SN95 Black Betty Build Thread Profile - SN95 Mustangs

[steve_garnjobst]

I loved the feel of the old RE-71’s. Unfortunately, the new version doesn’t have the same sharp handling dynamics. Still a really good tire, but grip levels aren’t great on asphalt. They were pretty hard to drive at both Michelin Proving Grounds and Route 66 last year, plus all our local sites are asphalt.

In any case, the 200TW tire to have seems to change every couple years - so it pays to be flexible and pay attention to trends.

 

[steve_garnjobst]

Looks like I’m going to be pretty busy working on the Mustang the next few weeks, as parts have started showing up:

1. The Maier Racing fender flares are here. Need to get them fastened to the body, so I can figure out what metal to cut off.

2. The MM torque arm and panhard bar are showing up in a couple days. I’ll install the panhard bar, but have a good chassis shop to do the torque arm. I don’t like welding upside down without a lift, and the install process looks like it would be a bear with just a jack & jack stands.

3. Have Wilwood brake kits with two-piece rotors coming for front & rear. The stock brakes really do suck, so looking forward to the upgrade.

4. Also need to install a new clutch cable with adjuster. The current clutch release point is less than ideal, and I don’t currently have any way to adjust it.

Recently picked up a set of wireless corner weight scales, so should have a baseline car weight this weekend. Ultimate target weight is 2,960 lbs without driver, which would put me right at the minimum for CAMT

 

[steve_garnjobst]

My to-do list for Betty seems to keep getting longer by the day. The Wilwood brakes showed up this morning, and I already had the flares & torque arm to deal with.

Spent the day yesterday clearing out space in the garage and installing a new 30K BTU gas heater. It’s still cold in the Northland and my old bones don’t much care for working in a cold garage.

 

[302BOB]

Steve......My old bones don't like working in any kind of weather any more............and they don't get any argument from me..................

 

[steve_garnjobst]

Some new bling to install!
I’m really looking forward to decent brakes, as the stock ‘98 GT brakes aren’t very good.

 

[steve_garnjobst]

Did a baseline weigh-in for Betty today.
She came in at 3,170 lbs with 1/2 tank of gas.
That’s without the Wilwood brakes or MM torque arm, which probably cancel each other out.

So, Betty’s gonna need to go on a diet, but it will take me a while to trim the 200 lbs needed to be at the CAMT weight minimum. Plenty of other things to worry about first.

 

[steve_garnjobst]

Just finished replacing my clutch cable & quadrant, which was much more of an ordeal than expected. I needed to replace the cable with something adjustable, as the stock cable & upgraded clutch had the clutch engaging with the pedal barely an inch off the floor. Not ideal, and hard to drive.

Anyway, I got a BBK kit with adjustable cable, new quadrant, and firewall adjuster. Everything went in OK, but the pedal effort was ridiculously high, and I couldn’t seem to improve the situation with adjustments. After some research, I discovered this is apparently a common issue. I ordered a Ford Motorsports adjustable cable, and replaced the BBK cable & firewall adjuster while keeping the new quadrant. Instantly, clutch effort dropped and things worked as expected. It’s mystifying how the BBK cable could be so awful, as it seemed to have very little friction off the car. Problem fixed, so I’m not going to overthink it.

One additional note: I added some 1/2” ID nylon spacers to the shafts for the quadrant, to keep it properly aligned. The quadrant is apparently supposed to self-align, but the fit was sloppy enough that it seemed there would be potential for mis-alignment.

 

[steve_garnjobst]

I’ve never been fond of the Hurst shifter that came with Betty. Notchy, stiff & relatively long throws. Honestly, I can’t think of anything nice to say about this shifter.

I replaced it with an MGW shifter over the weekend, and what a difference! I was really surprised at the dramatic improvement in shift quality vs. the Hurst unit.

 

[steve_garnjobst]

The MM torque arm and panhard bar are finally installed! Had to do some exhaust system mods to fit the torque arm. Clearances are super tight - especially with a 3” exhaust.

Discovered the rear upper arms installed by the previous owner had hard poly bushings. No wonder the rear suspension was binding!

Loving the torque arm, but need to increase the rear spring rates. Have a full set of Koni DA coilovers on the way from MM. Couldn’t justify the extra cost for MCS, but wanted something reliable & serviceable. Also ordered new MM camber plates & rear shock mounts.

First event of the year is coming up on 04/27. Still need to install the Meier Racing flares so I have enough clearance for my race wheels/tires in front.