Suggestions

Since my son and I do an article once and awhile we are looking for suggestions of what to look into for the S197. It has been suggested that we do an article a "How To" so to speak on loading and logging using the SCT handheld and laptop for logging.
But we are looking for other suggestions also that would be S197 specific.
Keep in mind we have a very limited budget to work from so that is a very restricting aspect for us.
Suggestions for what you would like to see in a modification to correct a problem you found, or an improvement that needs done to the vehicle.

The car we are dealing with is mine. A 2005 GT, auto trans.

And as most are aware my son and I use the same name here.
I sign Rich Sr, and he does not sign.
(Long story as to why)
My son is also referred to as RatStang by those who are aware of it.

Past articles S197 Specific:
Fuel Fill fix
Auto Trans Dipstick for Stock pan
Cabin Filter replacement
Rear Gear Replacement

Rich Sr

Howdy Rich & Rich Sr. or is it Rich Jr. ? i'm corn-fused

kudos (sic) for the gear swap article. but you already know that.

hmmm.. that's a good question... i'd also love to see more detail about an SCT X3 tune..

i was gonna suggest a short-throw shifter - but you said automatic.. and there are already a couple good ones out there (not specifically here on FM though)

how about eibach lowering spring swap out. how bout under-drive pulley swaps.. or even a cam swap. or an H to X pype + exhaust change-out (although not very difficult to begin with), billet pedal replacement w/dead pedal, or you can be inventive and come up with some type of inexpensive trunk organizer that works well.

a couple i'd LOVE to see, that Ford should have put in the car to begin with are:

1) Trunk-Lid Pop button - inside the glove box
2) auto-on / delay headlight ctrl change-out (might be expensive)
3) keyless door entry pad in the fuel door cover

my list could go on for days, i'd better stop now...

I second the cams deal.

Cams are way outa the budget i'm afraid.
And the benefit for a N/A engine just aint worth the dollars.
The trunk opener is something we might look into though.
As well as the lowering springs in the future.
UD pulleys are on the horizon too.
Ratstangs 66 project is a bit hampering for now.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/mak...ject-66-a.html

But thanks for the ideas. Keep em coming no matter how small or large.

Originally Posted by ixtlan

Cams are way outa the budget i'm afraid.
And the benefit for a N/A engine just aint worth the dollars.
The trunk opener is something we might look into though.
As well as the lowering springs in the future.
UD pulleys are on the horizon too.
Ratstangs 66 project is a bit hampering for now.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/mak...ject-66-a.html
But thanks for the ideas. Keep em coming no matter how small or large.

valid point about the cams..

can you include a trunk-monkey button also..

yay for springs & ud pulleys

omg.. that 66 project.. my jaw dropped.. i mean, i commend ya'll for taking that on, and wish i was there to help.. but WOW.. that is a major project.. i can see where the time goes..

i thought of some more things at work last night.. my 6pm to 6am shift affords me some spare thinking time. lol

1) clear/black out the front turn signals (replacement) - my parts cost like 35$ from e-bay - sounds like a simple change out - not really.. unless you know how to do it before hand.. took me like an hour to do the right-hand, and like 2 mins to do the left-hand once i figured out how to do it. the whole time praying i didn't snap the front facia in half.. lol

2) Hood strut install - prop-rod delete

3) paint brake calipers - put lil mustang or ford logos on em.

4) fuel rail covers

5) sequential taillights - non wiring harness replace (i rather enjoyed doing this, i don't know why) maybe it was the thrill of snipping and splicing wires on a new vehicle with less than 100 miles at the time lol

6) paint the rear center deck lid trim between the taillights matte black.

7) removing / deleting / changing the side fender "GT" emblems

8) might be a little expensive, but changing the seat covers

9) making a battery cover (for show) from scratch - color matched or diamond plate alum. or something snazzy.

i'll keep thinking.. i've got a couple that i'll be doing, but don't know if anyone would care to see them, (custom head rests, keyless entry in the gas-door cover) i've already done alot of these that i've listed..

The Mustang project is my sons exclusively.
He has done a Bronco II "Project: 1989 Bronco I I." that is the first B2 on the cover of Bronco Driver Magazine.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/mak...ronco-i-i.html

"Progress of RatStang" is actually his car if he ever gets back to that one.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/mus...-ratstang.html

That is what he does for a living.

I just piddle here and there with my S197.

Rich Sr

Originally Posted by ixtlan

The Mustang project is my sons exclusively.
He has done a Bronco II "Project: 1989 Bronco I I." that is the first B2 on the cover of Bronco Driver Magazine.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/mak...ronco-i-i.html
"Progress of RatStang" is actually his car if he ever gets back to that one.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/mus...-ratstang.html
That is what he does for a living.
I just piddle here and there with my S197.
Rich Sr

wow.. that is one sweet bronco.. definately a pro at it.. congrats on the cover.

about 18 yrs ago i helped a friend redo his 65 coupe, the worst part of that one was the frame had to be straightened, but the body (his mom was original owner & the family ran a body shop) was in near perfect condition.. a little bondo & some fine sanding to do.. but we took that thing apart and back together from the ground up.. i'd have to say that was my best summer ever..

i had time to throw together some more S197 suggestions for ya...

1) Line-lock for the front tires install. (this would be awesome, if it could be done with off the shelf items - not the kit)
2) Engine Start button / where the power-plug on the dash is.
3) Remote start (for autos)
4) billet gas door change-out
5) removal of airbag warning labels on the sun visors
6) ambient lighting install (footwells, cupholder)
7) any of the spoiler installs

Do you guys now where to get a good deal on a old mustang 2 rear end?

Originally Posted by CardiffCruiser

Do you guys now where to get a good deal on a old mustang 2 rear end?

sorry, I don't... the only ones i know of are late-model ones, and you're in the 2005+ thread, this question might be better asked in the appropriate year you're looking for section. or i believe there's a "parts wanted" section. good luck

Good suggestions.
One thing I am going to look into when I get time is converting the Fog lights to come on with the High Beams. Right now they turn off when you go to HB.
I want to convert my fogs to Driving lights.
Got to look into converting them too.
Want to use stock wiring if possible to at least control them.
May need to upgrade the actual power wiring to handle the lights though.
We shall see....

Rich Sr