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FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Has anyone put a vaccum cannister on their car or maybe a vaccum pump » 3/10/2025 8:56 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 36

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On a current project - a turbo SBF in a 46 Ford - I picked up two Volvo turbo car pumps/check valves/sensor-switches.  There are a number of how-to's you can find with searches on how to plumb these in.  The pump only operates when vacuum is low on the brake booster side.  Under turbo boost the check valve prevents pressure from entering the brake booster but if there is sufficient vacuum already the pump won't run.  In a N/A application, it will simply sense vacuum on the booster side and if it dips, the pump will activate.  I'm going to trigger a relay with the Holley EFI so that the pump will only run when the engine is running.  If this wasn't an underfloor brake setup I would have installed a Hydroboost.

Here's a pretty good overview - =13pxhttps://turbobricks.com/index.php?threads/volvo-hella-vacuum-pump-to-improve-brake-vacuum.374174/

On my 66 I installed a Hydroboost as part of the build since I knew I would have low vacuum and I needed the space.  I always have good brake pressure regardless of what the engine is doing.

But, I'd use a vacuum gauge first and see if a combination of idle speed, idle mixture, and timing can improve your idle vacuum.  

 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Wheel hop is bad, » 3/10/2025 8:42 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 26

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Camera stick use aside, if you're ambitious you could build a set of Caltrac clones - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXUE8vu11PI

One of negatives on the Drake bars is the single shear bolt setup.  However, breakage is probably related to HP, traction, and excessive use.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Setting the pinion angle price » 2/28/2025 10:00 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 25

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Is there anything unique about your engine mounts or trans crossmember/mount?  Compare your angle readings with your phone as a double-check.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Setting the pinion angle price » 2/28/2025 8:49 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 25

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Right eye on March 18 left eye on the 25th.  Still won't correct looking at the arrow on an angle finder the wrong way.  

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Setting the pinion angle price » 2/27/2025 8:09 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 25

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The angle finder shows one thing and my eyes seem to see the opposite.  It could be the angle of the picture/camera.  You may want to pull the driveshaft and measure off of the yoke to be sure.  And - try another angle finder or use your phone - as mentioned there are a lot of apps and you'll get pretty accurate digital values.

If it is up, a 3 degree wedge could bring it down to about 2 degrees  Why I am suspicious of your angle finder is that at RPM mentioned, your engine/driveline should be lower in back.  A common setup would be about 3 degrees down on the drivetrain and the pinion flange "up" about 2 degrees to account for the wrap of the leaf spring when under load.  Sorry for the confusion on my part with the numbers.  I'll blame it on the cataracts/

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Setting the pinion angle price » 2/27/2025 6:32 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 25

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Did you install the spring perches or did they ship the new axle to you with the perches welded on?  Is the axle sitting properly on the springs?  Is the car on the ground at ride height or is the axle hanging down?

if the pinion flange is indeed 5 degrees down it is way off,  I'm not sure I trust your reading on the trans.  You might also confirm with a reading taken along a valve cover with the level held level side to side.  Or, you can also try to get a reading off of the crank pulley.  It looks like you may need a 4 degree angle/wedge shim to bring the pinion flange "up" but I'd try to figure out why it is sitting so low in the first place.  

Report back what you get on a valve cover or some other point on the engine.  Don't use the air cleaner or carb flange as they are usually angled at about 3 degrees so the carb will sit level when the engine angles down.  Are you running stock-style engine mounts?  Do you have an aftermarket trans mount?  Do you have big tires in back that is angling the car down in front?

You can't run it like that.  You may be able to find a driveline shop that does driveline setups rather than a generic chassis shop.  And, Is your driveshaft the correct length?  If it is too long it could be forcing the pinion down.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Install Convert Seat Platform into Coupe » 2/25/2025 9:38 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 6

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I don't believe the platform alone will do much.  It is designed to install with convertible inner rockers and also works in conjunction with these https://www.cjponyparts.com/reinforcement-pan-convertible-1965-1970/p/M120-V/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8fW9BhC8ARIsACwHqYpOglZ8Fxqtn3gzJgZj5CfuJ1RHJMfBgBoxmqRh-HdwGodbO4tBlbQaAkUgEALw_wcB#217=977&year=1970 

You would also add the convertible plate that bolts the two supports together.

The convertible platform also raises your seats up which can create some clearance issues.

