Frank Bohanan - Ford Mustang 1964 1/2--1973: How to Build & Modify

CarTech

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2014 by Frank Bohanan

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Layout by Connie DeFlorin

ISBN 978-1-613251-45-4

Item No. SA212

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Available

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Title Page: Upgrading the forward lighting is simple, yet tremendously effective. Much higher output headlamps with vastly improved optics/lenses that are direct replacements for the original sealed-beam units are readily available. Units such as these from Hella look like the original lamps yet function much better.

Back Cover Photos

Top Left: One carb per cylinder provides a calibrated fuel charge for each bore but synchronizing the carbs can difficult. The short intake path and direct-acting throttles can provide very good throttle response because there are enough fuel enrichment streams to minimize any bog/hesitation if they are tuned properly. A proper and slow throttle linkage that allows the throttle blades to open more gradually is usually best.

Top Right: When rebuilding the Ford 9-inch differential, I use one of the strongest combinations of the center section casting (note the reinforced inner pinion support) and bearing caps (thicker caps with ribs and the side-locking strap/bolt). Theres no need to remove the grease on the gear.

Middle Left: An aftermarket four-piston caliper is a much better choice compared to original/OEM offerings. This SSBC product also has a quick-change pad feature, which uses simple clips instead of bolts, thus eliminating the need for a tool. It is also much easier to find pads in a variety of compounds compared to older/OEM parts. A system such as this is clearly a superior choice for both regular street use as well as being able to handle frequent, yet moderate, track use.

Middle Right: This front suspension uses reinforced stock-type control arms and strut rods plus upgraded bushings. The springs and shocks have been replaced with more performance-oriented parts and the spring perches were replaced with polyurethane parts. Even though more radical (and costly) options are available, this simple level of upgrading still makes a dramatic improvement in vehicle performance.

Bottom Left: This high-performance dash panel provides essential information on the health and running condition of the engine.

Bottom Right: A main cap girdle, such as this one from CHP, is a good way to add strength to a stock-type two-bolt main cap block. These girdles strengthen the whole bottom end by tying the main caps together so they reinforce each other. This stabilizes the block and crankshaft, thus allowing higher power levels with far less concern for bearing or part failure.

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CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Id like to thank my family and friends for supporting me during this book project. Due to several other challenges while writing it, they really helped me see it through. Id also like to thank the many companies that provided information and essential support. Without this support, I would not have been able to write a book that is so comprehensive and valuable.

Id especially like to thank Ron Bramlett of Mustangs Plus for his vision and efforts to promote the restomodding of first-generation Mustangs. Theyre as close as it gets to being a one-stop shop for this type of car.

Finally, Id like to dedicate this book to my dad. Even though he was too busy to get heavily involved in hot rodding, his love of cars surely rubbed off on me from a very young age. He didnt live to see this book get finished but he had a lot to do with it getting done.

The purpose of this book is to show you a spectrum of options for improving the performance of each component group in your classic 19641973 Mustang. I specifically show you how to upgrade your Mustang to three distinct levels: the daily driver, the high-performance street car, and the streetable track-day car. By utilizing three specific vehicle types as examples I am able to better tailor the recommended modifications to the intended use of the vehicle. This not only saves time and money for the projects you choose, but it also explains why a particular modification or upgrade was chosen. In addition, I also show how the job is accomplished when the installation process differs significantly from that of the stock component(s) being replaced.