91 Cougar LS 5.0 Teardown and Build

Anyone know how to buy the right hood struts? Compressed is around 12" and 20" extended.. Stock struts are 95# and I'm thinking 30# is plenty. So, I have found some that meet that criteria, but am unsure of how to ensure I get the right ends. Anyone have some advice?
 
MadMikeyL said:
If you’re looking for lighter ones for a fiberglass hood, just order them for a MarkVIII. They had fiberglass and later aluminum hoods, and the hood struts are externally the same as the MN12s, but lighter.
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Thank you!
 
MadMikeyL said:
If you’re looking for lighter ones for a fiberglass hood, just order them for a MarkVIII. They had fiberglass and later aluminum hoods, and the hood struts are externally the same as the MN12s, but lighter.
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I don’t and never plan to put a fiberglass hood on my car ever but that is a mindblowingly good tip!
 
Haven't done much updating lately, but I did get the car back to the body shop to do some fit and finish. I got it back and it's in the garage. I need to do a few odds and ends in the next couple weeks as I get ready to have it tuned and put on the Dyno.

Also got my storage facility rented today so I have a place to put it and still have my truck in the garage. Getting very much ready for spring.
 
Finally beared down and went to work on wiring. Got the tach working and also the stereo. Then put the dash together for the first time in 5 years. Felt pretty awesome to see it together. Just need to put the glove box back on and figure out the light switch.

Took a crappy video of it and then realized I can't share sounds on YT.
 
Well the car meet the tuner today and things went...ok.
Good news - car makes some steam
Bad news - idles like shit yet. He believes it's the Ford style IAC, that doesn't play well with big cams. He recommended switching to a GM style throttle body, IAC and TPS sensor. I found Accufab makes adapters to run the GM style on my For style throttle body. I sent that to him to see if he thinks it'll work. He really wants me to go to drive by wire TB but I don't think I can run the TV cable for my trans off of one. We'll see.
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You running Holley EFI? That makes sense the Ford IAC is misbehaving as I’m pretty sure it speaks GM.

Idle’s been the bane of my cammed build too, it’s better but still not quite happy
 
So, what I've been waiting for are the numbers. These are corrected numbers, as he runs a Mustang Dyno.
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419 wheel, assuming 20% driveline loss is 523hp at the crank. My hope was 500, so this meets that criteria. It started to rain when I got home, so I'll see what it feels like another day.
 
XR7-4.6 said:
You running Holley EFI? That makes sense the Ford IAC is misbehaving as I’m pretty sure it speaks GM.

Idle’s been the bane of my cammed build too, it’s better but still not quite happy
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Yes, they actually wire for Chrysler IAC, but GM is very similar and is what most people use.
 
KevinVarnes said:
What is his reasoning for this?
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I'm not 100% sure, but I think he was expecting that I'd have to buy a new TV to convert to GM sensors anyway, so it would end up being an easier way to hook it all up. That's my guess since Ford to GM cable issues, etc. I have the parts on order to switch the electronics for about $300. Much cheaper than $1000-$1500 to swap all the hardware.
 
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