598038's blog: "Personal endeavors"

Finally getting to put up my two restorations after a decade of working on them, and a couple years of dealing with health issues.

First, my very first car ever. A 1969 AMX 390 Go Pack. I bought this car new on my 17th birthday. Never drove it in winter, I had a beater car that I picked up afterwards for $500 for daily driving. My AMX had zero rust anywhere, not even underneath. At start of restoration (which was a pretty mild one by comparison to most others) in 2001 to help me deal with the divorce of my wife of 20 years. It lasted 5 years but only because of time issues, not money. The total restoration was only $13,000. Like I said, it was mild.

Original engine was kept with just a few additions: Added fuel injection, electronic ignition, larger aluminum radiator for cooling, headers, and 2 1/2 inch stainless exhaust with factory style chrome tips and magnaflow mufflers. Took to Milan Dragway to get a true Dyno. Factory specs: 390 c.i. with 325 hp and 425 ft lbs torque, curb weight 3135 lbs. Curb weight remained the same, but the additions brought hp to 395 and 465 ft lbs torque. Upgraded from 4 speed manual to 6 speed manual for better gas mileage. For me, that was totally acceptable. I did update suspension to 21st century technology, had one/off 18" wheels that resembled factory and put Michelin red line tires on it. The photos in my skin are prior to red line tires. Interior is factory saddle tan and gauges are Dakota. Kenwood Exelon sound system with 500 watts power and 8 speakers. When I drive this car, I honestly feel like I'm 17 again. 

I was still have some depression issues after this car was done, I guess my ex owned more of my heart then I thought. So I picked up a 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra in 2010 that resembled the one I owned in 1993. It was in pretty decent shape but definitely needed work to make it equal to my AMX. Had it painted the darkest, emptiest, wettist black possible with titanium interior and dakota gauges. Again Kenwood Exelon sound system as above because it is an awesome sound system. But I wanted more performance then factory so begins the changes.

I swapped out the 5.0 Fox engine for a 5.0 Coyote. This increased hp from 225 with 325 ft lbs torque to a hefty 465 hp and 475 ft lbs torque. Changed transmission from 5 speed manual to 6 speed manual for better gas mileage. Chrome SVT Cobra 18" wheels with Michelin V rated all season tires. I kept the shorty headers that come factory, then added 2 1/2 inch stainless steel exhaust with chrome factory style tailpipes and magnaflow mufflers. This Mustang is an absolute beast. Never could I imagine an engine put out performance like this without total rebuild. 

After I was done, I still had some depression feelings so I went to Dr and he has me on medication (I got lucky, first dosage was on the money) and I've been feelilng great since. 

This summer, moving in with daughter and son-in-law. I live so ar away from my kids it's not practable to visit as often as I'd like plus finances are now stressful since I'm on Social Security. Financially it will benefit both of us, as well as health and they'll have a built in babysitter for their 5 kids. 

If I can make it till June, things will start to look up. I'm praying. This ends my restoration projects after divorce.