Ken’s recommended vehicle upgrade thread

[rutkak]

Hi folks, since I’ve been tooling around with my 72 and a barnfind 70 for a few years I figured I’d start a thread with my top recommended bolt on upgrades. I’ll order them in my personal opinion but look forward to seeing folks chime in with their opinions and other thoughts. I’ll start with a list with what I’m using then give a link to where to get it. I already had power front disc brakes otherwise that would be on here. These parts apply to a 289/302 with C4 but most are compatible to other drivetrains.

1). Air cleaner (Scott Drake 14X2)

2). Electronic ignition and coil (Pertonix Flame-Thrower Billet II)

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-distributor-and-ignition-info-thread

3). 1-wire alternator (Powermaster 100 amp)

4). Rocketman’s gauge cluster tach (RCCI Innovations - M7123S)

5). 4 Bbl upgrade: Edelbrock Performer and 1403 Electric Choke carb (500 cfm)

6). 1” front sway bar (Grab-A-Trak)

7). Electric fan (Flex-a-Lite 3000 cfm)

8). Dual exhaust (Flowmaster 40s)

9). PMGR mini-starter, high torque (DBelectrical - SFD0001)

10). Aftermarket radio (Custom Auto Sound USA-2)

1). http://www.cjponyparts.com/chrome-air-cleaner-1964-1973/p/AC1/

2). http://www.cjponyparts.com/pertronix-distributor-flame-thrower-male-cap-billet-ignitor-ii-289-and-302-1965-1973/p/DIST13/

3). http://www.cjponyparts.com/powermaster-alternator-100-amp-one-wire-v-belt-pulley-smooth-look-1965-1973/p/ALT38-V/

4). http://www.rccinnovations.com/index.php?show=menu-tach-all

5). Summit Auto Racing, multiple parts.

6). http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mustang-71-73-Grab-A-Trak-1-Front-Sway-Bar-Kit-/360588583624?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f4c122c8&vxp=mtr

7). http://www.cjponyparts.com/flex-a-lite-electric-fan-kit-black-magic-s-blade-15-inch-3000-cfm-universal/p/FAN23/

8). Any site will do, I got them from a muffler shop that was a Flowmaster distributor

9) http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-9936-new-ford-mini-pmgr-racing-starter-302-351-higher-torque-3205-sfd0001.aspx

10). http://www.cjponyparts.com/custom-autosound-usa-2-radio-chrome-face-1967-1973/p/USA2B/ but any of the higher end models will do as well.

 

[mdan575]

The starter and the alternator are at the top of the list IMO. Great reliable mods that really improve the cars reliability.

Next the Flame Thrower Coil and Ignition. With the 2 above make the car run better all around.

Then 4bl upgrade and intake totally worth it.

Not a fan of electric fans because of reliability issues I have seen to often in the past. Many times controller related. Personally I installed a thermostatic clutch fan in mine.

Dual exhaust is more of a sound mod than a power mod to me on a 302 unless it has some more modifications to it.

Rocketman builds some nice stuff bottom line

Everyone needs tunes just depends if you have good classic 8-tracks like I do or not.

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

Subframe connectors, Rear sway bar, Steering wheel,

 

[will e]

Subframe (welded), traction bars, heim strut rods,Rear sway bar, wheels, rear disk brakes, lower gears, gear vendor

 

[rutkak]

Ahhh yes, great comments guys. I swapped my steering wheel to a Grant 15" and went with a 3.25 g/r TRACLOC as well. I did a 3rd member replacement on the 8" all together. A decent improvement over the 2.79 but I'm not smoking tires by any means. In hindsight I probably could have gone to a 3.5 g/r.

I keep hearing great things about a 3/4" rear sway bar. They seem easy to install if you know how to drill a hole.

I wish I had an 8 track player, I'd go that route if I could get my hands on one. For now I'll stick with my MP3 player connected via AUX to the radio.

 

[Mikes73]

Duraspark conversion, longtube headers, clutch fan are a few of my faves.

 

[CZ-75]

Of the changes I have done:

1) Swap out the FMX for an Overdrive transmission, preferably a Wide Ratio (4R70W)

2) 3.89 gear set with Trac-Lock carrier

3) Duraspark conversion

4) Refresh rear suspension (leaf springs and shocks)

5) Edelbrock Performer Intake & 4bbl carburator

6) Functional RAM Air

7) Slotted wheels w/ BFG Radial TA tires

Plans: Upgrade radio, Rebuild engine to improve power and replace valvetrain

 

[gpierce]

I can see why you would like that air cleaner, but I would run 3" tall if you were going for performance. I have a K&N flow top one on mine and I think it looks great

http://www.7173mustangs.com/xthreads_attach.php/2072_1353577260_719341bc/802aee98193f93452ff29120a23e6e42/100_5185%20%28Custom%29.JPG

 

[rutkak]

I can see why you would like that air cleaner, but I would run 3" tall if you were going for performance. I have a K&N flow top one on mine and I think it looks great

http://www.7173mustangs.com/xthreads_attach.php/2072_1353577260_719341bc/802aee98193f93452ff29120a23e6e42/100_5185%20%28Custom%29.JPG

That's one sharp looking engine! I'm incredibly impressed. Performance-wise I'm with you 100% on your air cleaner. I took a look at those in depth but I'm pretty confident I can't clear the hood with a 3 in air cleaner and the mid-60s model look is pretty sweet in my opinion.

 

[Mister 4x4]

I only wish mine were simple bolt-on upgrades (because that would suggest I would already be driving mine and feeling the need to improve it ). But I've included many of the same things listed so far on mine, so I'll have the benefits 'out of the box' when I finally do get it on the road.

