Cold Air Induction:

The factory '78 Borg Warner 4-speed had been very reliable but on one of my junkyard searches, I came across a '84 Turbo Coupe with a Borg-Warner T-5 5-speed. For $25, I just couldn't resist! This was a very straightforward swap into the Mustang II. I used the original 4-speed bellhousing, clutch and pressure plate, The bellhousing bolted directly to the T-5 and allowed me to use the original clutch fork and cable. The rear crossmember required a little adjustment forward (1/2") but did not require drilling any new holes. The biggest change was the shifter location which is about 1/2"-2" forward of stock. A photo of the new shifter is on the Body Mods "Interior" page.

One modification Shelby's Mustangs are noted for was the addition of a "export brace" that attaches the shock towers to the firewall. He also added what was called a "Monte Carlo" bar that linked the shock towers across the engine bay. As the Mustang II is not the most rigid car (it twists like a wet noodle!), I decided I would add these touches as well. Ford did make a version of the export brace to install on the T-top equipped cars, however the passenger side would not clear my intercooler and theirs is made of mild steel tubing. For me aluminum was the only choice and I purchased a length of solid 5/8" round stock.