4.6 sohc build questions

[liferdog]

Greetings from the Finger Lakes region of NY. I recently purchased an 02 Mustang GT as a donor for a roadster. I would like to hear from anyone having done such a build. I've already received some advice when I posted a thread on the Welcome page. I know about the wider axle and the plan for the rear wheels and tires are 17x9's wrapped in 275/40-17's, the best options I've found so far are American Racing 105M Torq-thrust with a 6.77 bs, or Replica Wheels Bullitt Mustang with a 6.30 bs. The fronts will be the matching 17x9's with a 6.00 bs with 245/45-17's. Any other input such as running the heater/defroster, making the engine bay look less busy, engine mods, or any other peculiarities would be appreciated. Also anyone in my area who has done a build, regardless of engine, I would appreciate checking out what you did. Thanks

[NavyChief]

Definitely check out other builds. I went a saw one myself before starting up and it was a really good experience.

[Cobradavid]

Liferdog,

Welcome! I used a 2001 GT for my donor. My kit is a Mk 3.1 and I got it in 2008 so some info may be outdated for the Mk IV and newer options. I used the 2001 rear axle without modifying the width. My wheels are the Team III Halibrand Replica wheels that FF used to sell. 17x9 w/ 6" bs on the front, 17x11 with 8.75" bs on the rear (the rears could use to be pushed outboard a little and I put on 1/4" wheel spacers, so maybe 8.5" or 8.25" bs would be better for this width wheel). Unfortunately, these wheels don't have the old-school deep dish look. To get that, you'll need to go with a narrower rear axle.
Tires are 245/45 on the front and 315/35 on the rear (Kumho Ecsta XS).





I have the FF-supplied (Vintage Air) heater/defroster kit and it's great. I drive it regularly in 40-50* weather (our "winter"). With the heater (plus gloves and a ski mask) my cold weather driving is not limited by my personal comfort, but by my tires - anything below 35* and the tires have no grip at all.

To clean up the engine bay, I made a "turkey pan" (more like a cookie sheet) with a Cobra oval air cleaner. That covers much of the top of the engine, and all the unsightly wires and hoses. Also, I re-wrapped and re-routed parts of the engine wire harnesses to get them in less visible places. Finally, I made some aluminum panels for the sides of the engine bay to enclose the engine bay a little.

Before:


After






Hope this helps!

David

[liferdog]

Thanks Chief, what is/was your rate. I'm a retired MM1. As soon as I get some replies from my area I'll be checking out their roadsters. Have a fine Navy Day.

[NavyChief]

Current MAC. Started life as an EM.

David that is awesome.

[liferdog]

Thanks Dave. You've given me something to chew on. I like how you insulated the foot boxes. My main reason for going with 275/40-17's on the rear is the tires that I want to use, Cooper RS3 A's. However if I decide to do some auto crossing I could go up to 315/35-17's on the rear with the right rims.