Good stuff here, guys! ::thumb::

 

[CZ-75]

Of the changes I have done:

1) Swap out the FMX for an Overdrive transmission, preferably a Wide Ratio (4R70W)

2) 3.89 gear set with Trac-Lock carrier

3) Duraspark conversion

4) Refresh rear suspension (leaf springs and shocks)

5) Edelbrock Performer Intake & 4bbl carburator

6) Functional RAM Air

7) Slotted wheels w/ BFG Radial TA tires

Plans: Upgrade radio, Rebuild engine to improve power and replace valvetrain

Nope... gotta retract 1 and 2...

Swapping the gears in the rear end is the single biggest performance upgrade. Couple it with the wide ratio AOD, and I am one happy cyldesdale jockey

 

[Jim and Jutta]

A very informative thread, great idea!

Jim

 

[rutkak]

Based on the recommendations on this thread and from a buddy at my former job, I installed a 3/4" rear sway bar 3 days ago. I put her on the road tonight and definitely like the results - very firm.

$119 delivered to my door: http://www.ebay.com/itm/200983668814?item=200983668814&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:OC:US:3160&vxp=mtr

2.5 hrs work, tools needed: drill, 3/8 drill bit and various wrenches. Easy day, nothing complicated about it.

I'd also recommend doing all three of these at once: 1" front sway, 3/4" rear sway, & refresh leaf springs. I did these sequentially and she definitely rides nicer. If I did them all at once it would be like a new car.

 

[CZ-75]

Hi folks, since I’ve been tooling around with my 72 and a barnfind 70 for a few years I figured I’d start a thread with my top recommended bolt on upgrades. I’ll order them in my personal opinion but look forward to seeing folks chime in with their opinions and other thoughts. I’ll start with a list with what I’m using then give a link to where to get it. I already had power front disc brakes otherwise that would be on here. These parts apply to a 289/302 with C4 but most are compatible to other drivetrains.

1). Air cleaner (Scott Drake 14X2)

2). Electronic ignition and coil (Pertonix Flame-Thrower Billet II)

3). 1-wire alternator (Powermaster 100 amp)

4). Rocketman’s gauge cluster tach (RCCI Innovations - M7123S)

5). 4 Bbl upgrade: Edelbrock Performer and 1403 Electric Choke carb (500 cfm)

6). 1” front sway bar (Grab-A-Trak)

7). Electric fan (Flex-a-Lite 3000 cfm)

8). Dual exhaust (Flowmaster 40s)

9). PMGR mini-starter, high torque (DBelectrical - SFD0001)

10). Aftermarket radio (Custom Auto Sound USA-2)

1). http://www.cjponyparts.com/chrome-air-cleaner-1964-1973/p/AC1/

2). http://www.cjponyparts.com/pertronix-distributor-flame-thrower-male-cap-billet-ignitor-ii-289-and-302-1965-1973/p/DIST13/

3). http://www.cjponyparts.com/powermaster-alternator-100-amp-one-wire-v-belt-pulley-smooth-look-1965-1973/p/ALT38-V/

4). http://www.rccinnovations.com/index.php?show=menu-tach-all

5). Summit Auto Racing, multiple parts.

6). http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mustang-71-73-Grab-A-Trak-1-Front-Sway-Bar-Kit-/360588583624?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f4c122c8&vxp=mtr

7). http://www.cjponyparts.com/flex-a-lite-electric-fan-kit-black-magic-s-blade-15-inch-3000-cfm-universal/p/FAN23/

8). Any site will do, I got them from a muffler shop that was a Flowmaster distributor

9) http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-9936-new-ford-mini-pmgr-racing-starter-302-351-higher-torque-3205-sfd0001.aspx

10). http://www.cjponyparts.com/custom-autosound-usa-2-radio-chrome-face-1967-1973/p/USA2B/ but any of the higher end models will do as well.

I just ordered one of those starters. Amazingly inexpensive, at $56.95 shipped.

 

[cudak888]

Lots of excellent advice here, though I'll caution on the headers: Get the wrong ones, and you'll be building your exhaust halfway to the roadway.

I saw a Q-code yesterday that had been running 1980's-era Hooker 351C headers - the bottom edge of them sat so low that the owner's son had succeeded in bashing a hole in the left collector on a speed bump some years back.

That was not my idea of a good, reliable modification. I would have gladly thrown stock exhaust manifolds back on the car rather than continue to use those things.

-Kurt

 

[droptop73]

X2 on the headers Kurt.

 

[Duncan Mach72]

Front suspension camber correction - 'negative wedge' mod to eliminate understeer & wearing out the outside edges of the tyres. Torque biasing differential.

Decent dampers.

Inertia reel seatbelts so I can reach the parking brake release when strapped in!

Halogen headlights

Lots more to do!

 

[jhawk635]

I've seen quite a number of positive responses on the starter upgrade... If I'm reading this correctly, it will work fine on a '72 with a 351C. Does anyone know for sure?

Also, I was looking at starters and CJ didn't have the heavy duty wire in stock so I looked around and found this 140 amp Powermater complete with charge wire. Seems like bigger is better in this case. Any thoughts?

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=PM837141+01

Thanks,

John

 

[gpierce]

Those are great alternators, I have one on my 73 351C, one on my Camaro, and one in a box waiting to for my XB w/351C restoration. I think they make a 100 amp version too, but the specs at idle are a little lower. Didn't go with the bling one though just standard finish.

Greg