New Stallion at the Ranch

tixer said:
Have you spent much time driving it yet? Any thoughts on the quality of the build and tuning?

Track times? :D
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Not really much driving time with it yet. I've been street tuning the Opal '96 in my free time. ;)

Thanks for asking about the build and tuning. :)

I've been doing a lot of research on Kenne Bell setups. The standard boost levels with this blower is 7 psi advertised to be +108 RWHP/+98 RWTQ. This particular combo is putting out probably 11 psi which should be good for +170 RWHP/+155 RWTQ according to KB. With the finding of paraphernalia and documentation left with the car, it was tuned using the Moates QuarterHorse system with Binary Editor. There also was a multi-channel data logger device in the trunk which implies there was more than the typical tuning and datalogging done.

With that being said, I have taken the advice of Kenne Bell and plan to run Torco octane booster as a fuel system additive to ward off detonation and maximize performance. Since I don't really know any specifics of the tune on the car, I'd rather err on the side of caution for now. Besides the fuel pressure gauge and boost gauge, it does have a wideband and knock sensor gizmo for what that's worth.

No track times, and I'm not sure when that may happen (though I'm sure it will one day). :p

There's still some getting acquainted to be done. I plan to one day pull the differential cover and see what type of locking differential it has. I am certain it has stock gears however. I haven't actually driven it on the highway after dark yet but I know the headlamps need adjusted since the passenger side shines much lower than the drivers side. But the aftermarket HIDs actually seem to be pretty decent, even with the stock halogen housings. I have some 96 HID housings on the shelf if need be. It has an aftermarket head unit (Kenwood) and signs of a used to be amplifier and subwoofer setup which are gone. There were some ignition components (coils/plug wires) in the trunk along with an Accufab throttle body and a VSS unit, more signs of past testing and tuning.

As for performance, well let's just say I have some seat of the pants comparison. ;)

I think it's comparable to a Terminator swap with stock gears? Hard to put numbers to it but I'd feel safe to say north of 400 RWHP. But the torque from the Kenne Bell blower is unmatched IMHO. The tires seem to be decent performance tires but they are no match for a WOT blast... from a standing start it will launch with the tires broiling well into second gear. It will power slide corners like a hollywood stunt car. Yet it is entirely well mannered... with a straight launch it wiggles side to side a bit and lurches into second gear but never seems out of control. I actually think the car would benefit from a set of gears, 3.55s or 3.73s, but not sure if I will go there. :unsure:

For now, I just plan on little beautification details and enjoy it for what it is as we become better acquainted. :giggle:
 
This is a great summary. I look forward to hearing more as you and the car get to know each other. :D
 
A few minor findings with the passage of more time...

The radio antennae only partially works. Probably a stripped plastic gear strap... not a big deal and worse case is to just replace the entire assembly. I so seldom use AM/FM I could just unplug it when retracted, but I endeavor to keep things working as they should.

The message center buttons need some TLC... or at least the reset button does. Again not a major problem and I'm pretty sure I have one or two message centers in the parts shed I could rob the keypad assembly from if needed. I'll probably just try to clean the contacts first.

The throttle return spring is way too strong... a trip to the parts store or Amazon should find a more suitable replacement. Just a personal preference really, I noted the same years ago with the '96 when I did the Cobra intake swap.

Those nifty AeroCatch hood latches are a pain. A pain to latch, a pain to unlatch and open the hood and a pain to adjust for the best compromise between too tight and too loose. I still have a pair on the shelf I bought for the Blue Flame... almost glad I never installed them. :confused:

Probably the biggest issue so far (which to be honest I did notice before) is the clock spring is likely in need of replacement. Not sure how or why, but the symptoms are a flashing airbag lamp and non-functioning cruise control. I don't look forward to diving into that project, but likely will (over the winter)?

And... I hope the tires last until next spring. This years tire budget for the fleet did not account for this car. :LOL:
 
I would think the stock 307 gear would be good with a supercharger and better on the wallet too.
 
billcu said:
I would think the stock 307 gear would be good with a supercharger and better on the wallet too.
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Yeah, steeper gears would limit the top end on the highway at the expense of slightly better acceleration. And quite honestly with the instantaneous torque from the twin screw supercharger, the acceleration is more than adequate, especially since it's more of a street car versus a track car.

I'm certain it will be better on the wallet since cruising at 80 is 2,125 rpms with the stock gears compared to 2,450 rpms with 3.55 gears, 2,575 rpms with 3.73 gears or 2,825 rpms with 4.10 gears. 🧐
 
Ramblings...

Spending more time lately with the new car taking a break from the tedious task of road tuning the Opal '96, I have found...
  • Static in the left rear speaker that seems to come and go away, whether the head unit is on or not. :mad:
  • When there is no static, the sound is pretty decent with the iPhone plugged into the USB port.
  • The radio antenna appears to be loosening up, going up further (or so it seems).
  • The hood pins have finally been adjusted to the point it is now second nature to open and close the hood.
  • You CAN fix non-responsive message center buttons... I'll make an entire new thread on that later. ;)
  • The exhaust drones badly at low rpms, likely due to the aftermarket cats and no-name mufflers.
  • The cruise control DOES work! It appears it just can't pull hard enough against the throttle return spring.
I finally had to put in fuel and found this...

Octane_Warning.jpg
 
91 Octane is recommended from the factory N/A, so for sure you want some with forced induction
 
Paint correction and ceramic coating done, including the wheels. The guys at the shop were impressed with the Mark VIII.

