White Lightning - Rebirth

[Mad1stGen]

It's been a while since I worked on anything cool (well since Mark's 98 LSC, but he chose to keep it hush hush ), I took on another total make over.
This project is a little more complicated, so please try to pay attention. I know I am almost getting lost

I was contacted by a local mark VIII fanatic, Tim, regarding some minor upgrades on his recently built Opal/Gray 97 LSC. After taking into consideration several factors like paint, rust issues, etc ... we decided to start with a new car (more on that later).

Luckily I ran into another 97 LSC in the same Opal exterior color, but with a Praire Tan interior. I had the car shipped from Sacramento, CA here to MI. The car belonged to another mark viii forum member, Todd, who owned it since 2004 I believe, and always wanted to build it into performance oriented car, which he dubbed White Lightning. Well, nothing came out of it, and he sold the car to us. Few pictures below of it's arrival in MI.

 

[Mad1stGen]

Here's the MI donor car. There was almost $30k worth of work done to this car, and honestly nothing to show for it. That is about to change

I am removing the freshly built fully forged 5.0 stroker, SCP built trans, MM driveshaft, full header exhaust, upgraded brake and some suspension components from it.
The fate of the remaining shell is yet unknown

 

[maxmk8]

I'll be watching this . I remember Todds mark VIII. He used to work for Apple i don't know if he still does.

Damn I don't remember ppl I meet at work events 5min after but I remember Mark VIII stuff from YEAAARS ago!

 

[Mad1stGen]

That's a small world AFAIK he's still at Apple. He moved on to a different project, and never really had time for the mark viii.

Few shots of the drivetrain removal from the new car. The engine bay and underhood areas will be stripped, and painted tricoat paint. Add front licence plate removal and bumper repair, along with a brand new rear window and gasket (CA heat killed it completely). Notice roller wheels, the cobra Rs went to a different mark VIII already.

 

[Mad1stGen]

74k mile drivetrain anyone ?

 

[Mad1stGen]

Engine bay partially ready for sanding and paint prep.

 

[driller]

74k mile drivetrain anyone ?

How much you thinking, what has been done to the tranny and would you split the drivetrain?

 

[Mad1stGen]

How much you thinking, what has been done to the tranny and would you split the drivetrain?

You know I am reasonable.
The trans had JMOD done to it by Craig (BlackIce) few years back.
I'd rather keep it together. I have two spare 98 transmissions and no cars to use them in

 

[steve]

 

[mlschultz]

Cool! Best of luck with the build!

 

[M Darrah]

It's been a while since I worked on anything cool (well since Mark's 98 LSC, but he chose to keep it hush hush )

That's because it's still a work in progress. Granted, it'll probably ALWAYS be a work in progress, but still...

After taking into consideration several factors like paint, rust issues, etc ... we decided to start with a new car (more on that later).

Hah, you of all people, know that no one knows "rust issues" like my car had.

Anyway, enough about me. Looking forward to watching the transformation!

 

[M Darrah]

By the way, I'm still tempted to take that engine and tranny off your hands.

 

[BlackIceLSC]

The tranny had fresh Mercon V in 2005 when we did the JMOD to it. And FWIW, I didn't do the drilling...I did the messy stuff. Todd drilled his own plate, and IMHO, he's very anal about his work. He then purchased a DR chip for it.
He and i raced heads-up at Sacto race way one evening and my stock 94 with coils was quicker. (my 14.96 to his 15.03) He wanted to know why, so i told him it was the driver. he laughed. So I drove his car down the 1/4 mile and ran a 14.98...I don't think he ever got over that. lol
But it shifted great...we had it on video(Stanley our resident video/news/camera man at the time) but somehow even though Stanley considers himself a media icon, we never once saw the film...Thanks Stanley.
bummer...it was a great race. ANYWAY...my point....that JMOD shifted AWESOME!!!

I purchased a P71 CVPI a week before Todd contacted me to see if i wanted the Mark VIII.
But after seeing what Master Jeremi has planned, I think the car is in FAR better hands.

I too will be following this metamorphosis.
Todd's dream will come to fruition at the hands of someone else.

 

[95blklsc]

Cool, looks like a nice project! Who's garage is that, looks nice!!

Also, is that grand sport yours?

 

[beerdog]

Does that stroked engine put out much more power than stock? I have read alott lately on stroking these 4.6's. Most write-ups and opinions say it doesn't do much (especially considering the cost) without a super charger.

 

[Roadboss]

Cubes matter!! Especially if you go on to Super Charging or such. Nice to see the Motor City Maestro back at a cool project we can all appreciate and he's willing to share. Kep us posted J!!

 

[Mad1stGen]

Cool, looks like a nice project! Who's garage is that, looks nice!!

Also, is that grand sport yours?

The garage is mine. Still needs a lot of finishing work, but it works great for me, especially when it's 70 deg in there Since my lift didn't make it in time for the project start, I used a lift at Keith's shop (Ice Nine Customs) where the engine bay will be painted. I thought I told you about the GS ? It replaced the black 08.

Does that stroked engine put out much more power than stock? I have read alott lately on stroking these 4.6's. Most write-ups and opinions say it doesn't do much (especially considering the cost) without a super charger.

I need to check with Tim what exactly that car put down, but I think it's in the 330-340RWHP range. The engine was built for boost, with C heads, and temporary 01 Cobra intake. Eventually it will see a KB unit

Cubes matter!! Especially if you go on to Super Charging or such. Nice to see the Motor City Maestro back at a cool project we can all appreciate and he's willing to share. Kep us posted J!!

Charlie, thanks ! Swing by anytime, not just to have me do work on your car, I drink beer too

 

[tbirddmnd]

I'm following along intently too, hell I should just try to stop up to see first-hand!

 

[billcu]

This car is going to be great.

It's so nice seeing an old car from California when you work on old cars from Michigan.

That car is amazing.

Hey Craig, do you know of any similar condition California Gen 1's for sale?

 

[driller]

It's so nice seeing an old car from California when you work on old cars from WV.

LOL, I fixed it for you.

If you remember, my '96 came from CA.

Working on my '93 vs. the '96 is night and day!

They definitely made a wise move on the White Lightning Project! :wave022: