Every car enthusiast faces the moment when maintenance isn’t enough—it’s time for a revival..
For Dale Martin, that moment came with his cherished 1968 Mustang Fastback, which he’d owned since he was 17. After years spent on and off jack-stands and not running to its upmost potential, Dale brought his beloved fastback to us at Lakeview Automotive for a full mechanical restoration, restoring its glory and making it ready for the roads today.
The core decision centered around the engine. The team offered Dale the choice to rebuild the current block, upgrade it, or opt for a new crate engine. Dale decided on the latter, choosing a Blueprint crate engine known for its reliability and performance. The 361 horsepower long block with a Holley Sniper EFI and 4-bolt main caps promised not only to revive the Mustang's performance but to enhance it.
The Blueprint crate engine delivering an impressive 361 horsepower. Built around a durable iron block, this engine features high-flow aluminum cylinder heads and a performance camshaft for optimized airflow and enhanced combustion efficiency.
Holley Sniper EFI:
This isn’t just another fuel injection system; it's a game-changer. The Holley Sniper offers self-tuning capabilities, ensuring perfect air-fuel ratios under various conditions. Cold starts, hot laps—Dale’s got reliability when it counts. It may be self tuning but it still requires a tune on the Dyno to get it just right!
What sets the Holley Sniper apart from traditional carbureted setups is its ability to adapt to varying conditions, making it more efficient and responsive. Unlike carburetors, which require manual tuning and can struggle with fuel delivery during rapid throttle changes or extreme weather, the Sniper EFI continuously monitors and adjusts the air-fuel mixture in real-time. This means smoother acceleration, improved fuel efficiency, and optimal performance regardless of driving conditions. With the Holley Sniper in place, Dale can say goodbye to hesitations and flooding issues commonly associated with carburetors, fully unleashing the potential of his Blueprint engine for a superb driving experience.
JBA Headers:
These headers are designed for optimized flow dynamics, improving exhaust scavenging and minimizing backpressure. The result? A thunderous growl that makes it clear this isn’t just any Mustang.
By utilizing a larger diameter and smooth bends, JBA headers enhance the Blueprint engine's performance by enabling spent gases to exit more rapidly. This improved scavenging effect allows the engine to breathe more easily, maximizing the efficiency of the incoming air-fuel mixture.
When combined with the Holley Sniper EFI, which precisely manages the air-fuel mix, the synergy is remarkable. The enhanced airflow from the JBA headers complements the Sniper’s tuning capabilities, resulting in increased horsepower, improved throttle response, and an exhilarating driving experience. Together, they unlock the full potential of Dale's Mustang, transforming it into a true performance machine.
LEED 4-Wheel Disc Brakes:
Upgrading to LEED 4-wheel disc brakes is a vital enhancement for Dale’s Mustang, providing significant boosts in safety and performance. Unlike traditional drum brakes, the LEED system features vented rotors and multi-piston calipers designed for superior heat dissipation, ensuring consistent braking even under aggressive driving conditions.
This disc brake setup offers exceptional stopping power and improved pedal feel, allowing for smooth deceleration and better control. With shorter stopping distances, Dale can navigate traffic and tight corners with confidence.
Additionally, the lower unsprung weight of the disc brakes enhances the Mustang's overall handling and ride quality. In essence, the LEED 4-wheel disc brake system not only elevates Dale’s Mustang in performance but also adds a layer of safety that complements its powerful upgrades perfectly.
TREMEC T5 Transmission:
The Tremec T5 is a game-changer for Dale’s Mustang. This five-speed manual transmission is built to handle the power of the Blueprint crate engine, offering smooth shifts and quick engagement that enhance the driving experience.
With optimal gear ratios, the T5 allows for rapid acceleration while maintaining comfortable RPMs for highway cruising. It also delivers exceptional feedback, keeping Dale connected to his ride. Overall, the Tremec T5 transforms Dale’s Mustang into a classic that feels as exhilarating as any modern sports car.
MOTIVE Gear Ring and Pinion with 3.55 Gears:
The Motive Gear ring and pinion set featuring 3.55 gears is a key element in Dale’s Mustang build, enhancing both performance and drivability. This gear ratio strikes an ideal balance between brisk acceleration and highway efficiency, making it perfect for an all-purpose muscle car.
The 3.55 gears pair seamlessly with the Tremec T5 transmission, allowing for quick launches and maintaining manageable RPMs during cruising. This setup maximizes torque delivery, resulting in responsive acceleration out of corners and improved performance during passing maneuvers.
Additionally, the gearing helps maintain fuel efficiency on the highway, reducing wear on the engine during long drives. Ultimately, the Motive Gear ring and pinion complements Dale’s modifications.
AEM EFI Fuel Tank:
The AEM EFI fuel tank is a pivotal upgrade for Dale Martin's 1968 Mustang Fastback, designed to support high-performance driving. Unlike traditional tanks, it maintains optimal fuel pressure, reducing the risk of vapor lock during spirited drives.
Constructed from corrosion-resistant materials, the AEM tank ensures durability and reliability. Its design integrates seamlessly with the Mustang's chassis, featuring provisions for a built-in fuel pump and return lines for efficient fuel delivery. In short, the AEM EFI fuel tank enhances Dale’s Mustang's performance,
Unisteer Rack and Pinion:
Replaced the lackluster factory steering with the Unisteer system, which provides heightened precision and responsiveness. Its modern rack and pinion design reduces weight and allows for quicker steering inputs, improving feedback and control during tight turns. The system’s tighter tolerances minimize play, enhancing stability and confidence at higher speeds.
With this upgrade, Dale can dive into corners and exit with confidence, making every twist and turn a thrill.
In conclusion Dale Martin's 1968 Mustang Fastback perfectly balances classic charm with modern performance. The Blueprint crate engine, Holley Sniper EFI, and Tremec T5 transmission create a thrilling driving experience that’s both powerful and responsive. The LEED 4-wheel disc brakes add modern safety and control, making this Mustang as fun to drive as it is stunning to look at. It’s a testament to why we love classic cars: they’re not just about the destination, but the joy of the journey itself!.
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