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Cleaned up pretty good for a thirty year old car. :cool:
 
That looks great! what exactly is paint correction? Is that just a fancy name for buffing the car out? About how much does that cost? I've never had any of my cars "corrected".
 
billcu said:
That looks great! what exactly is paint correction? Is that just a fancy name for buffing the car out? About how much does that cost? I've never had any of my cars "corrected".
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Basically yes, paint correction is buffing the car.

"Paint correction" typically costs around $500 around here but was included in the ceramic coating cost as it is required prior to application of the ceramic coating.

I had concerns with this particular car which I expressed to the shop owner prior to the work. I opted for the high end "10 year" coating but I had concerns with the age of the paint - it is after all 30 years old. I had no preconceived expectations, I just wanted the best approach taken and the best protection for the longevity of the paint. They assured me they constantly "gage" the paint (actually the clear coat) during the process to avoid removing too much wherever it may be too thin. If during the process they deemed it not worthy of the effort, they had my blessing to 'scale down' to a lower rated job as I had no desire "to put lipstick on a pig". Considering the age, they said the clear coat was generally good but there were a few places where it gaged near the minimum where they had to proceed with caution to be sure not to burn through the clear coat.

Afterwards, they were quick to point out imperfections which they were not able to correct. There were a couple I had not noticed before, overall besides one place on the rear bumper and a couple minor scratches too deep to polish out, the hood seemed to be the most 'blemished'. Indeed, it does look great, but if you look closely in the right places you will note it is not 'perfect'.

But that's okay. My primary goal was simply not to have to spend countless hours polishing and waxing the car in the future, especially so with it being black. In my experience, with proper care and simple washing, the ceramic coating should provide years of protection.
 
driller said:
Basically yes, paint correction is buffing the car.

"Paint correction" typically costs around $500 around here but was included in the ceramic coating cost as it is required prior to application of the ceramic coating.

I had concerns with this particular car which I expressed to the shop owner prior to the work. I opted for the high end "10 year" coating but I had concerns with the age of the paint - it is after all 30 years old. I had no preconceived expectations, I just wanted the best approach taken and the best protection for the longevity of the paint. They assured me they constantly "gage" the paint (actually the clear coat) during the process to avoid removing too much wherever it may be too thin. If during the process they deemed it not worthy of the effort, they had my blessing to 'scale down' to a lower rated job as I had no desire "to put lipstick on a pig". Considering the age, they said the clear coat was generally good but there were a few places where it gaged near the minimum where they had to proceed with caution to be sure not to burn through the clear coat.

Afterwards, they were quick to point out imperfections which they were not able to correct. There were a couple I had not noticed before, overall besides one place on the rear bumper and a couple minor scratches too deep to polish out, the hood seemed to be the most 'blemished'. Indeed, it does look great, but if you look closely in the right places you will note it is not 'perfect'.

But that's okay. My primary goal was simply not to have to spend countless hours polishing and waxing the car in the future, especially so with it being black. In my experience, with proper care and simple washing, the ceramic coating should provide years of protection.
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Thanks. I was thinking about having my black one done as well. Mine is in terrible condition compared to yours though, but like yours the hood and top of the rear bumper are the worse. The rear bumper even has the clear coat cancer in one spot now.
 
:mad: Ahem......to reiterate; HATE YOUR ENTIRE FACE!!!!

That thing is just dam sexy. Great job. I feel even worse cause im going to cheap wrap route for now.

I have always been a 2nd Gen guy but I tell ya what this kinda makes me think twice.
 
Well, we took the Mystery Mocha Mark VIII to the Lincoln Homecoming...

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While there it went on a "cruise" as well as a couple trips for dinner. Figured out a couple things along the trip...

  • The console latch is now in need of replacement as no amount of effort will make it latch closed now.
  • I highly suspect the differential is not a locking differential. :LOL:
  • Average fuel mileage is somewhere less than 14 miles per gallon according to the message center. I need to hand calculate the next couple fill-ups to verify. :unsure:
  • Somewhere around 25% to 30% throttle under low-rpm load in 3rd or 4th gear will cause the car to be unhappy. Like it bogs down or surges or both. It wants either less throttle or a lot more. Of course I'm always tempted to give it more. LOL :giggle:
Also, I received the Blackstone Labs report on the engine oil I sent out for analysis. Everything looks fine, nothing was abnormal and they recommended to run the oil another 2,000 miles.
 
Locking differential or not, I can attest to the car leaving "11's" when pressed into doing so. From what I could see through the smoke, anyway..
 
The Kenne Bell Mark VIII subbed for a date at the track... :giggle:

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Dog approved...

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:LOL:

Long story short... the Blue Flame was down waiting on a valvebody for the transmission. The second string Opal Opalescent 96 was supposed to sub but after driving half way there and having to turn around because I forgot my helmet, it decided to start sputtering and other shenanigans so I parked it and called on the third string for duty. LOL

It was actually entertaining and somewhat relaxing all in all. Nothing spectacular, just a few runs over the course of two days. The best of the weekend was a 13.26 ET @ 102.95 mph, not shabby for a street car on a hot summer day. I think with proper tires and cooler weather, it would run in the 12s. As predicted, heat soak was a big factor with the Kenne Bell blower... it was 2 tenths slower on the second of back to back runs down the track.
 
Nice! I meant to ask you at the homecoming what is the fuel mileage on the x way with that stock rear?
 
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