LS1 into a Mustang Part 1
LS1 into a Mustang Part 2
LS1 into a Mustang Part 3
LS1 into a Mustang Part 4
Well, I know those who have been following the build have been wondering what kind of progress has been made. I've been hard at work finishing the little things that plague a project like this. Wiring gremlins, fuel system gremlins, as well as the weather not being as cooperative as it could have all slowed the build process.
Since the last installment I have done quite a bit of work. The steering rack has been moved and permanently attached. I had to lower it about an inch so it wouldn't hit the oil pan. The brakes are hooked up and bled, the headers are in place and I had to lengthen my steering shaft for proper clearance. Now that those items were taken care of all I had left to do is start putting parts on it. For ignition I used the MSD Pro-Billet distributor - part# MSD-8579 which is a simple plug in installation to the MSD Digital 6 ignition box - part# MSD-6520. I chose this box because it features a 2-step rev limiter, timing advance feature for nitrous or other power adder, as well as timing retard during start up. All those features were exactly what I was wanting for my application.
Next I was able put my water pump on. In order to clear the bulge for the distributor I had my Dad build some custom spacers out of aluminum, "It sure is nice to have someone with his fabrication experience on my side". The Lower radiator hose is a KM1119 which is the factory replacement for a 5.0 Fox application. The upper was a little more tricky. The water pump inlet is relatively in the same position as the 5.0 but at a slightly different angle. Since I knew the basic shape I was needing, the Local Parts supply store was kind enough to let me look through their entire inventory until I found what I needed. I know that it is a Dodge application but don't know the exact model it's for, all I know is it fit like a glove.
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To finish out the cooling system I went with a great radiator/fan Combo from Mishimoto. The Radiator is a MIS-RADMUS79 for manual transmissions and is a 2 row polished aluminum unit that works as great as it looks. To compliment the Radiator I used their dual fan and shroud kit they just released at SEMA. The MIS-MMFS79 shroud kit simply bolts to the radiator using the provided hardware and comes with two 12" electric fans already attached to the shroud. This also has the polished finish so it matches their radiator.
After I got the cooling system out of the way, it was time to put the finishing touches on so I could finally start it for the first time. I made the fuel lines out of braided steel line and A-N fittings and ordered a Demon 750 to satisfy the motors fuel cravings. I also decided that I was going to use Nitrous as my power adder so I ordered a ZEX perimeter fogger plate. As for the rest of the kit, I will be calling Nitrous Outlet for them to custom make the rest of my system.
Now the Moment we've all been waiting for "especially me" it's time to start it. AS I stated in previous post the Front mount distributor setup utilizes a Ford distributor application and the only difference between a 5.0 H.O. firing order and an LS based motor is that you swap #8 and #3. I used a set of red Ford Racing plug wires and they fit just like they were meant to be there "granted I still have to loom them so they look better". The first attempt wasn't successful due to me installing the distributor 180 Degrees out and resulted in a huge back fire. After I got the distributor in the correct position it was a success. It busted of and idled flawlessly.
Here is the long awaited video of it running after I brought it home from the Exhaust shop. Hope you enjoy....I know I do. The next time you see it..... it will be in action and we'll see how much tire smoke we can make as well as some videos of it at the drag strip.
Stay Tuned