The Vintage Mod E

The Vintage Mod E-letter

Volume II, June 2002

A Declaration of Independence

We've received a lot of questions about the installation of the 1999 Cobra Independent rear suspension unit detailed in the May issue of Mustang and Fords Magazine . The biggest question was "Is it really a bolt in? ". With our kit, yeah it is. We decided to make it as simple as possible without any super trick modifications to the IRS cradle or any welding required. Here's a quick Q&A on the installation.

Q. - Will it fit a 65-66 Mustang?

A. - Not without some modifications to either the wheel wells of the mustang or some modifications to to the IRS unit. The fit is tight on the 67-70 chassis and the 65-6 chassis is an inch narrower. Radiusing the wheel lip molding and running a deep offset might do it, but you may be looking at some cut and paste to the IRS unit itself.

Q. - What do I need to install the kit?

A. - You need a means to put 3/4 inch holes in the frame rails and hand tools. A lift wouldn't hurt but you can do it with a floor jack.

Q. - Dual adjustable Konis are very cool but a bit out of my price range. Got a cheaper solution?

A. - It's true that the Konis make up a majority of the cost of the kit, and we're going to offer a cheaper coil over kit for those who want to keep some of their hard earned money. Still, we recommend the Koni shocks.

Q. - How much can I expect to pay for an IRS unit?

A. - They seem to be selling between $1500 to $2000 used, but as more become available that price should drop. We are looking into purchasing BRAND NEW units from Ford. If you are interested please let us know!

Q. What about the IRS unit built by CTM Engineering?

A. - Very cool and it will fit the 65-66 chassis. Check it out at http://www.geocities.com/ctmengineering/mustanghome.htm . This unit uses Jaguar components which can get pricey - the Ford unit uses new Ford pieces that you can order from your local Ford dealer. Also, the only parts we supply are the brackets and shocks: the brackets shouldn't wear out and you don't have to call us to replace your Konis. Everything else is available from your local Ford dealer.

Q. - What about the driveshaft?

A. -For the MIB car we had a custom driveshaft built because of the longer wheelbase of the 68 Mustang vs. the 99. Depending on your application will determine the modifcations needed. We had a full bore shaft made with all the good stuff for around $225.

Got another question about the IRS kit? Let us know! IRS@dvsrestorations.com

IRS PRE-ORDER SPECIAL

If you are wanting to be one of the first in on the IRS kits, we're offering a special Newsletter subscribers only.. We are now taking pre-orders on the kits, which should be available in the next 60-90 days. Here's the deal: If you'd like to get in on the pre-order, you'll need to send a FULLY REFUNDABLE deposit of $100 to DVS Restorations. Send it along with your name, address, phone, email address and let us know which kit you are interested in. We'll notify you by e-mail or letter (your choice) and keep you posted on the delivery status. If the kits take longer or cannot be manufactured properly you will receive a full refund. The prices reflected below are the target price - if the pre-sell goes well we will pass the savings on to those who pre-order. Prices are locked and won't be any higher than listed below. The Kits will be available as listed below:

IRS Base Kit - Includes the mounting brackets, an economy Koni Coil over shock set, 500 pound springs - Target Price is $850

IRS Deluxe Kit - Includes the mounting brackets and upgraded dual adjustable Konis - Target price - $1350

IRS Complete Kit A or B - includes choice of above kit plus a complete used IRS unit. Please e-mail for price and availability

IRS Master Kit - includes the deluxe install kit plus a NEW FORD IRS UNIT. Please e-mail for additional details

Please e-mail us at IRS@dvsrestorations.com for more details!

Engine Weights

The Mod motor has been getting a bad rap as being a pig as far as weight goes. Although it is heavier due to the overhead cam design, the power and smooth running more than make up for the weight gain. However, the DOHC engine only weighs about 30 pounds more than a 351W. We contacted Ford Racing products and they told us the weight of the 351W dressed out was around 510 pounds. The 4.6 SOHC was 529 pounds and the DOHC weighed in at 535 pounds. Not too shabby when compared to an FE or 460!

The chart below is a list of popular Ford engines and how much they weigh. Please note that these weights are approximate and depending on how the motor is dressed out will determine the actual weight of your motor. These numbers are for comparison only.

Engine                                                             Lbs.
3.8 V6-90                                                        351
170-250 L6                                                      385
2.3 Lima/Pinto L4                                            418
2.3 Lima/Pinto L4 turbo                                   450
289/302 (late 5.0s are a bit lighter)                     460
BOSS 302                                                       500
351 Windsor                                                    510
Flathead V8                                                     525
4.6 SOHC modular (cast block, alum heads)     529
4.6 DOHC modular (alum block, alum heads)   535
351 C (includes BOSS and Australian 302-C)    550
Y block (272-312 CID)                                    625
429/460                                                           640
FE big block (332-428 CID)                             650
FE big block ('59 352 CID)                              670
BOSS 429 (iron block, aluminum heads)           680

Mustang and Fords Sneak Peek

Here's a quick shot of what's coming up in Mustang and Fords magazine. MIB gets its front suspension makeover, to the tune of a full Macpherson strut upgrade. Look in the August issue of the magazine on the shelves in July!

DVS Restorations, Inc.

11 Meahme Trail, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933

(765) 361-1822 www.dvsrestorations.com