MK4 #8951 Build

[lahrs37]

I think I heard the pop your referring too in the above vid. Right when before you said "backfire". Where do you have your O2 sensor located? I originally located mine in the header which turned out to be a big mistake. After relocating to the side pipe collector, my motor smoothed right out.

Interesting. I do have the o2 sensor in my header. What engine are you running? I go-karted today and there were no pops or crackles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drbqYCAAKQQ

On a separate note I am leaking power steering fluid and oil. I will address both of those leaks before I run it again.

[RickP]

I think I have my answer to where your O2 sensor is. 3:21 into this vid I see the hole for your O2 sensor in your header. I had mine located in the exact same location. Almost identical to where yours is and my motor would just not run right. I'm running a FITech EFI but the principal is the same. Your collecting info from one exhaust port. I was advised to move mine just behind the collector on the side pipe (still not sure if it will interfere with the body installed) but, after doing so, all my engine tuning issues went away. Like as in night and day.

[lahrs37]

I think I have my answer to where your O2 sensor is. 3:21 into this vid I see the hole for your O2 sensor in your header. I had mine located in the exact same location. Almost identical to where yours is and my motor would just not run right. I'm running a FITech EFI but the principal is the same. Your collecting info from one exhaust port. I was advised to move mine just behind the collector on the side pipe (still not sure if it will interfere with the body installed) but, after doing so, all my engine tuning issues went away. Like as in night and day.

That is really good to know! I have ordered a pair of Gas-n pipes. When I get them I will look into welding bungs into them. Maybe I will wait until the body is on so I don't run into interference issues like you mentioned you are concerned about.

[RickP]

Interesting. I do have the o2 sensor in my header. What engine are you running? I go-karted today and there were no pops or crackles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drbqYCAAKQQ

On a separate note I am leaking power steering fluid and oil. I will address both of those leaks before I run it again.

Based on your go-kart vid (congrats BTW), sounds you have it running great. If its running right, leave it be. Back firing on an EFI motor usually boils down to the O2 sensor. Confusion on the air/fuel mix. but sounds as if your setup is reading correctly. I didn't hear any popping in the vid.

I have a 302 pulled from an 87 5.0. Instead of the stock EFI mumbo jumbo I am running a FItech efi. My O2 sensor was in the same place as you have yours currently. It always ran rich and I couldnt even get a tune on it. It would run one minute, and not the next. Only way I could keep it running was to put my foot into it. Now I have it plugged up and the sensor is at the collector. Runs and idles perfect.

[RickP]

That is really good to know! I have ordered a pair of Gas-n pipes. When I get them I will look into welding bungs into them. Maybe I will wait until the body is on so I don't run into interference issues like you mentioned you are concerned about.

I'm going to attempt body fitment next weekend. I'm really hoping I have the sensor angled right. With all the trials and tribulations you have been through as of late, I bet that go-kart ride was like wooooo hoooo.

P.S. I had a number of leaks to overcome.

[lahrs37]

Based on your go-kart vid (congrats BTW), sounds you have it running great. If its running right, leave it be. Back firing on an EFI motor usually boils down to the O2 sensor. Confusion on the air/fuel mix. but sounds as if your setup is reading correctly. I didn't hear any popping in the vid.

I have a 302 pulled from an 87 5.0. Instead of the stock EFI mumbo jumbo I am running a FItech efi. My O2 sensor was in the same place as you have yours currently. It always ran rich and I couldnt even get a tune on it. It would run one minute, and not the next. Only way I could keep it running was to put my foot into it. Now I have it plugged up and the sensor is at the collector. Runs and idles perfect.

My 302 is from a 93, but I opted to stick with the stock fuel injection setup. If I start running into problems in the future I will definitely keep the o2 location in mind.

[lahrs37]

I'm going to attempt body fitment next weekend. I'm really hoping I have the sensor angled right. With all the trials and tribulations you have been through as of late, I bet that go-kart ride was like wooooo hoooo.

P.S. I had a number of leaks to overcome.

I was also thinking I might toss on the body for a bit so I can bolt up my high-back seats in the correct position. And yes the ride was freaking sweet!

[RickP]

I was also thinking I might toss on the body for a bit so I can bolt up my high-back seats in the correct position. And yes the ride was freaking sweet!

I admire your tenacity. The 5.0 stock setup coupled with the OEM harness is a lot to overcome/understand. The motor set-back you had can easily take the wind out of your sails. Makes that first go-kart ride all the better....


keep the video's coming. Love seeing your progress.

[lahrs37]

I admire your tenacity. The 5.0 stock setup coupled with the OEM harness is a lot to overcome/understand. The motor set-back you had can easily take the wind out of your sails. Makes that first go-kart ride all the better....


keep the video's coming. Love seeing your progress.

