Highly Modified Ford Mustang GT Convertible, 351W Fox Body

Ford Mustang 1988 Description

Highly Modified Ford Mustang GT Convertible, 351W and Fox Body

I purchased this Mustang in 1994 and started planning the re-build almost immediately. The 351W block was recovered from a 1984 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and bored, blueprinted and balanced at a racing shop here in Austin, Texas. While the engine work was in process, I planned and then completed all of the chassis/brake/suspension work. Installing the high-compression 351W and Cobra R racing transmission (Tremec) was the last step in the rebuild process. This car has been pampered, garage kept and well maintained.

Upgrades include:

Engine:
Hand built 351W, block bored .060" over, balanced and blueprinted, Keith Black
Silvolite pistons (10.5:1 compression), Trick Flow Twisted Wedge aluminum
heads (Stage 2 Competition CNC ported by Fox Lake), FMS Aluminum valve covers, Crower 280R street roller cam, Crower 1.7 ratio roller rockers and push rods. Trick Flow R intake system, 73mm FMS Cobra mass air sensor and 9" K&N conical air filter. Saleen fuel rails with Steeda adjustable fuel pressure regulator, braided stainless fuel lines, FMS 190lph fuel pump, 36# flow matched FMS injectors with Cobra EEC-IV, custom engine programming by Johnson Motorsports. BHJ billet steel harmonic balancer and Edlebrock high capacity water pump. FMS stainless shorty headers with 2.5" Bassani X-Pipe with high flow cats and two chamber Flowmaster mufflers. Canton 7 quart deep sump competition oil pan with Mobil1 10W-30 synthetic oil. Bolted together and sealed with ARP hardware and Felpro gaskets throughout.
Drivetrain:
Tremec 3550 Cobra R transmission with FMS HD Clutch and Pro 5.0 shifter connected to 8.8” 3.55 ratio rear end. Four wheel 11” disk brake upgrade with FMS proportioning valve and Cobra master cylinder.
Chassis and Suspension:
BBK specific rate lowering springs, Kenne Brown welded sub-frame connectors, HPM Mega-Bite lower control arms, KYB Performance shocks and OZ Monte Carlo 17" racing wheels.
Body and Interior:
Harwood 3" cowl induction hood, Autometer 5" monster tach, programmable shift light and A/F ratio meter.

I still have most receipts and can describe in detail all of the upgrades to the new owner. This car was my daily driver for 4-5 years and has been garaged and well maintained. Regretfully, I lost interest and the car sat for ~9 years, still inside my garage.

This month, I worked with a local auto repair shop to bring the car back into excellent running condition. They dropped the gas tank, cleaned the old gas out and flushed the fuel lines up to the fuel rails. They also inspected the spark plugs, lubricated each cylinder with Marvel Mystery Oil and lubricated the bearings by turning the crank by hand several times. The engine started immediately and has been running great ever since. They also changed the oil with Mobil1 synthetic, flushed the brake lines and cooling system. The tires were heavily flat spotted so they also mounted and balanced a new set of BF Goodrich gForce COMP 2 A/S XL tires. (BFG markets these tires as their “best BFGoodrich's Best Ultra-High Performance All-Season Tire Ever”.) I’ve been driving the car this week and it’s definitely running great again.

The car has never been raced so don’t ask me about quarter mile or track times. The only body work I’ve done is replace the stock hood with a Harwood 3” cowl induction hood and new convertible top when a friend’s son shot an arrow threw the roof. The convertible top is in good shape and the hydraulic motor with operates the top works fine also. The interior upholstery, floors, etc of the car is excellent condition.

I’ve got pictures of every phase of the resto and how the car sits now. These will be provided upon request to the new buyer, along with receipt and other documentation for all the upgrades. The only work the car needs now is cosmetic. The exterior should be buffed and the ground effects could use a coat of titanium paint. I also just noticed the right-rear window motor may need to be replaced. Going forward, I will work on these issues one at a time until the right buyer takes the car home.

It’s not perfect but, it is time now for someone else to enjoy. This car launches like a Saturn rocket and corners like a slot car. The engine sounds like Texas thunder, starts and runs great. I doubt there’s another “garage queen” like it but … who knows, maybe.

Please ask any questions before bidding. The car will be sold as-is, but I’ll be happy to keep in touch with the buyer and provide any assistance needed to continue to maintain it like it has been maintained for the last 23+ years.

On Jan-14-17 at 19:02:39 PST, seller added the following information:

Battery and all tires have been replaced since these photos were taken. The only stock parts remaining on the car are the interior and frame, so mileage is "since complete restoration". Rear fairing has been primed and ready for paint. I'll post pictures with the convertible top up in a couple days but it's also in good condition and looks great. It's raining now in Austin but the car will be completely buffed and detailed for the buyer.