Northwest Cars' TR4, with a Fuel-Injected Ford 302cid V8
(as recorded by Dan Masters)NW CARS is installing a modified Ford GT40 crate motor into this TR4. No external body modifications will be made; however, they removed the stock firewall and built a new one around the new motor, keeping the design and layout similar to the original firewall. Also, they relocated the battery to the right of the engine. The rearward positioning of the engine should make for a better center of gravity and good handling. The engine is backed up by a brand new T5 manual gear box incorporating a scattershield and hydraulic throwout bearing.
The Ford injection unit will fit without modifying the hood.
This installation puts the crankshaft just above and behind the rack and pinion.
It's a little hard to differentiate what's motor and what's body metal here. However, you can see how close the chrome valve covers are to the wheel arches. Again, cutting it close.
The photos above and and above right show the limited clearance for the Ford's alternator.
The photo above shows just how close the accessory pulleys come to the boxed pillars on the front-end. Cutting was required. Snug, with the cross-brace installed.
Shallow angles and good reinforcement should make this steering linkage feel as smooth as stock.
1/7/99--Last update:
"The TR4 is progressing ... we have the dressed engine set and the motor mounts in place. The body is nearly ready for paint. We have to paint one panel and have the owner double check the color choice. We still have to route all of the wiring, but all of the other fit work with the seat, the column and steering, engine, tranny, pedal assembly, and battery are complete. The final fit on the driveline, radiator, and rework on the drive pulleys remain. We ended up modifying stock Mustang rubber engine mounts to work with the Block Hugger exhaust. We still need to finish the welding on the receiver end of the mounts."
"NW CARS" is an acronym for North West Custom And Restoration Services. As the name implies, they are a custom and restoration shop. They handle all phases of body, paint and mechanical operations. NW CARS is located in Portland Oregon.
