It has begun - G-Pete's 289FIA Scratch Build

[*13*]

Jumped the gun, sorry. New post...XXX!!!

[longez]

That doesn't look like a P-38 to me. Looks like your really moving along nicely.

Glenn

[Mando]

Fantastic thread, just love it, please keep posting as often as possible, love your work!

Regards.

[Fullchat289]

Originally Posted by *13*

Jumped the gun, sorry. New post...XXX!!!

Hyde...are those kisses??

G:

I was happy to see an update as I was just wondering the other day how your build was going... Glad to see things are rolling along. That SOHC / SC set-up looks pretty cool. Cool valve covers, too. Looking forward to more updates!!

- Allen.

[*13*]

Now don't go starting any rumors!!!

[tkb289]

G

Motor looks great! Do you anticipate any issues getting it to fit?

[G-Pete]

Actually not tkb, I'm not the first one (and last) who builds a cobra with a modular engine. Special attention gets the exhaust system and the shielding of the foot boxes. The modular is wider, thus closer to the feet...

It looks like it is easier to remove the body when removing the engine. But that will be one or the other way fact shortly.

[G-Pete]

Attaching the lower shock mount bracket to the SVT suspension arm. A litte grinding required.





Test fit the disc, needed 3 brakes





Welding the spacer, which keeps the disc in the center.





Drilling two additional holes and mount the disc with a cross brace on the bottom






Upper adjustable shock mount - like the front ones.





For the first time on her "own legs".





Shot from the top.





Stiffer plate to rigid back frame half and base for roll bar mount.





The front shocks have a 20 degree, the rear shocks have a 24 degree angle. The ride height is adjustable 7 inches. This makes it possible to use any coil over shock configuration.

[mreid]

Simply beautiful!

[Fullchat289]

G:

I'm loving your work, but don't understand why a guy with your fabrication skills didn't just make a new lower tubular arm instead of trying to use the cast aluminum piece. You obviously put loads of thought into making a lower damper attachment point work and I applaude your efforts, but I don't feel warm and fuzzy about it...what were the constraints you were working with in not going tubular? (just some friendly constructive criticism here)

- Allen.

[G-Pete]

Allen, if I would change anything - this would be the upper rear a-arms. They are pretty heavy. Besides that i like the HD bushing setup on the SVT rear end. You can make the suspension very stiff but have very little vibration transfer from the rear axle.
With other words - I don't like the idea of a hard mount rear axle.

Other than that, it would be exact the same setup- location of the shock mount and sway bar...more or less added work for the same purpose with slight different appearance.

Thanks for the input - thanks to this forum I changed my mind and put a different fuel cell in there.

Keep them coming.

[Fullchat289]

Originally Posted by G-Pete

..... it would be exact the same setup- location of the shock mount and sway bar...more or less added work for the same purpose with slight different appearance.

Totally understand. I think the thought and engineering you are putting into this build is spectacular and the progress is pretty phenominal as well. IMHO, the variable shock mount feature is a neat addition. Kudos to you for being out there in the shop plugging away in the Texas heat!

- Allen.

[G-Pete]

Right now it is in the shop 99 F. Just tinkered after work for 2hrs - change shirt and go home. Last 4 weekends before last I resisted to go and work on the Cobra. Now I'm a more "used" to the heat...

Speaking of adjustable shock mount, here this picture shows the principle how it works. If someone wants any drawing just PM me, and I will sent them per email. No charge.

[G-Pete]

After the suspension, now it's time for the power plant.



The motor went in without problems and the motor mounts are welded in place.



Next few steps will be to create the sub frame and foot boxes.



The space between the highest point on the engine and the hood is 1.25 inches ---- plenty.



I really like how the engine sits in there. The car is balanced at the 45 inch mark.

[fasterpatrick]

Just a dumb question, What would you do if you had to go in and do some work to your clutch. from the looks of it you might be pulling the engine. Just asking because it looks like you can't fit the bell housing through the frame.
Patrick

[G-Pete]

With the foot boxes installed and the narrow frame of the 289, it is pain to split the engine/transmission while in the car. Not speaking of working on the clutch.

You got that right, the engine needs to be pulled for clutch work.




PS: One of my professors always stated- quote "there are no dump questions, only dump answers".

[fasterpatrick]

I made my tunnel so that you could get the tranny out through the top. sure you still have to remove a few things but it's easier than pulling the engine. I have a DOHC and it's not comming out in one piece.

I think you could pull something like this off with out looking to out of place.
Patrick

[tkb289]

G

Great work! What kind of slave cylinder will you run ... internal or external ?

If you have the room, would suggest external for serviceability.

tkb

[G-Pete]

I saw that in your build thread Patrick, nice but not an option for me. Like I stated on the first page - the focus is on around 1800 pounds dry. I know your car weighs 2500 and has all these cool gadgets in there.
Mine will be raw and loud with a big punch.

[G-Pete]

TBK, Jeff (1985CCX) did a great job on the clutch setup, I'm not going that far. The modified Mustang GT setup will be used - mechanical.