Moving into the second month of this built-from-scratch race car, we've installed some of the critical hardware. Because we started with a bare shell, we'll be assembling the entire car, including many items you never give second thought to, such as the interior, windows, and all of the wiring. This stage of a project can seem more like a home improvement project than a car build, but wiring and plumbing are necessary to make sure all the systems work properly in the harsh racing environment.
With the Strange Engineering 9-inch rear firmly in place, our attention turned to the trunk, where we installed an Aeromotive fuel system. Our man Yo, Ken! Miele is also a darn good fabricator, and so he went to work with his fab and wiring expertise.
With any high-performance project, it's important to have the controls in the proper place, so we took into account driver position, as well as the location of the gauges and switch control panel. This may be an afterthought for some, but if the driver is comfortable and has easy access to things like the shifter, switch panel, and pedals, he or she will be more effective at winning.
This Mustang started as Ford Racing Performance Parts body-in-white (BIW) kit, of which 40 were sold in 2010. FRPP is planning to offer this program again in 2012 or 2013 and it is a prime way to begin any racing project, be it for the strip, open-track fun, or an all-out road-course assault. And if you take your time, you'll come away with a show-winning ride that can win on track.
Check out The photos and captions to see what progress we made this month.
As we mentioned in Part 1,...
As we mentioned in Part 1, BIW Mustangs are not really white anymore. They come with a special green e-coat to prevent rust.
1 Now the fun begins, as...
1 Now the fun begins, as we assemble the Mustang...
...starting with the window...
...starting with the window regulators and power-window motors. FRPP's kit comes with wiring, connectors...
...and the flexible door-to-body...
...and the flexible door-to-body seals that the wiring runs through.
2 Gauge placement comes down...
2 Gauge placement comes down to driver preference.
Gauge placement comes down...
Gauge placement comes down to driver preference.
3 The bare instrument panel...
3 The bare instrument panel (IP), which is a one-piece unit, was fit to the car.
4 Ken then performed his...
4 Ken then performed his wiring magic, installing the fuse panels, starter solenoid, and subsequent wiring to the switch panel. The dash will have a neat removable panel where the passenger-side airbag once was, thus allowing easy access to the fuse panel. This is important for track-side troubleshooting.
5 Up next was the Aeromotive...
5 Up next was the Aeromotive Fuel System designed for the Cobra Jet. The cell incorporates an Eliminator pump.
6 As you can see, lines were...
6 As you can see, lines were run from the tank, under the car...
...and up to the engine c...
...and up to the engine compartment.
7 This regulator, mounted...
7 This regulator, mounted on the passenger-side inner fender, will control fuel pressure and provide a return. This is as far as we got with the fuel system because we need the engine in the car to run lines to the rails.
8 Next, the Mustang was transported...
8 Next, the Mustang was transported to Bob Carroll at Rod and Racecraft. Carroll began bending the chromoly tubes for our full rollcage.
9 The main hoop was fitted...
9 The main hoop was fitted tight to the outer body and welded to the floor as per the NHRA rulebook.
Note how the mounting plate...
Note how the mounting plate is also contoured to tie into the rocker of the car.
10 Next, the crossbar was...
10 Next, the crossbar was fitted and welded in place. This serves to stiffen the main hoop and provide a place to mount the shoulder harness.
11 The rear bars are another...
11 The rear bars are another integral part of the cage, supporting the hoop in case of rollover.
They reach from the top of...
They reach from the top of the main hoop to the floor of the trunk.
12 The forward bars also...
12 The forward bars also connect to and support the hoop...
...then run down the A-pillar...
...then run down the A-pillar and are welded to the floor.
13 The cage is coming along...
13 The cage is coming along nicely.
Next Bob fits the side bar...
Next Bob fits the side bar on the driver's side.
14 This bar must pass between...
14 This bar must pass between the driver's shoulder and elbow.
15 Bob used tape to show...
15 Bob used tape to show the location of the windshield so he could bend and install the front crossbar to complete the halo. The tape will allow him to get this bar as close as possible to the windshield without having to have the glass in the car.