Mustang Monthly Homepage Mustang Monthly

Buy It & Build It: Getting Your Dream Mustang


Building your first Mustang isn't just about having a nice car to show and drive; it's about gaining self confidence because you've taken on challenges you've never dared to attempt before. For example, did you know you can rebuild your own engine? All you need is the help and advice of a seasoned machine shop. What about building a new suspension system and brakes? How about bodywork and paint? Did you know you can do these things yourself?

Building your Mustang begins with disassembly, photo documentation, and carefully cataloging all parts in containers. Even parts you expect to throw away should be retained until the car is reassembled. This enables you to recall how things go together.

Bodywork and paint should always be handled first because it is the messiest job in a restoration. While the bodywork is being performed, tackle other important elements, like the engine, transmission, and rear axle. Rebuild these components while the car is away at the body shop. If you're doing the bodywork yourself, separate and organize each area, keeping the dust and filth from the bodywork away from the component rebuilding.

When it's time to tackle the engine and driveline, think about what you want the car to do. If you're seeking good low-end torque from a stealthy Mustang, consider a stroker kit, which will increase your engine's displacement without changing its external size. Pump a 289 or 302ci small-block up to 347 ci. If you're building a 351 Windsor or Cleveland, you can increase displacement to as high as 427 ci. Your engine doesn't have to be radical, either. Even in mild street-driven condition, your stroker small-block can make the torque of a big-block.

http://images.mustangmonthly.com/howto/173_0309_buy_28_s.jpg
http://images.mustangmonthly.com/howto/173_0309_buy_31_s.jpg
http://images.mustangmonthly.com/howto/173_0309_buy_32_s.jpg

Prev  | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5
Get Adobe Flash player
FREE, no-hassle price quotes on the new Mustang you’ve been looking for.
 
SVT Owners Association - Back On Track
After Three Years Of Uncertainty, The SVT Owners Association Has Been Reorganized Under The Leadership Of New Director Marcie Cipriani... more
 
1965 Ford Mustang GT350R Shelby & 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Pony Tales
Exclusive Ford Mustang Stories, featuring a 1965 Ford Mustang GT350R Shelby, 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, and much More!... more
 
Atlantic Blue 1998 Ford Mustang Saleen Cobra - Only You...
Exclusive Atlantic Blue 1998 Ford Mustang Saleen Cobra, featuring a 4.6L DOHC Cobra V-8 engine, BFGoodrich Comp T/As, and More!... more
 
Electric Red '93 Sedan - Sanitary Sedan
We couldn't pass it up and, quite frankly, if we had, we might have been bludgeoned within an inch of our lives by nightfall. Three years in a row, the Electric Red '93 sedan of Tony and Jossie... more
 
Shorty Headers, Strut Brace And More - Late-Model Corral
Getting Ahead (er)I have an '89 GT and I just bought new equal-length shorty headers. Do you have any tips about removing and installing them, particularly the right side? Should I remove the... more
 
'73 Mach 1 Centerforce Clutch Setup - How-To
Hard clutch pedal. You groan every time you see a traffic light and your left leg looks like you've been working out with Ahnald and the boys at World Gym. You're constantly wondering why the clutch... more
 
1969 Shelby GT350 - Shelby Fever
"Ownership is not necessary . . . "... more
 
1966 Ford Mustang Convertible - Drive Time
Despite all the clichs about Southern California-sipping designer water, yakking on a cell phone in traffic, consuming chips and guacamole over margaritas, and signing on the freeway using a single... more
 
Supercharged 2003 Ford Mustang Roush 380R - R Is For Rip-Roaring
Roush's New 380R Ups The Ante For Supercharged Mustang Performance... more
 
1970 Ford Mustang Grabber Fastback Boss 302 - Grabber Blue Persuasion
John Wilgus' Trick Is Convincing People His '70 Grabber Fastback Is Not A Boss... more

 

Get Adobe Flash player