Haley's '80 Mustang...aka The Pumpkin

[catchmeblue70]

I've finally given up on selling the Mustang, partly because Bryan wants to play with it and partly because, as neglected as it's been, it's still my baby.

So now that it's staying, I've decided to do a little work on it so it runs better and doesn't look so ragged out. The basic specs: 1980 Mustang Ghia coupe, carriage top (NOT convertible), 4.2L 255ci V8. Yes, that's correct, it's a 255ci V8...according to the original specs sheet it has less horsepower than the turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder. It's embarrassing.

The first item of business yesterday was trying to figure out why exhaust was coming up through the console. After getting it up on my uncle's lift, it turns out that it's not exhaust but oil leaking onto my x-pipe and burning. I've ordered new valve cover gaskets, so while I'm waiting on them I get to coat the entire undercarriage with de-greaser and pressure wash it...yippee...

I'm also trying to figure out what to do about the top. From what I can tell, it's a vinyl top covering a fiberglass shell, but it also looks like there's a metal roof under it all. I'm still not sure what I want to do with it, especially if they give me the same quote as last time for the new vinyl.

Suggestions and info are always welcome since I tend to not know wtf I'm doing

[DanStokes]

Have fun!

The 255 has value to Land Speed racers - it's an "E" class engine (over 260 moves you to "D"). As long as the block is OK it can be built and make good power. So if you guys decide to go for a 5.0l or a 347, advertise the 255 on Landracing.com or some such where LSR folks hang out.

Dan

[cantvalve16]

Also, the 255 crankshaft is rumored to be a lightweight crank with the same stroke as a 302.

[Beagle]

the top would have been glued to the factory roof - mom's 442 had one kind of like that. Fiberglass with faux 'vert appearance. It removed itself at 80+ on the highway one day. The roof under it was in pretty bad shape, they put a vinyl top on it, and it looked fine. Vinyl tops are a bit pricey but so is the body work it will probably need if you remove the fiberglass lid.

I believe I would sleeve a 289 before I would mess with a 255 block, but whatever floats the LSR guys boats. You can double your HP with a 302 roller motor for pretty cheap really. Will wake that car right up.

I've wanted to play with a turbo and the 255 but I don't think you can get anything worth spending money on for heads that will fit it.

[BBR]

Having dealt with one before, take that 255 and sell it to someone who wants it and jam a good ole 302 in it's place.

Then stick a 50 dollar bill in an envelope and mail it to me for the advice. lol

[catchmeblue70]

Dan, thanks for the recommendation. I intend to ditch it for a 302 once money is available, so if/when that's done I'll check it out. Beagle, I'm hoping the roof under the fiberglass looks good. It's been garaged for at least the last 20 years with it only seeing the rain sitting in the parking lot at school when I used to drive it every day. Last time I checked on a roof I was told that there were no templates so it would have to be removed, sent to NY for a template (thereby giving some company one at my expense), and it would cost $1000+, so I'm not too inclined to do that. My only worry is if leaving it off would cause seal problems around the back window and doors. BBR, riiiiight Are the foureff people more open to modifications? I've poked around Four Eyed Pride and they seem to be extremely loyal to remaining as original as possible...not my kind of people.

[BBR]

I AM foureff, so yes we are welcome to one and all. Small site, but we do not have any namby pamby crap going on.

[Russell]

I like the 5.0 out of the explorers, they are pretty easy to find around here for $4-500. Things that are diffrent that the 87-93 mustangs. Front dress, including timing cover, Oil pan, distributor, headers, cam, fuel rails. Some say the valve springs are junk. Changing all that can add up fast, but the heads and intake are a little better than the HO stuff so its a trade off. I think all that stuff off the 255 will fit the gt40 motor. Some headers and the P motors dont work well together.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Having dealt with one before, take that 255 and sell it to someone who wants it and jam a good ole 302 in it's place.

Then stick a 50 dollar bill in an envelope and mail it to me for the advice. lol

not a BB?

as for the top, I'll give you the advice I give most women - take it off, take it all off.

[catchmeblue70]

not a BB?

as for the top, I'll give you the advice I give most women - take it off, take it all off.

I now have this image in my head of a video being made, 70s porn music and all, of the vinyl being torn off the roof

[Deaf Bob]

As for knowing if the roof is fiberglass or metal... Easy to tell.. MAGNET! get one strong enough to stick to the vinyl top/metal portion, but not to the glass part.. Or feel the differences... Same with bondo..

I'm with SBG on tops!

[SuperBuickGuy]

I now have this image in my head of a video being made, 70s porn music and all, of the vinyl being torn off the roof

did I call it or what?

[BBR]

not a BB?

Sure if she wants to run some 10's, but otherwise, no. haha

[catchmeblue70]

Sure if she wants to run some 10's, but otherwise, no. haha

I want it as fast as I can get it for as cheap as I can get it lol. Geez, that sounds bad too!

[SuperBuickGuy]

I want it as fast as I can get it for as cheap as I can get it lol. Geez, that sounds bad too!

Then Bryan is your guy