8 Single-Wire Alternator
If you're worn out with the mystery of flickering lights and a dancing ammeter, you're going to love this modern mod. Installing a single-wire, high-amp alternator eliminates your Mustang's external voltage regulator and wimpy 38-amp dynamo, keeping your battery comfortably charged. You can keep the stock appearance by leaving the external regulator in place because, once you install the single-wire alternator, the regulator is eliminated from the electrics. Down side? Your ammeter stops working.
With the 120-amp 3G alternator from PowerMaster, you can use a single or multi-groove pulley or go with serpentine belt drive.
On the left is a machined...
On the left is a machined bore from JGM Performance Engineering for the one-piece seal. This is a no-brainer machining step
9 One-Piece Rear Main Seal
If you have an FE Series big-block or six-cylinder engine, you're out of luck on this one. However, if you have a pre-'82 small-block 260, 289, 302, or 351ci V-8, this is a modern mod that will eliminate oil leaks. The one-piece rear main seal is common to '82-up 5.0L and 5.8L small-block Fords. When rebuilding your vintage engine, your machinist can set your block up in a boring machine and cut the No. 5 main bore. We would like to see the aftermarket develop a one-piece seal for all vintage Ford engines.
If you really want to win...
If you really want to win friends and influence people, fit the Mustang Cobra's supercharged 4.6L DOHC between the towers. Just make sure you've welded meat in underneath because this powerplant will twist your Mustang like a pretzel. See Ford Racing about this one too.
The 4.6L SOHC 3V V-8 landed...
The 4.6L SOHC 3V V-8 landed in the all-new '05 Mustang GT. Fit one of these in your vintage Mustang and get attention at the shows. The 3V is available in crate form from Ford Racing for less than it would cost you to build one. What's more, the factory cast iron header collectors are in the same spots as a vintage 289.
10 Mod Motor
We have to admit that there was a day when we had no use for the 4.6L modular overhead cam V-8 because it was too large for a classic Mustang. While the modern mod motor yields a smaller displacement than the old 289, it's larger in physical size than a Boss 429. We just couldn't see it in a vintage Mustang. But some of you out there have chosen to embrace Ford's high-tech overhead cam engine. And honestly, when this modern mod swap is performed correctly, it looks incredible in a classic Mustang. Forget dropping it between your existing shock towers because it will not fit. But did you know shock towers can be shaved (altered) like Ford did with the Boss 429 and this wide body cammer will fit between them? If you're going to alter a Mustang body enough to fit a 4.6L/5.4L Modular V-8, don't waste your time on a SOHC 16-valve engine. Go for the best stuff available--the SOHC 3V or DOHC.
Honorable Mention
We could go on and on about modern mods because there are so many of them out there. It was certainly challenging to nail down only 10. So let's touch on a few others you might have thought of for your classic Mustang.
- Power Windows
- Integral Power Steering
- Electrical System
- Roller Camshaft
- Sound System
- Instrument Panel
- Three-Point Restraint
- Billet Bolt-Ons
- Cooling System