John Richardson's 1974 Jensen-Healey with a Ford 302cid V8
(as recorded by Dan Masters)
John writes:
I found my 1974 Jensen-Healey body-chassis in a junkyard about 10 years ago.
It had been the victim of a wiring fire and the floors and rockers were
rusted out. I fell in love with the proportions and the lines of the body.
I forked over $100 for what was left of the car and let my imagination
take over.
New rockers were fabricated from 12 gauge steel then 2x2 subframe connectors,
roll bar, and braces were welded in to strengthen the unibody. The firewall
was modified for engine setback and a new transmission-driveline tunnel and
floor panels were fabricated.
A wrecked 1990 Mustang 5.0 donated the fuel injected engine, AOD transmission,
shifter, crossmember, wiring and computer, steering column, gauges, and radiator.
Engine mounts were fabricated and the double hump Mustang trans crossmember
was modified to fit. The radiator was laid back to provide hood clearance.
Two electric fans from a Honda Accord were mounted and have so far proved adequate.
The Mustang wiring fell into place after shortening the loom behind the seats.
Under dash is crowded and I have not yet sorted out what is not going to be needed.
The gauge panel was mounted in the center of car. Plans are for a stained
and finished hardwood flat dash panel and a matching wood rimmed steering
wheel. Seats are Kirkey Pro Street with black covers which are very comfortable
and light. Race harnesses will be used.
A nine inch Ford rear housing was narrowed and I built a torque arm three
link rear suspension that uses the stock springs and boxed stock lower control
arms. The Panhard rod and torque arm makes the upper control arms unnecessary.
I have done some launches and this set up seems to do the job.
Front suspension and brakes are stock rebuilt JH except for the five lug front hubs
that were made from scratch by a local machinist. HD springs from Delta Motorsports
were installed but I still need stiffer ones. It sits lower than stock which
makes for too much negative camber. There is no adjustment on these cars! I am
looking for springs from some other car that would raise the ride height. Or I may
need to build adjustable upper control arms.
I am working on the body now. I have a fiberglass hood from Delta and a Mustang
cowl scoop to clear engine. I plan to build a fiberglass front bumper.
My goal is to get it on the street and the strip by June 2002.
Thanks, John Richardson