Thanks for the kind words! To be fair, I am using the Ron Francis chassis harness and their front harness which makes things a lot easier. My tenacity has basically been a byproduct of my stupidity. Either way, I will definitely keep the videos coming!

[lahrs37]

A little Go-kart debriefing and a look ahead to what is next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbJ4vrX9aGo

[wareaglescott]

" My tenacity has basically been a byproduct of my stupidity."

This is one of the best lines I have read on here. I've certainly had the same issues but haven't been able to put it into words as eloquently! ha
Enjoyed the latest video.

Couple things on the seats and heaters.
I think I read about every thread possible on the kirkeys. Keep in mind you can also bend that outside shoulder bolster in a little bit to help with body clearance. That may be preferable to having the seat angled.
I used some mounts that attach to the side of the seats that allow you to position them with a little recline. I am very glad I used those. Purchased from Summit.
I had the wiring portion of the seat heaters come out the rear of the seat and I riveted the harness to the seat back and then ran the wires into the transmission tunnel behind the seats. It hides the wires nicely.

[lahrs37]

" My tenacity has basically been a byproduct of my stupidity."

This is one of the best lines I have read on here. I've certainly had the same issues but haven't been able to put it into words as eloquently! ha
Enjoyed the latest video.

Couple things on the seats and heaters.
I think I read about every thread possible on the kirkeys. Keep in mind you can also bend that outside shoulder bolster in a little bit to help with body clearance. That may be preferable to having the seat angled.
I used some mounts that attach to the side of the seats that allow you to position them with a little recline. I am very glad I used those. Purchased from Summit.
I had the wiring portion of the seat heaters come out the rear of the seat and I riveted the harness to the seat back and then ran the wires into the transmission tunnel behind the seats. It hides the wires nicely.

That is some super helpful info. Thanks!

[lahrs37]

Quick update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QQ9NWyxaPM I am rethinking the way I am mounting the seats now that I read the previous comment...

[GoDadGo]

Hey Laurence,

It really looks like you are making good headway.
Nice to see that you conquered that engine mishap.
Keep It Up Bubba!

Steve

[lahrs37]

Hey Laurence,

It really looks like you are making good headway.
Nice to see that you conquered that engine mishap.
Keep It Up Bubba!

Steve

Thanks Steve!

[lahrs37]

Here is a quick video from today. I have the body on to get the right angle for the seats and couldn't resist popping out for a quick little ride. Also new are the Gas-N pipes which sound stellar. I have been tracking down leaks and slowly making this thing more solid. On the list is my loud-*** power steering pump! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlFZnoyCwd0

[Vette1972]

lahrs37,

Car sounds awesome! Are you sure the power steering fluid is full? Sounds like a typical Ford whine when it's low on fluid.

Len

[lahrs37]

lahrs37,

Car sounds awesome! Are you sure the power steering fluid is full? Sounds like a typical Ford whine when it's low on fluid.

Len

I had a leak in on the high pressure side. I fixed it and topped off the fluid, but it definitely sounds like air got into the system.

[lahrs37]

I have been in the doldrums of my build for a little while, but I have been still working!

Video update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLMdiDd8qhw

Dashboard and shifter:

[Jeff Kleiner]

Breezed through your video and have a couple of comments.

1) The sidepipe cutouts get addressed during the bodywork phase in conjunction with the actual fitting of the pipes, final positioning of the body and installation of splash panels. they always need to be massaged and enlarged.

2) There are other sources for throttle cable (Lokar, etc). No matter what one you ultimately use PLEASE add a second return spring. The light spring on the throttle body is not designed or intended to be used as as a positive return.

3) The cooling fan is a high amperage draw and needs to switched through a relay with a 30 amp fuse on the output side (you will use the lower amperage fuse on the switch side).

You're getting there---carry on!

Jeff

[lahrs37]

Breezed through your video and have a couple of comments.

1) The sidepipe cutouts get addressed during the bodywork phase in conjunction with the actual fitting of the pipes, final positioning of the body and installation of splash panels. they always need to be massaged and enlarged.

2) There are other sources for throttle cable (Lokar, etc). No matter what one you ultimately use PLEASE add a second return spring. The light spring on the throttle body is not designed or intended to be used as as a positive return.

3) The cooling fan is a high amperage draw and needs to switched through a relay with a 30 amp fuse on the output side (you will use the lower amperage fuse on the switch side).

You're getting there---carry on!

Jeff

1. Good to know!

2. Do you have a link to a return spring setup? I was really surprised that there wasn't one in the kit. I definitely would like to run one.

