Refreshing my 1989 Saleen Mustang

[shane96ranger]

Hop on over to www.allfordmustangs.com and ask around. There are a lot of guys on there. I've never heard of the 347 being finicky, but I haven't read into it a bunch either. I've been leaning more towards a 351 lately.....or just getting a 2011 in a couple years =).

 

[dhinch279]

These directions were made by Tmoss over at www.allfordmustangs.com and these are the directions I used. I forgot you have to use your old TPS too. Mine did not require some of the mods he has though. The TB he used had no breather so he drilled it out...but mine had a breather, just pointing the opposite direction. My TPS went right on without any grinding of the tab also. I believe mine came off of a 96, so yours should be the same. Sidenote: My intake came off of a different 96, so it has internal EGR.

The mod took me no longer than an hour, so it's worth the time. Also, I spot welded my linkage on, I didn't want to use epoxy.

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/ConvertingExplorer65mmTB.pdf

Mine is exactly like yours, so I should be able to use these directions with your additions. Thanks alot

 

[dhinch279]

Hop on over to www.allfordmustangs.com and ask around. There are a lot of guys on there. I've never heard of the 347 being finicky, but I haven't read into it a bunch either. I've been leaning more towards a 351 lately.....or just getting a 2011 in a couple years =).

I think the reason that some guys called it finicky was because they were building motors to the max, and then when they drive them on the street they didn't like it as much because they really built their motor for the track or strip, not to be driven around on the street. So they would then complain about their 347 not being very streetable.

I'm not trying to pull down 500+ HP. I would be happy with 310 to 350 rear wheel HP, that I can drive everyday on pump gas. And really a 331 or 347 will probably be just fine as long as I tune it to be streetable.

I'm gonna register over at allfordmustangs.com and take a look around to see what other guys have done and what their results were.

 

[Ranger Kip]

whats the BB value of that thing in good condition?

 

[dhinch279]

whats the BB value of that thing in good condition?

I'm not really sure, the average price on ebay for a "good" one, is probably around $10-12,000. Really nice ones can be $15k, but with cars like these it's not usually what a book says their worth, it's what the buyer is willing to pay.

 

[shane96ranger]

Another great site is www.corral.net but I like AFM better.

I was going to mention that with some work to those heads, the TF cam and a tune, you don't need a 331 or 347. Your goal of 300-315rwhp is quite achievable with the 302 (306) internals.

 

[Mac]

I'm with Shane on allfordmustangs. He is right in that too many people don't share the same idea of a DD and run into problems with their too big of a build. Like he said, not too hard to hit 300 rwhp with just a 306 and the right parts and still be a real good DD. I like that site for all the info on the new, half newand classics. There is a woman there who is just amazing with her knowledge of the classics, knock your socks off.
Dave

 

[wookie13]

OP which machine shop are you using? I'm just up the road from you in Fenton!! I would go w/ the 331 stroker kit. The 347's put the lower oil ring too low and they have a tendency to use oil between changes. What are the other plans for the Saleen? Are you still gonna use the T-5?

 

[dhinch279]

Another great site is www.corral.net but I like AFM better.

I was going to mention that with some work to those heads, the TF cam and a tune, you don't need a 331 or 347. Your goal of 300-315rwhp is quite achievable with the 302 (306) internals.

I'm with Shane on allfordmustangs. He is right in that too many people don't share the same idea of a DD and run into problems with their too big of a build. Like he said, not too hard to hit 300 rwhp with just a 306 and the right parts and still be a real good DD. I like that site for all the info on the new, half newand classics. There is a woman there who is just amazing with her knowledge of the classics, knock your socks off.
Dave

it is very possible to get close to 300hp with a stock bottom end, but I want that to be my starting point, then later on down the road I can swap on some aluminum heads better cam, maybe even a super or turbo? I don't know, whatever I choose to do, I just want the bottom end to be prepared for what I might throw at it

 

[dhinch279]

OP which machine shop are you using? I'm just up the road from you in Fenton!! I would go w/ the 331 stroker kit. The 347's put the lower oil ring too low and they have a tendency to use oil between changes. What are the other plans for the Saleen? Are you still gonna use the T-5?

A little place called A&K Machine Shop in DeSoto, MO. He is a one man operation, but the guy has been doing this since the late 70's - early 80's. He has done 4 engines between me and my family and we haven't had a single problem with any of them yet. These engines include a 1970 Boss 302 engine, 1969-70 428scj mach 1, 351 stroked to 427 (pushing 600hp N/A), 7.3 Turbo Diesel engine, and now my 331/347. He has built engines that have crossed Barrett-Jackson If you are looking to get some engine work done, PM me and I will probably be able to get you a better deal.

The only other plans I have right now is get the roof, quarters, hatch, and rear bumper repainted. I also would like to get a T-56, 6 speed trans for it, but they are pricey, so I will probably keep the T-5 for now. I need to redo the interior as well. The PO smoked and put cigarette burns in the seats, and there are tears in the seats as well. The only problem is that it is impossible to get matching material because they don't make it anymore.

 

[shane96ranger]

The PO smoked and put cigarette burns in the seats

I hear you there. I've owned my 89 GT since 1995 and haven't fixed some of the burns. I replaced the drivers seat, but I need to get a new visor and replace my center console (just bought one). This guy wasn't particular about where he wanted his cigarette touching. He pretty much touched everything you can reach from the drivers seat.

 

[dhinch279]

I hear you there. I've owned my 89 GT since 1995 and haven't fixed some of the burns. I replaced the drivers seat, but I need to get a new visor and replace my center console (just bought one). This guy wasn't particular about where he wanted his cigarette touching. He pretty much touched everything you can reach from the drivers seat.

The PO also was a major pothead, I just pulled all the carpet up and there was at least 100 pot seeds under the console near the ash tray. I'm not opposed to people smoking weed, but for the love of all that is holy, don't throw the seeds around like it's rice at a wedding.

I may have an extra set of visors, I think they are gray, is that the color of your interior

 

[shane96ranger]

I may have an extra set of visors, I think they are gray, is that the color of your interior

Yes it is gray. Do they have lighted mirrors by chance?

 

[dhinch279]

Yes it is gray. Do they have lighted mirrors by chance?

I'm pretty sure that they don't have the lighted mirrors, just the regular mirrors with the crappy fabric covered cardboard covers, only mine were in pretty good shape when i put them away 4 years ago

 

[shane96ranger]

Let me know what you've got and what you need to part with them.

Thanks!