Propose winter upgrades on budget build

[JCB52]

Now that the stock 302 is out of the car and the 347 is underway, I’m thinking of some more winter upgrades. This is a donor build (1988 Mustang) so I don’t want to do anything “high end”. These proposed items would just improve the driving experience. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated…
1) replace stock rear drum brakes, kit?
2) replace stock cable clutch, kit?
3) replace stock manual steering, kit?

[CraigS]

1- Yes, you will be amazed how getting larger brakes on the rear helps the car stop.
2- Yes but maybe not. If you don't have an actual FORD OEM cable get one. It is much better than any other supplier. If you do have an OEM, and still feel that the clutch effort is on the high side, check Forte's effort reducer kit.
3- Yes a 3 turns lock to lock rack and a pump from a 99 Explorer. This is a GM style pump which is much better than the old Fox Mustang pump. The one I used was a remote reservoir version but there are some w/ a built-in reservoir so no need to buy a reservoir. Fill the system w/ Honda PS fluid, from a Honda dealer, not stuff from the parts store labeled as matching Honda specs.

[Al_C]

I'm curious as to what shock absorbers you are using. Are they a candidate for upgrading? As far as the other items go, I mostly agree with Craig. I have a cable clutch and I think it works just fine. Swapping that out for a hydraulic unit seems like a huge effort for not much benefit. Of course, if my cable goes out I might change my mind on that. Power steering is an easy (relatively speaking) upgrade, especially when you're swapping the motor.

[Rmoore45]

Kinda hard to suggest upgrades without knowing the full extent of the build. Can you give us a brief rundown of the car?

1 - Rear disc brake upgrade is definitely worth doing.
2 - Hydraulic clutch is something I would recommend. I have driven my car and a friends car, both use clutch cables and have a pretty stout clutch. I just always thought that having a stiff clutch pedal was part of the driving experience. Then I sat in another car that had a twin disc hydraulic clutch, it was life changing. Pedal was very easy and extremely smooth. I know that the twin disc had something to do with that but a hydraulic clutch is just much smoother than cable.
3 - Electric power steering might be a better option. Here's the kit I've been looking at https://epowersteering.com/purchase/product/factory-five-mk3-4-roadster-kit/

What's the cooling system look like? Cool tubes and silicone hoses are a good upgrade. What about the overflow reservoir?
What rear end gears? Limited slip?

[JCB52]

1- Yes, you will be amazed how getting larger brakes on the rear helps the car stop.
2- Yes but maybe not. If you don't have an actual FORD OEM cable get one. It is much better than any other supplier. If you do have an OEM, and still feel that the clutch effort is on the high side, check Forte's effort reducer kit.
3- Yes a 3 turns lock to lock rack and a pump from a 99 Explorer. This is a GM style pump which is much better than the old Fox Mustang pump. The one I used was a remote reservoir version but there are some w/ a built-in reservoir so no need to buy a reservoir. Fill the system w/ Honda PS fluid, from a Honda dealer, not stuff from the parts store labeled as matching Honda specs.

As for #2, the FFR cable is presently installed. In searching for a ford OEM cable, I’m not sure what cables are truly ford OEM. Can you steer me with a site or part number? Thanks a bunch…

[phileas_fogg]

I believe Mike Forte sells OEM Ford clutch cables in a 2-pack. Give him a call at 508-875-0016; his website is https://fortesparts.com.


John

[Ford & Jeep Fan]

Here is what i did to convert to Disc brakes
my 8.8 is a fox width (79-93) SO:
considering I'm planning on using 15 inch wheels and the weight of the vehicle is soo light I'm going with the 10.5 disc brakes
I bought the following

Offset Brake brackets : $99.95 https://www.ebay.com/itm/324449514582 Vey nice workmanship on the brackets

Rotors and pad set : $82.64 https://www.ebay.com/itm/17358285061...Bk9SR9jv6_e4YQ

Calipers and brackets: $88. https://www.ebay.com/itm/175549176547

Not counting the cables $270.59 so far.

[skidd]

My 02c for ya.
#3 first. but, I'd go Electric. I have hydraulic power (99 explorer pump). Works fine , but my buddy with a 67 Mustang, we installed EPS. The easy fine adjustment alone makes it worth while IMO!!

#2 next. If you don't have a quality Ford OEM cable, switch to it! Huge difference.

#1 last But, I started with 4 wheel disks, so. I can't really say how much this will change.