So, you can install one but I'm not sure what you'd gain.  A good set of weld-in subframe connectors and torque boxes on both sides might be a better choice.  

https://www.allfordmustangs.com/threads/66-seat-platform-replacement.1082317/

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 1968 Mustang FORD 8" Rear Disc Conversion » 2/22/2025 8:55 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 25

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Steve provided the link you needed above.  All of the information you need is found here:

https://mustangsteve.com/products/cobra-rsm

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0847/8392/3488/files/04._INSTRUCTIONS_COBRA-RSM_COBRA-RLG.pdf?v=1706238996

All of the parts can be found at Rockauto.com or other site like Summit.  I trust these over many Ebay sites.  

If the instructions and parts list provided (which includes model years), contact the MustangSteve crew https://mustangsteve.com/pages/contact

So, to further clarify - order the bracket kit from MustangSteve.com, use the instructions to determine the parts you'll need, order the parts, and put it together.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Setting the pinion angle price » 2/16/2025 5:52 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 25

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To clarify, is the nose of the pinion pointing up or down?  Not sure I've seen many applications where the back of the transmission is higher than the crank at the front of the engine.  In a lot of stock-ish applications the engine will be down in back 2 or 3 degrees   So, when you talk up and down, if you were standing on the drivers side of the car facing the door, is the front of the engine higher or lower than the back of the transmission?  Is the pinion flange pointed up or down?

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Setting the pinion angle price » 2/16/2025 9:00 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 25

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It is easy to measure your engine/driveline angle and your current pinion angle.  There are even apps on phones to let you do it.  Measure first and determine if you even need the angle changed.  There are a lot of variables - spring type, suspension type (link versus leaf), etc., but if the pinion is 1 or 1.5 degrees "down" from the engine it will load up and be right where you need it.  Leaf spring shims are readily available to raise it up or down and are easily installed with a helper if needed.

Why do you think you have driveline angle issue?  Are you fighting a vibration problem?  Are you confident that the pinion angle is responsible?

At a minimum I would measure it yourself rather than taking it to a shop with an open checkbook.

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-the-level-iphbd435673d/ios#:~:text=Use%20your%20iPhone%20to%20determine,such%20as%20a%20picture%20frame.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/toolbox-tremec-u-s/id6466313595

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Reverse rotation clutch fan » 2/01/2025 10:19 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 4

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I have an early 90's Hayden reverse rotation fan clutch new in the box.  I used it to mock up my setup and it was too long due to my thick radiator.  I found a shorter duplicate using this - https://www.pageturnpro.com/Four-Seasons/92637-2019-Hayden-App-and-Ill-Catalog/sdefault.html#page/25

Send me a message if you'd like the clutch. it's yours if you cover shipping.

For a project on a 1946 Ford I bought a Advance Auto Parts pump for a 93 GT. It has round ports so it will work on either a normal or reverse rotation timing cover. 
 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Reverse rotation clutch fan » 1/24/2025 9:06 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 4

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Do you have a part number for the kit?  March has fairly good descriptions of parts requirements and what fits on its web site.  Some will and some won't support a mechanical fuel pump based on the part number and the type of power steering pump that it supports.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Transmission Leak C-4 » 12/28/2024 6:32 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 14

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Glad it worked for you.  Did you put it in the outlet or return line of the cooler?  I think that over the years, parts from different transmissions may have been used and check valve function was lost.  Easy fix and for many older transmissions I would probably use one any time I did a swap or rebuild.  

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 302 - ENGINE TROUBLES » 11/26/2024 5:30 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 38

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Depending on moon phases and sun spot activity, a clear fuel filter will not always be full of fuel when the engine is running.  There is enough fuel flow to keep it running, which isn't much at idle.  When the engine had the same symptoms with two different methods of fuel delivery and a multitude of new parts, it likely had to be something else.  When a distributor module flakes out, it won't cause the engine to slow down so much that the filter won't be full - it'll quit.  I bet that the fuel filter still doesn't always appear to be full now that the ignition module is fixed.  A number of MSD systems will also fail in the same manner - run for 30 minutes and quit and then restart after an hour - until they eventually quit altogether.  I'd make sure that the Mallory setup is getting the proper voltage for that particular model.  Some require straight battery voltage with no ballast and some require a ballast resistor to keep them happy.  A timing light is helpful.  If it quits, either grab the coil wire or even better hook up a timing light.  If the light doesn't flash while cranking, the ignition quit.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » stumped - brakes » 11/25/2024 9:36 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 49

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Did you try the two-person method?  I've had several where vacuum bleeding wasn't successful but push-push-hold worked.  Sometimes pushing a bubble through under pressure will clear air out.  Check the condition of your rear brake hose and try to minimize any high loops that can easily trap air when vacuum bleeding.  

