My Mustang II Project.


Last year I purchased a 1978 Cobra II as a restoration/modification project. It has a black exterior with the red/orange/yellow graphics and a red interior. It is equipped with a 302 c.i. V-8 and a C4 automatic. Options included are air-conditioning and a stereo 8-track player.

The engine was replaced at some point with a 1976 302 V-8 which will be re-built. The body and interior are sorely in need of a refurbishment also.

I'd like to end up with a car that the guys that build the current Mustang Cobra would be proud of: i.e. improvements in the engine, brakes, interior, and exterior.

I plan to do a strong rebuild of the engine bottom end with a view towards later high performance upgrades. GT-40 aluminum heads, a retro-fit roller cam, Holley 600 cfm 4 bbl. carburator, aluminum intake, and aluminum water pump are on the short list. I should be able to remove nearly 100 lbs. from the front of this car on this diet!

Due to the short amount of time left to complete this project before the MCA Charlotte meeting in April, I'll have to settle for a quick splash of paint on the exterior, a quick cleanup of the interior (with a pair of Escort GT seats), and a standard rebuild of the brakes. Later plans include 11" front discs, 10" rear discs, and an Auburn limited slip rear.

The First of the Before Pics!

Left front view.


Right rear view. Some surface rust showing near the right tailight, and a Chevy dealer stcker too.


Yuk, this car needs some new carpet!


Underhood options include: missing air cleaner, broken coolant catch tank and battery cooling duct. Man this engine sits high.


Ahhh, this is nice carpet!


Updated December 15, 1998

On To Stage 1: Removing the Engine and Transmission.

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