Flex-a-lite started with a two-row aluminum radiator and utilized unique, grooved end tanks for better cooling and easier mounting. The grooves are used to mount the electric fan, which is much better than running the plastic ties through the fins. We also used the grooves to mount the aluminum coolant overflow tank as well. The company includes a temperature-control module and all the wiring you may need to hook up the unit.
After we installed the engine/transmission combination, there was a definite sense of accomplishment and of things finally coming together for this snake, which hasn't seen public roads in about eight years. The front end was no longer high in the sky, and the car looked as though we could hop in and take it for a spin.
But things don't always work that way, and Stolen Goods is no exception. We ran into several issues that prevented us from firing up the Boss 347, and we will outline each solution in the next installment. Some of these problems were related to missing, broken, or incorrect parts, but we'll have our Cobra sorted out and track tested-or editor Smith will have our heads. See you next month.
The intake gasket did not...
The intake gasket did not extend all the way up to the top of the deck, so we filled the gap with the silicone. We used Fel-Pro gaskets throughout the engine.
Before installing the engine,...
Before installing the engine, we wanted to mock up the new Flex-a-lite radiator/electric fan setup that Stolen Goods will be using. This Black Magic Extreme assembly (PN 52185) features a two-core aluminum radiator, an electric fan capable of 3,300 cfm, and a thermostatic control module that allows us to set the fan to turn on anywhere from 160 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. We like how the fan shroud covers the entire radiator for maximum efficiency.
The bottom bracket for the...
The bottom bracket for the radiator bolted up nicely with the supplied hardware.
Mustangs Unlimited provided...
Mustangs Unlimited provided us with a bunch of small but pertinent items, including these Energy Suspension urethane motor mounts. Just a couple of bolts and we're good to go.
We're not sure the Extreme...
We're not sure the Extreme radiator/fan combo will work with a supercharger, as clearance between the fan and the crank pulley on our car was tight. We removed the factory bottom supports to move the assembly back as far as we could and still have only about 3/8 inch clearance. It's a good thing we went naturally aspirated.
We started prepping the engine...
We started prepping the engine for installation by connecting the injector wiring harness.
The injector harness also...
The injector harness also provides connections to various sensors, including the coolant temperature sensor, the air-charge temperature sensor, and this little guy, the temperature sending unit. The average cheap parts store may have a hard time locating this one in its computer. Our local guy found it listed under sensors, switches, and sending units.
The Meziere Enterprises electric...
The Meziere Enterprises electric water pump (PN WP312) was shipped with the heater hoses connections blocked off. We installed these provided fittings so we can turn up the heat if necessary. Meziere uses O-rings to seal everything.
Mustangs Unlimited provided...
Mustangs Unlimited provided this Ford Racing Performance Parts harmonic balancer (PN M-6316-C351), which retails for about $260. We used ARP's balancer fastener (PN 150-2501) to secure it. We needed the optional crank pulley spacer (PN M-8510-C351; $29) to bring the pulley into alignment.
Using the Meziere water pump...
Using the Meziere water pump with the factory air conditioning setup required modification of the factory A/C bracket. Despite the impressive 30x40 garage facility we've been lucky enough to work in, tools are minimal, so a hacksaw, rasp, and some elbow grease were needed to work the bracket into shape. Stolen Goods' previous owner, George Xenos, was kind enough to powdercoat the bracket along with a few of the other factory brackets for the price of a 12-pack.
We had this UPR smog pump-delete...
We had this UPR smog pump-delete pulley in the office and decided it looked pretty good on our new engine. While we had picked up some of the factory water pump bolts to move the A/C bracket outward, we forgot that the smog pump bracket needed to be spaced out as well (arrow).
Here you can see how the smog...
Here you can see how the smog pump bracket needed to be spaced out. We drilled some washers to the size of the bolt to get the job done.