3. That makes sense. I will look more closely at that and route it appropriately.

[wareaglescott]

The veneer on the dash looks really cool. That looks like a pretty great shop your father in law has!

[Jdav]

I assume I don't need my full kit provided accelerator cable since I'm running a coyote (correct me if I'm wrong coyote guys). If that's the case I can send you mine if you cover shipping

[lahrs37]

I assume I don't need my full kit provided accelerator cable since I'm running a coyote (correct me if I'm wrong coyote guys). If that's the case I can send you mine if you cover shipping

That would be awesome! I will PM you.

[lahrs37]

Video update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsdYyRNMMjE

[lahrs37]

Video update re: interior. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skU6TGCcNG0

[wareaglescott]

Good video. A couple things:

1. The seat heater foam cut away pretty much stinks as you mentioned. I couldn't figure out an easier way!
2. The odd shaped carpet pieces you asked about - you need to wait until the body is installed and you install the aluminum pieces that go between the door opening on the frame and the body. They cover that area.
3. I went to Home Depot and got gray indoor/outdoor carpet for my trunk. Thinner than what you used, cheap and easy to install. Worked great. Pics in my build thread. Index in post 1 should tell you were to look if you are interested.

[lahrs37]

Good video. A couple things:

1. The seat heater foam cut away pretty much stinks as you mentioned. I couldn't figure out an easier way!
2. The odd shaped carpet pieces you asked about - you need to wait until the body is installed and you install the aluminum pieces that go between the door opening on the frame and the body. They cover that area.
3. I went to Home Depot and got gray indoor/outdoor carpet for my trunk. Thinner than what you used, cheap and easy to install. Worked great. Pics in my build thread. Index in post 1 should tell you were to look if you are interested.

1. Darn!
2. Ah that makes sense. I was kinda thinking that might be the case.
3. Awesome! Thanks​ for the tip. I will check that out.

I have a terrible habit of jumping into something and learning by making mistakes. When I try to slow down and read all of the information that is here I find myself not getting into the garage. I am working on it though!

[lahrs37]

Video update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhJ8QQsy-js

[GoDadGo]

Laurence,

If you booger up your dash pad and need a new one I've got an original one that I can send you.
Let me know if you want me to send it to you.
You just have to pay for the postage.
Good Luck!

Steve

[lahrs37]

Laurence,

If you booger up your dash pad and need a new one I've got an original one that I can send you.
Let me know if you want me to send it to you.
You just have to pay for the postage.
Good Luck!

Steve

Thanks Steve!

Since I am going to eventually install the veneered one my father in law is making I don't mind messing this one up a little. Now, if you happen to have transmission tunnel carpet... lol

[GoDadGo]

Thanks Steve!

Now, if you happen to have transmission tunnel carpet... lol

Too Bad & So Sad That I Don't!

Have A Great Day!

[lahrs37]

Too Bad & So Sad That I Don't!

Have A Great Day!

You too!

[RickP]

Thanks Steve!

Since I am going to eventually install the veneered one my father in law is making I don't mind messing this one up a little. Now, if you happen to have transmission tunnel carpet... lol

If your looking for a tranny cover carpet piece, your certainly welcome to mine. I'm planning to cover mine with a different material. Maybe we can meet halfway between Philly and B-town somewhere. Shoot me a PM if you want an easy snag.

Rick

[lahrs37]

If your looking for a tranny cover carpet piece, your certainly welcome to mine. I'm planning to cover mine with a different material. Maybe we can meet halfway between Philly and B-town somewhere. Shoot me a PM if you want an easy snag.

Rick

That would be awesome! I will PM you.

[lahrs37]

Video update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7TOShNamiM&t=25s

Now that the weather has turned I am all revved up again!

[lahrs37]

New video! i am getting better at this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv5EDiyInik

[wareaglescott]

Another entertaining video.
My foam residue on the seat looks just like yours in the rough areas. Once its put all back together it works great and you cant feel any irregularity in the seating surface. I personally would not spend to much extra time getting all the fine scraps off.
I am excited to see this finished dash!

[GoDadGo]

Lawrence,

If you need an extra dash cover (FFR Orgininal) I can send you mine since I didn't use it.
Just P/M me your address and we can settle up on shipping later.
Also, you really need to try doing stand up.
Whit Is Your Strong Point!

Steve

[RickP]

Ah ha! Another video. I'm happy to know your back at. I also picked up that you have the RT turn signals. I wired the stalk button as a flash to pass and if the headlights are on, works as brights. Really integrates well with the FFR light switch.

Seats are coming along I see. Keep those videos coming.