It has begun - G-Pete's 289FIA Scratch Build

[G-Pete]

Allen, if I would change anything - this would be the upper rear a-arms. They are pretty heavy. Besides that i like the HD bushing setup on the SVT rear end. You can make the suspension very stiff but have very little vibration transfer from the rear axle.
With other words - I don't like the idea of a hard mount rear axle.

Other than that, it would be exact the same setup- location of the shock mount and sway bar...more or less added work for the same purpose with slight different appearance.

Thanks for the input - thanks to this forum I changed my mind and put a different fuel cell in there.

Keep them coming.

[Fullchat289]

Originally Posted by G-Pete

..... it would be exact the same setup- location of the shock mount and sway bar...more or less added work for the same purpose with slight different appearance.

Totally understand. I think the thought and engineering you are putting into this build is spectacular and the progress is pretty phenominal as well. IMHO, the variable shock mount feature is a neat addition. Kudos to you for being out there in the shop plugging away in the Texas heat!

- Allen.

[G-Pete]

Right now it is in the shop 99 F. Just tinkered after work for 2hrs - change shirt and go home. Last 4 weekends before last I resisted to go and work on the Cobra. Now I'm a more "used" to the heat...

Speaking of adjustable shock mount, here this picture shows the principle how it works. If someone wants any drawing just PM me, and I will sent them per email. No charge.

[G-Pete]

After the suspension, now it's time for the power plant.



The motor went in without problems and the motor mounts are welded in place.



Next few steps will be to create the sub frame and foot boxes.



The space between the highest point on the engine and the hood is 1.25 inches ---- plenty.



I really like how the engine sits in there. The car is balanced at the 45 inch mark.

[fasterpatrick]

Just a dumb question, What would you do if you had to go in and do some work to your clutch. from the looks of it you might be pulling the engine. Just asking because it looks like you can't fit the bell housing through the frame.
Patrick

[G-Pete]

With the foot boxes installed and the narrow frame of the 289, it is pain to split the engine/transmission while in the car. Not speaking of working on the clutch.

You got that right, the engine needs to be pulled for clutch work.




PS: One of my professors always stated- quote "there are no dump questions, only dump answers".

[fasterpatrick]

I made my tunnel so that you could get the tranny out through the top. sure you still have to remove a few things but it's easier than pulling the engine. I have a DOHC and it's not comming out in one piece.

I think you could pull something like this off with out looking to out of place.
Patrick

[Fullchat289]

[quote=G-Pete;1143518]
The motor went in without problems and the motor mounts are welded in place.




Hi, it's me again...lol

It's looking like your shifter location will be back at your hip or a little forward of that point. Are you planning on running a forward facing shifter like on big block cars? For reference, my shifter location is a few inches aft of my steering wheel.

Looking good, though! Always great to see your thread bumped with shots of progress!

- Allen.

[G-Pete]

The forward bend shifter arm is in the plans. My interest was leaning towards to have the car balanced.

Speaking of weight - I just had a chance to put that 'thang' on the scale ---- 1471 pounds!

Just ordered the Polyurethane Transmission Mount of a 79-95, they are 1/3 of the price of a 96-04. I have to fabricate a bracket anyway...

[G-Pete]

...more pictures on my picture website...G-Pete image event