This month's upgrades started...
This month's upgrades started with the removal of the stock manifolds and Magnaflow X-style midpipe. With the old exhaust out of the way, we were able start the installation of our rearend parts and our new exhaust system.
Last month we took a basically stock '03 Mach 1, put it through a bunch of the normal tests, and it performed very well in all areas. Our baseline on the dyno was promising, and we were happy with the numbers we saw at the dragstrip. After stiffening the chassis, we decided it was time to add a few ponies and attack some of the driveability issues we had with our mildly modified Mach, now known as Project Shake 'N' Bake.
To get underway, we headed to Blow By Racing (BBR) in Boca Raton, Florida. Our good friends Chris Jones and Matt Frith were quick to bring us in and get things underway. The first order of business was strapping our Mach 1 to BBR's Dynojet 224 to spin the rollers and get a baseline. Just 296 rwhp and 314 lb-ft of torque later, we went to the other side of the shop to take apart the Mach 1.Things started off with the removal of our existing exhaust. With the stock manifolds and Magnaflo X-stlye midpipe out of the way, we removed the driveshaft, allowing us to disassemble the 8.8-inch rearend.
With over 85,000 miles on...
With over 85,000 miles on the odometer, it was time to freshen the stock 8.8. Matt Frith started by removing the stock differential cover and draining the fluid.
Randy's Ring and Pinion sent us everything we needed to beef up our 8.8, including a master overhaul kit, which included all new bearings and seals to freshen our rearend. With the stock equipment removed, Frith quickly bolted the Yukon 4.10 gear set onto the Eaton Detroit Truetrac differential. The Truetrac is a huge improvement over the stock differential, and will add all the strength we need on the dragstrip and road course.
 Frith removed the old axles,...  Frith removed the old axles, bearing and races, carrier, and gear set to make room for our new components from Randy's Ring and Pinion. |  Randy's ring and Pinion sent...  Randy's ring and Pinion sent us everything to fortify our rearend for great strength. |  Frith presses the bearings...  Frith presses the bearings on to the new Eaton Detroit Truetrac differential. |
 The 4.10 ring gear slides...  The 4.10 ring gear slides on the carrier and is bolted into place. |  The Eaton unit is much beefier...  The Eaton unit is much beefier than the stock differential. |  Steeda Autosports sent us...  Steeda Autosports sent us its 3-inch wheels studs for our new Yukon axles. The studs fit perfectly, and press right into place with a lug nut and an impact wrench. |