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 302 - ENGINE TROUBLES » 11/16/2024 3:33 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 38

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What is your full ignition setup?  Some ignition module failures will show similar symptoms.  You could try to keep it running using a squeeze bottle and dribbling fuel into the carb.  If you have a timing light, trigger it while the engine is running and see if the ignition quits (light stops flashing) before the engine stops.  If it runs out of gas it would keep firing until it finally stops.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Need advice - Toploader yoke woes. » 11/04/2024 10:30 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 24

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Seems like it would be easier to try to pull the tail housing off first - if it won't come apart, then consider pulling the trans.  Start simple

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Transmission Leak C-4 » 9/19/2024 7:27 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 14

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Not all C4's do this from what I have read.  With my friend we also had a pump/case mismatch due to parts used from different years.  If I recall there were some drain holes/paths that didn't quite match up.  The correct pump was installed but the puddle persisted.  The check-valve cured.  One article stated that it could be in the outlet to the pump so you may want to do some more searches to see which side provides the best results.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Transmission Leak C-4 » 9/19/2024 3:50 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 14

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Depending on the various parts that were used you may be getting drain-back when it sits.  You can do some searches for other solutions/causes but it is pretty easy to install a one-way check valve in the transmission cooler line which will prevent the converter fluid from draining back and overfilling the case leading to a leak.  Some earlier C-4's didn't have an internal check-valve and in some of the later units the valve was lost during a filter change.  Here are two links that may help - 

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/c4-purged-atf-or-mystery-leak.313552/
https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/c4-question.943561/

Helped a friend recently with the mystery puddle issue and a check-valve in the cooler line took care of it.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » No spark at the plugs » 8/19/2024 8:00 AM

GPatrick
Replies: 37

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With a Hyfire or other spark box you will not see 12 volts at the coil so the lack of 12 volts when the engine is not running is not a valid test of the box.  High voltage to the coil will only be delivered when the ignition fires.  You should confirm that you do have 12 volts coming from the ignition switch.

To verify your coil and spark box, conduct the basic white wire test as described in the instructions -
CHECKING FOR SPARK If triggering the ignition with the White wire:

1 Make sure the ignition switch is in the "Off" position.
2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and set the terminal approximately 1/2" from ground.
3. Disconnect the White wire from the distributor's points or ignition amplifier.
4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank the engine.
5. Tap the White wire to ground several times. Each time you pull the wire from ground, a spark should jump from the coil wire to ground (the LED should also blink). If spark is present, the ignition is working properly. If there is no spark skip to step 6.

Wiring should be similar to the bottom of page 8 - https://documents.holley.com/690.pdf 
Since your system has run for years it must have been wired correctly.

Steve is probably on track with the Petronix and the white wire tap test will help prove that.
 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Not suuuuure....uhhhh ...may cut my hood just in case » 8/04/2024 5:00 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 14

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Nice way to plumb up a MPFI boosted application with a 90 mm air valve when you have a 4150 square bore intake.  It would probably work better on a slightly shorter intake and if that intake was on a small block Ford.  Here is the Edelbrock version  https://www.edelbrock.com/ultra-low-profile-universal-intake-elbow-90mm-t-b-to-4150-flange-3848.html  Wilson apparently has some good flowing versions of intake and 90 that has much better hood clearance.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Looking for a timing cover » 7/27/2024 6:08 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 22

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Not sure I would trust photos posted in ads.  

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Looking for a timing cover » 7/27/2024 3:57 PM

GPatrick
Replies: 22

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I'm pretty sure this is the cover I'm running - reverse rotation with a pump cutout.  With the potential for windage induced leakage at the dipstick hole I installed a dipstick in the pan and blocked the hole on the cover.  https://lmr.com/item/LRS-6019D/79-85-Mustang-50l-58l-302-Carbureted-Timing-Cover?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp&sc_intid=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtZK1BhDuARIsAAy2VzuIDTh06m9flbfLQ1-czgjrjwdC3-ycHqjvhzJSwQGRcTdMxoZQ41EaApy0EALw_wcB

I think a 1985 5.0 (carb'd) timing cover will fit the bill if you have one sitting around.

With a 24" radiator and a 91 Mustang fan setup it has never moved above 182 degrees.  I have a March pulley setup and the March basic system does run the pump at a higher speed (overdrive) but I don't think that really affects my cooling.

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