A Brief History:
I purchased this car in 2006. It had the original factory drive train with a 351W H-code engine and FMX transmission. It ran incredibly well so I assumed some work had been done previously. The factory power steering was a leaky mess and the control valve was broke. The paint was original but oxidized and peeling in spots. Body was straight with just a few dings. The interior also was a bit rough. The dash was cracked and needed replacement. Seats were worn through and carpets had holes. The big plus was that this was not a coastal car so there was nearly no rust anywhere. It made for a rather easy body on restoration. Overall the car was in fair condition. Just needed some TLC.
The Bodywork:
First, came some bodywork and paint. This was done sort of expeditiously as I was trying to get all the other issues taken care of at the same time. After some quick and dirty bodywork the exterior was painted Dark Purple Metallic. Trim accessories include: Boss Hood Scoop, Shelby CV Side Scoops, Front and Rear Spoilers. The factory power steering was converted to manual with all new steering components. Four factory original Magnum 500 wheels and BF Goodrich Radial T/A Tires with lots of tread..... for now! :)
The Restoration:
The interior was done in black included new carpeting, headliner, factory dash pad, door panels, front and rear seat cushions and covers. Many miscellaneous dash parts. Additional items include: Hump Hugger Center Console, B&M Quick Silver Shifter, In Dash DVD/Stereo system with enclosed 6x9 speakers. Engine start panel with switches. Triple in dash gauge set. Oil and water warning lamps.
The 408 Engine Build:
Completed February, 2016. A 1974 Ford 351W aka 408 Stroker Motor with a Scat Rotating Assembly, Probe Forged Pistons, Edelbrock E-205 Aluminum Heads, Lunati Roller Cam and Lifters, Voodoo Roller Rockers. Lower end fitted with a steel main cap girdle for strength. Edelbrock Dual- Quad Power Package with Endurashine finish. Balanced and ported. Moroso 2 qt. aluminum catch can Mallory Unilite HEI Ignition, Canton 9-QT. Oil Pan, 3-Core Aluminum Radiator, Gilmer Pully Drive System, Edelbrock Victor Water Pump. Chrome Monte Carlo Bar, Doug's Tri-Y Headers with Thrush chambered mufflers with a 2.5" exhaust. TCI Streetfighter C-4 Transmission, 3.5:1 Traction-Lock Posi with billet aluminum spool and a Tatton's race driveline. The drive train is completely new and while it has not yet been dyno'ed, consensus says it should be 500+ hp. After driving it awhile I can say ...yea... gotta be close!!
What's left? The last major thing is some brake re-work. The current factory setup is front discs, rear drums and they work fine but my thought is, that it is nice to have go power but it is also nice to have stop power.
But Wait! ... there's more....
I am going to include the original drive train as well... The 1969 factory original 351W Engine, FMX Transmission, Third Member and Driveline. So you have the option to go back to the factory setup if desired. The original drivetrain was running great before being pulled for the 408 setup. And it was confirmed after pulling the motor, that indeed it was previously rebuilt at .030" overbore. The engine is completely rebuildable. The transmission and third member are still in great condition but could use a good rework as well.
NADA Guides puts this car (factory configuration) at a high retail of $28,405.
Receipt totals for the 408 drive train is $15,088.
My sell it fast price is:
$33.000 CASH! FIRM!! NO TRADES and NO OTHER OFFERS ACCEPTED.
I have many more pictures of the restoration process and engine build upon request.