrade, and recline-able stock-looking seats. Then, who knows? Headers, exhaust w/X-pipe, overdrive transmission, upgraded electrical system, electric fuel pump and EFI, rear disc brakes, sub frame connectors, traction bars, etc. I'm kind of going through that right now. I have basically a 'stock' "new" '71 H-code that is effectively a blank canvas.

 

[imusa76]

My car was all Stock, I liked it, it felt like it was missing a few things, I used it like that for years before doing any upgrades.

First upgrade I did when I got the car was, Petronix to get rid of the points.

Then I added dual exhaust, because I like to the sound of the engine.

I then had the heads rebuilt and setup for Unleaded Gas.

I added the front air Dam which actually makes a difference when doing over 70 mph on the highways.

And I had to hide the hubcaps and 14" wheels, and I upgraded them to 15" Magnum 500 because I like the look.

I also upgraded from an AM radio to a Period correct AM/FM radio.

Anything I upgraded I saved the old parts, I keep the old points and condenser in the glove box, just incase the Petronix ever failed, I know I still can get back home.

 

[will e]

haha, I started thinking about it. My response: See my sig!

But really, if I found one today that was pretty darn stock and in good shape I would be more tempted to keep it that way.

 

[72HCODE]

nothing. you know how much work we all do trying to get the car back to original after it has been raped for 40 years.

 

[jbojo]

That's about what I did as far as changing things I wanted to keep the car stock looking and freshen up the interior. All the changes to the car can be backed out so that it can be restored to original numbers matching again. I kept the motor, tranny and rear unmolested and stored it away and then replaced everything with performance modern technology parts. If anything breaks I have not ruined the numbers matching pieces. Couldn't get myself to alter the car permanently and make it difficult to restore again.

 

[71mach1lady]

Our Mach was missing so much that original was just not practical so we felt we had some latitude to go a little custom but still keep the look mostly original. Our 73 Cougar on the other hand had so much original that we did everything we could to keep it correct. The coug had a blocked exhaust manifold for the first 115K miles of her life. When we tore her down she had a cracked head, a cracked intake and of course the factory plugged exhaust manifold. We changed the intake to an Edelbrock that we painted to original blue. Found a date code correct head and exhaust manifold and saved all the old parts

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

I'd add a headlight relay harness. I would upgrade to an electronic ignition like the pertronix. I would use a modern voltage regulator and I'd consider changing the instrument voltage regulator to a solid state version. I'd put a fresh set of springs and shocks all around and freshen up wear items like bushings and ball joints as needed. Throw some good rubber on it and get a good modern alignment performed and enjoy the hell out of it.

 

[123FRANK321]

So I'm hearing electronic ignition, sway bar/ shocks and some people change rear end gears/pozzi. How do you feel after these changes? The reason I'm asking is that I have been thinking about making these changes.

 

[Kit Sullivan]

Like many have chosen: tires, exhaust and ignition. And install front spoiler.

And frequent waxing...to help that crappy OEM paint last a little longer.

 

[imusa76]

So I'm hearing electronic ignition, sway bar/ shocks and some people change rear end gears/pozzi. How do you feel after these changes? The reason I'm asking is that I have been thinking about making these changes.

I personally think the best upgrade I have done was the Petronix module, it made a world of difference for how the car runs for only $90.