86 Thunderbird Build thoughts

[milner351]

If you ditch the clevo idea - I'm starting to think you'd be better off finding a wrecked manual trans mustang that still runs, and just swapping everything over, engine, trans, wiring, computer, and axle? (if it's not bent in the wreck)

[Shawn Anderson]

Was looking at a wrecked 01 cobra on ebay had the same idea.

[milner351]

Here's a complete set up engine / trans / wiring / computer - $1500 - grand blanc

http://flint.craigslist.org/pts/4103462418.html

[Beagle]

A couple of trans options, a top loader uses the same bellhousing as a tremec so not huge deal to do a cable clutch and there is a fox top loader shifter out there. Hanlon out of PA. makes adapter front plate for 3650 out of a 00-04 mustang to use a tremec type bellhousing. Or I could go with some sort t5 basted trans. No real cheap solutions to this that will hold up well.

re: Tremec, the older ones afaik are the same mounting as a toploader with a different depth. If you put a 3550 on a toploader bell, you need a spacer is what I've seen and seem to remember. SROD sbf bell will put a Tremec at the right length out from the pilot. The guys going to 6 speeds will be a potential source for a TKO? I found an old one with low hours for pretty cheap. If they were on street tires, they'll tolerate a lot. The SROD bell is cable I think. It wouldn't be all that hard to go hydraulic if you want.

/edit - hell, if you just want it running, find a big block (big input shaft) 3 speed toploader. It's a pretty small car for a 351 anything.

/more edit - does it already have a clutch pedal?

[Bob Holmes]

I'm very interested in a "vintage" 15" wheel and tire combination. Thought about doing the same on a Mustang.

Race style wheel, gumball tire with big "GOODYEAR" stenciled on the side.

Of course you have to get the body - wheel lip relationship correct.

[Shawn Anderson]

re: Tremec, the older ones afaik are the same mounting as a toploader with a different depth. If you put a 3550 on a toploader bell, you need a spacer is what I've seen and seem to remember. SROD sbf bell will put a Tremec at the right length out from the pilot. The guys going to 6 speeds will be a potential source for a TKO? I found an old one with low hours for pretty cheap. If they were on street tires, they'll tolerate a lot. The SROD bell is cable I think. It wouldn't be all that hard to go hydraulic if you want.

/edit - hell, if you just want it running, find a big block (big input shaft) 3 speed toploader. It's a pretty small car for a 351 anything.

/more edit - does it already have a clutch pedal?

Thanks I had forgoten about the Srod bell fitting a top loader. There is no clutch pedal in car it was a 5.0 aod car. I have a clutch pedal in my turbo coupe prts car but it is hydrolic. I will get a cable clutch pedal from a fox stang.

[Shawn Anderson]

I had forgoten American Racer makes DOT legal circle track tires http://www.americanraceronline.com/r...passenger.html