1970 Ford Boss 302 Mustang

Its my first car and I bought it before I could even drive.  Before you start with any purist hate remarks about destroying an original classic, this was an ex-race car with a blown motor that my dad towed home for me in 1976.

Being a car nut, I started working on it and modifying things right away.  At the time, it wasn't a big deal for a 6 year old wreck.  Over the years it has seen a few engines, numerous suspensions and drivetrain changes, a bunch of (sometimes tasteless) body modifications, and a few paint jobs.   

If it makes anyone feel better, I still have the original Boss engine. If you check out the gallery below, you can see the car in its most recent state. 

ENGINE

I updated the engine with my version of an all aluminum Boss 302 motor. It's based on a 302 Windsor block and 351 Cleveland heads (just like the original) but this version has 347 ci and about 580 horsepower.  Its a rowdy little engine with a billet steel crank, Carillo rods, JE pistons, Comp Cams roller, Canton oil pan/pump, and more go-fast goodies than I can remember.  It's a sweet, high-revving, road-race engine that also has Kinsler fuel injection with an Accell engine management system that I tune with my laptop based on driving needs.

Unfortunately,  I had to park the car a few years back when the camshaft snapped in two and bent a few rods and valves.  It was a billet steel roller cam and both the manufacturer and engine builder claimed innocence and said they have never seen anything like it before.  The theory was bad engine harmonics..... WTF?

DRIVETRAIN

Behind the engine is a McLeod long style racing clutch, Tilton hydraulic TB, Richmond 6-speed transmission and aluminum driveshaft.  

CHASSIS

Original unibody with Total Control tubular frame bracing. Brakes are Baer 15 inch discs with 6-piston calipers up front and 14 inch discs with 4-piston calipers out back. The front suspension uses all Total Control products with relocated a-arms, and out back is a prototype IRS that Ford was developing for the Mustang back in the 60s. It was a pretty trick setup, but I don't think they ever got it dialed in correctly, because it has some bump steer that I could never get rid of. You can see a few pics of it in the gallery below.

WHEELS & TIRES

HRE 3-piece alloys.  20x12 in the rear with Dunlop 335/30-20  and 18x9 in front with Dunlop 265/30-18. 

BODY

Drip rails removed, body seams welded and molded (big mistake in some areas), smoothed anywhere it was needed.  Fiberglass hood, deck lid, and bumpers (more mistakes) and painted in a custom red pearl with original Boss stripes. 

INTERIOR

Recaro seats covered in black leather and red stitching to match Momo steering wheel. Custom shifter, dashboard, center console, and door panels made by yours truly.  Lokar pedals, Ididit column.

ELECTRICAL

New wiring harness and control box from American Autowire.    

PLUMBING

Stainless steel AN hose and fittings throughout.