The Vintage Mod E

The Vintage Mod E-letter

Volume 1, March 2002

Welcome to the first installment of the Vintage Mod newsletter. We plan to use these to tell you about what's happening in the world of the Ford Modular motor and how to install them in vintage Ford cars and trucks. We'll also tell about some of our efforts, what's happening with Ford and other vendors as well as let you in on some special deals we're cooking up. If there is something you think we should include please feel free to let us know at vintage@dvsrestorations.com.

Dave Stribling

DVS Restorations, Inc

In The Beginning...

The MIB project that is currently running in Mustang and Fords Magazine had some pretty humble beginnings. It started with a complete 1999 Mustang Cobra convertible purchased on the Internet. The original concept was to build a modern version of the 1968 Bullit car, but then Ford came out with their own version so that kind of nixed that idea. The MIB theme came as a result of a meeting with Mustang and Ford's Magazine, and it has stuck ever since.

Before the first cut was made to the 1968 fastback chosen for the project, most of the trial fitting was done to a 1967 Rustang coupe (yes, I spelled that correctly) that had been sitting in a gravel pit since before the days of unleaded gasoline.

Thus our little original lime gold rusty coupe gave her all to figure out how to fit an entire driveline from a '99 Cobra into the early chassis. The photo shown here may perhaps be the first 60's Mustang to ever have a complete Macpherson strut suspension. You gotta admit, 2001 Bullit rims make even the test mule look good. Notice also the wider stance the car takes with the additional wide track from the '99 Cobra.

Before we got too cocky we decided to have the whole package checked out at the alignment shop. The whole design turned out to be about 1 thousandth of an inch off. Dave Stribling was impossible to live with for a week.

Having proved most of the concepts of MIB it was off to begin work on the real thing. The first article on how to install the motor without changing the front suspension (April 02 issue of Mustang and Fords) was done not for the MIB project, but for those who are wanting to upgrade to the new motors without changing the existing suspension. The MIB car will be getting a front K-member and Mac struts. The first tech article is now out on the newstand or you can subscribe to Mustang and Fords Magazine online.

FAQ

Q. - What are you doing about the wiring harness and computer?

A. - For our customers we are modifying the original ones found in the 98-up Mustang chassis. It's more than just clipping circuits you don't need - the newer Mustangs are much more integrated than the earlier 5.0 Mustangs. Items like security ignition keys either need to be bypassed or incorporated, whatever the customer wants.

Ford is the only source on the connectors on some of these harnesses. That has delayed some of the aftermarket companies from making harnesses. Ford has announced that they will be releasing three different wiring harnesses for different applications. We will be trying all of them and we'll determine the best one for our customers. These should be MUCH cheaper than customizing the existing harness.

Q. - Will the Mod motor fit my 1965 Falcon? They're the same as a 1965 Mustang.

A. - It is true that the Mustang and Falcon share some of the same unibody parts, but we haven't done one yet so we will reserve our opinion on that until we actually do one ourselves.

Remember that even though the 64-70 Mustangs use essentially the same frame rails, the distance between them is narrower and the shock towers are about 1 1/4 inch narrower. That means deeper cuts to make the motor fit.

Q. - You list three choices on front suspension - original, Mustang II and Macpherson Strut. What is the best one to use?

A. - It really depends on what you want. All three have their advantages and drawbacks. Here's my personal opinion, this and five bucks will get you a cup of coffee at a trendy coffee shop.

Original Ford Suspension

Advantages:

1. Lower cost - use what's already there.

2. This suspension was designed with the original Mustang frame weight.

3. Fairly easy to do.

Disadvantages

1. Wasn't a fabulously great design 40 years ago.

2. Requires modification and fabrication to the shock towers.

3. You need to convert to a front sump oiling system to clear the suspension components.

4. Potential heating issues with steering gear and exhaust.

Mustang II

Advantages

1. Very small and compact.

2. With no shock towers there is TONS of room.

3. Readily available parts from the street rod world, and kits specially designed for Mustang are available now.

Disadvantages

1. 30 year old technology (the first Pinto debuted in 1970).

2. Higher cost (2-3k range).

3. It's great for street rods that cruise around parks, but we're talking serious horsepower mated to a much bigger chassis. Do you really want to put 320 horses on a system designed for V6 Pintos?

4. Major fabrication as you need to remove the shock towers and welding is involved. Not for the novice to attempt.

Mac Struts

Advantages

1. Latest technology available.

2. Designed to handle the Cobra motor and drivetrain.

3. A majority of the engineering efforts are going for this platform, not the 60's platform.

4. Tons of aftermarket support.

5. Though not nearly as much room as the Mustang II option, allows for more room for the big motors.

6. It's overkill - I like that.

Disadvantages

1. Very expensive (5k and up range).

2. Major fabrication job - expert builders only range. Requires custom built sheet metal parts and major modification to the existing frame.

So the choice comes down to what do you really want and what can your wallet handle.

DEALZ

Motor Mounts - We're going to jump in with both feet and begin marketing the parts we've developed for everyone else out there. The first part we will start with is the motor to frame mounts designed especially for the 64-70 Mustang chassis. These bolt in to the existing mount points and lower the motor enough to make it clear the original hood (no scoops required). These brackets are a two piece design like the originals to aid in installation (trust us, you need it). They also come with the following specs:

1. Heavy 7 gauge construction.

2. Precision laser cut, not stamped.

3. Epoxy powder coating (semi black finish).

4. Grade 8 hardware.

5. Made in the USA.

The projected retail price for the brackets is $100. VINTAGE MOD subscribers will receive a special deal to help us roll out this first of hopefully many parts to come. Newsletter subscribers will receive:

1. 25% discount on the mounts - your cost $75 plus shipping.

2. An automatic 10% discount on any parts DVS Restorations, Inc. makes in the future (excludes parts not made by us and other discounts already in place). This offer is good now through April 15, 2002.

Click Here for more details.

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Shock Tower Modifications - We have a limited number of spots available for anyone who is looking to modify their shock towers to fit the big modular engine. Normal cost of doing this modification is $1200, but we are offering for a limited number of customers a 20% discount on this modification, or $960. This includes the parts required to move the towers back and lower the upper A-arms and priming the areas for painting. This offer does not include any additional work required by DVS Restorations, Inc. to get the chassis ready to modify (pulling engines, disassembly, etc.) and does not include any special bracing or modifications. Other exclusions will apply. This is a very limited time offer, if you are interested please contact us at inquiry@dvsrestorations.com. Please leave your name, address and phone number as well as information on your vehicle.

DVS Restorations, Inc.

910 S. Louise Avenue, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933

(765) 362-1967 www.dvsrestorations.com

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