History
One of the very few '83 models (like an '83.5) where they changed the driveline halfway through the year to have an external seal on the motor; go from a 4-speed manual to an extremely weak T5; and replace the 3.08:1 diff ratio with a 3.27:1
Owned it since 1995 after a mate who had it wanted to sell because he didn't like everyone looking at him as he went down the street :)
Was the first in Queensland to go through the cross-over conversion process using 2x 90-degree steering boxes. Thoroughly reliable in the steering with excellent handling and feedback. Apparently the business was sold a couple of years later whereupon the conversion became less reliable. This is the car that Queensland Transport put over the pits several times to ensure that it was done right so that the business operator could get certified.
It quickly became my 'job' to know as much about this Mustang as possible as I couldn't rely on businesses to do reliable work since almost nobody in Australia knew anything about how to fix them. I've used bits from Holden Geminis and Valiants and have discovered that it uses the same wheels as some Volvos and Saab.
The wheels were difficult to get as ROH would only send these to the USA and not sell them here. After many calls and a favour or two, someone finally worked out that there was a call for them here as well.
I've tried many things with it and adapted bits from other cars (like the XE Falcon gauge pod filed out to suit the dash) and the bits out of the USA that would cost 4-times as much if I wanted to buy them here.
It originally had a 5.0 in it but took that out when a bolt for the water pump snapped off in the block. I found a nice, warm JG33 to go in there but it's never run with that in it.
Became absolutely disgusted with the corruption and dishonesty in MOCA Qld in 2003 and took it off the road and that's how it stayed.
Modifications
OK... Here goes....
(While it was still running)
ROH ZS 16" wheels to correct the speedo errors caused by it being shipped with metric wheels.
Custom full-length headers made by the bloke who now owns and runs Fat Pipes in Kallangur (beautiful job!)
Short throw shifter to get rid of the crunch between the gears.
'85 steering wheel.
Gauge pod with mechanical gauges.
Replacement of factory seats with Subaru WRX seats.
Addition of chassis rails + motorsport lowered springs to improve handling.
Made the custom speaker box for the rear cabin area that included velcro straps to tie down the T-Tops when off the car to stop them moving about and/or getting in the way while still being able to use the cargo area.
Custom strut tower brace to further improve handling.
(what is going to go in...)
JG33 6.0 windsor.
'03 Cobra IRS with 8.8" centre and 3.55:1 ratio + replacement rubbers to greatly improve handling.
Steeda QA-1 tubular K-member + coil over shocks + adjustable strut points + aluminium tailshaft + tailshaft loop.
Replace crappy Motorsport chassis rail connectors with MUCH-stronger Steeda variants with seat connectors.
Replace backwards '83 bonnet scoop with forward facing Boss-9 scoop.
All spends are recorded as well as details of all maintenance and trips taken.
