So here's the story.

My dad's friend (and, now my friend also) Luc built this car 4-5 years ago. He's a classic muscle car guy, some of the stuff he owns is really phenomenal. Does an absolutely 100% job of everything he builds.

The day i saw this car 4 years ago i've been telling him he MUST sell it to me. He's laughed at me for the last 4 years....well recently he retired, and he doesn't drive it anymore, so he gave me first crack at it.

It didnt matter how much $ he wanted for it i would've said yes...but needless to say, i couldn't do the swap myself for barely even 1/4 of what his asking price was.

so here's the skinny:
-87' 780 coupe (live axel)
-5.0L 302 HO from a 92' mustang GT, AOD transmission
-explorer mounts, aftermarket headers
-Mustang radiator, modified to fit the 780
-custom single exhaust, built to OEM spec

The bad is:
-some peeling clearcoat/faded paint in the trunk region
-few surface rust spots on the quarters and hood
-Passenger electronic seat controls not working
-Passenger window controls not working
-radio backlight burnt out
-A/C needs a couple of lines fabricated to be complete
-Front struts are a bit tired

Other than that, the swap has been done impeccably. Every single stock gauge on the dash has been modified to work with the Ford powerplant.
Luc has been daily driving this car for the last 4 years.

My plan is to fix the minor problems and just enjoy it as-is.
I'm tired of having a hundred projects, it's nice owning something that is complete, and just enough character to turn heads and have fun with.

Some pictures!

Cool.

If only someone would see Matt's car the same way!

That. Is. Very. Cool.

INB4 Matt gives you shit for not buying his 780.

If we happen to hookup on the rims down the road, you MUST bring that car.

To be honest I was really sketched out because of the rarity of the 780..parts are like black gold for these things...but I'm glad this car is live axel, and has one of the most common and well documented engines in it. I wouldn'tve been as confident with it if it was all original...there is still a lot of PRV remnants that leave me scratching my head...

I can't not comment.

You won't get crap from me on this one. It's starting to look like this is a good idea for mine - this or a stick of dynamite.

Kidding aside, this is a pretty cool car, Sol. Well done. I like it all except that it's an '87, but in many ways that would make things simpler. Getcherself some Billy TCs and some sways and fix up the little stuff, and you've got a nice toy. I hope you don't need a windshield because after dealing with that headlight you're just not going to want to know.

Pretty sweet! Any mods to the inside of the engine?

Heh, there's a set of headlights sitting in the trunk for it...And I was offered two 780 parts cars for $400, so hopefully I won't have too much of an issue with the rare parts...

What's wrong with the 87 year? Other than the solid axel?

No mods to the engine, Other than some headers. One runner has been modified to clearance the steering.

No comment on fuel economy yet, as i haven't run through a full tank yet

Cool anyway you slice it...same problems on pretty much every 780. Dead sexy car in my view.

That's about all. Two parts cars for $400? Any good driver's taillights besides the one on your runner?

Edit - I feel like I should add that my preference for the IRS is just that. The live axle opens up a world of upgrades such as an LSD and a sway bar. It's probably a lot tougher as well. You don't have a fuel tank that costs over $100 to fill though, so neener neener neener!

Looks very nice, nothing major wrong with it. Everyone will tell ya,shoulda been an Lsxxx,but a well running 5.0 is a joy to drive. You are definitely gonna need an lsd or similar,if it doesn't have one. Fuel mileage....well couldn't be happier with mine,cant be much difference in weight between us (about 3350 lbs for mine ) and having had a 940 T wagon
which had a hard time with low 20's city,and mid twenties highway,driven sanely I just got 29.5 on a trip to Saskatoon in the 245 gtttt and normally can get 25 ish highway,and high teens city with my zesty driving pattern.
I am liking mine again lately despite some niggly wiring issues (harness is getting on 25 yrs old) I have put lotsa Km's on it in the past couple months over 4000,always puts a smile on my face.

I won't actually know until i go pick them up... Rick and Blair at ReVolv in saskatoon are great guys, but my side projects take second priority over their more lucrative endeavors. i don't blame them. Ive been wanting pictures of these cars for the last two years and haven't seen any yet...all it takes is my finding a place to store the cars and to light a fire under their asses.

Stock open diff as it sits. I have a modified G80 and 940 axels on the bench...but i'm not certain if that is the best option.

I weighed it the other day, 3483lbs with a 57/43 distribution. Tis a boat.

Hey Sol, you gonna give Volvord a run for the money now. I love those Bertone coupes. There were two for sale on Kijiji, both with PRV autotragics. Man, was I tempted to pick one up and transfer the D24T to it but cash is a problem when ur on pension. Enjoy the car, missed Lethbridge again this year, hopefully get there some time. Stay cool

Thanks Keith!

So far the car has been extremely popular around here.

I fixed the passenger seat controls, somehow ... mostly just mucking around with the electronics until something arc'd and it all started working. I think it had something to do with that big red "STOP" button interlock... I really have no idea what that is about or why it's there. I noticed that the driver's side recline only works one way so i'll be tinkering with that one a bit too. probably just some bad contacts.

Yeah, electronics can be a real pain. I still haven't figured out cruise control, front passenger window from main panel (works with it's own button) and the driver's side seat warmer but. that last one's really unimportant. Trying to save up some cash to recharge the A/C.