@Benjamn_Martens / 2015DIBGT build thread

[2015DIBGT]

Seems to be a constant repeat of updates for this thread of nothing new changing besides new photos.
In my personal life, I have joined a website where I am an editor/contributor for feature vehicle and event coverage with photos!

Take a look at an article I did a few weeks back!!
https://themidwestautomotive.com/endless-dynoday-2019/

Here are some random photos over the past couple months!

EndlessDynoDayMWA-8 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

7Q7A1735 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

7Q7A1764 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

7Q7A1795 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

7Q7A1829 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

7Q7A3590 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

7Q7A3631 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

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[Lorne34]

Great article Ben! and the Stang is looking aweseome! I've been away from the car scene for a year now and really missing it a lot. If nothing it was a good test for me to see if I really wanted to get back into it again. Will be looking for a new ride this winter so I am ready for next spring. I just liked Midwest Automotive on Facebook and will try to keep up on any events that they have. Would love to meet up with you again and catch up!

 

[2015DIBGT]

Great article Ben! and the Stang is looking aweseome! I've been away from the car scene for a year now and really missing it a lot. If nothing it was a good test for me to see if I really wanted to get back into it again. Will be looking for a new ride this winter so I am ready for next spring. I just liked Midwest Automotive on Facebook and will try to keep up on any events that they have. Would love to meet up with you again and catch up!

Hey Lorne! Haven't been around the forum for a while but there have been a couple changes recently! Going to take some time this evening and throw some updates to the thread! Let's just say things have gone a little more.. Digital.

 

[2015DIBGT]

Long overdue update!
Last Fall I decided it was time to start to mod the mustang again! After paying it off I was kinda stuck with what to do. It is a ton of money to go forced induction; and I would only go all-out i.e., full fuel system, trans swap, rear end, drive shafts, axles, etc. I decided it wasn't worth it on the car. So this will stay the way it is for power level; most likely forever.

On a happy note, it was time to update to the 2018+ Digital Dash! At the same time, I did the Sync 3 update with the 3.4 update. It feels so much better having car play! Although I've only been able to drive it for about 50 miles since adding the dash and sync 3 before putting it in storage, this next year will be fun!

IMG_0076 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_0253 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_0273 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_0287 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

In a previous update you may have seen that I was pulling my Airlift shocks out to have some custom ones made. I FINALLY got them! I haven't had a change to install them since the car is in storage but I am looking forward for this the most! Not any special or "professional" photo but here they are! Look for a full install style update with more detail and better photos!

IMG_9951 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

And I found some random photos of this thing at ride height that absolutely makes me consider going back to a static setup.. ha. Good joke.

IMG_3122 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_3128 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

 

[Lorne34]

Looks Great Ben! So cool that you can incorporate the digital dash in the earlier models. Hopefully see you around this summer once the snow is gone.

 

[2015DIBGT]

Looks Great Ben! So cool that you can incorporate the digital dash in the earlier models. Hopefully see you around this summer once the snow is gone.

I will most definitely be around this summer! Hoping to do some event coverage for Midwest Automotive. Booked our condo for Automotion weekend as well; hoping for good weather this year!

 

[Lorne34]

I will most definitely be around this summer! Hoping to do some event coverage for Midwest Automotive. Booked our condo for Automotion weekend as well; hoping for good weather this year!

Yeah that first WCEC event in April with the snow was just so disappointing for all of the guys who came out. I'm sure everyone still managed to have a good time, but gee whiz... snow in April?
Keep me updated on any events schedules where you will be there for Midwest and I will get them on my calendar...

 

[2015DIBGT]

It's definitely been a while since an update has been posted here. The car is still around and still causing me headaches.
I had an issue where my rigid shock mount caused my bolts to sheer out of the body. I can confirm no metal on metal contact ever happened; I am thinking most likely dampening caused the issue. I've been working through an update to see what may fix the issue since no one really wants to touch it from a service/speed shop standpoint.

The design is pretty similar to RideTech's upper rear mount for their true coilover conversion. Instead of only bolting the play into position my goal is to weld this new plate (shown in the image with red scribbles) in position. Instead of bolting directly to the top of a coilover, the goal is to use any standard/factory/factory style upper rear shock mount with any factory shock replacement; i.e. BC coils, Airlift shocks, Viking, etc.

The biggest issue for me specifically is being able to transfer the fix from the passenger side (unphased by the issue) to the driverside (with pulled out nuts).

I've gone through a couple different design iterations at this point already but I should be getting something squared away as a permanent fix this weekend. Most likely overkill but definitely don't want to run into this issue again.

 

[Lorne34]

Hey Ben, Suspension mods seem to cause stress on these vehicles. I have had conversations with Brian (BMACIL) about suspension work and how it's a deep dive into physics which I don't totally understand LOL...
On the other hand, all of these experiences are great learning opportunities for you. Even though they are sometimes not pleasant, every problem, issue, etc adds to our overall life experiences and knowledge. Nothing is ever wasted....

 

[Strokerswild]

Your pic of the shock on your kitchen counter threw me for a loop - I think we have the same house, LOL! Is there a walk door leading into a double garage to the left not seen in the picture by chance?

I even had the same stove until last year. Crazy.

Ultimate car forum threadjack....

 

[2015DIBGT]

Hey Ben, Suspension mods seem to cause stress on these vehicles. I have had conversations with Brian (BMACIL) about suspension work and how it's a deep dive into physics which I don't totally understand LOL...
On the other hand, all of these experiences are great learning opportunities for you. Even though they are sometimes not pleasant, every problem, issue, etc adds to our overall life experiences and knowledge. Nothing is ever wasted....

I started to have some conversation in a different thread. I've attributed it to a couple different reasons. 1: my dampening is/was too high. I need to soften them up even if this wasn't going to happen. 2: Steedas mounts are way too rigid and I'm surprised there aren't many many more failures. 3: Fords design of that section sucks if you plan on modding the suspension of your car.

While it does suck that this happened, I did it to myself so it's not worth blaming anyone/anything. It would be like blaming fast food places for putting on weight if all you ate was fast food.

Your pic of the shock on your kitchen counter threw me for a loop - I think we have the same house, LOL! Is there a walk door leading into a double garage to the left not seen in the picture by chance?

I even had the same stove until last year. Crazy.

Ultimate car forum threadjack....

This is funny! Actually no; there is a wall to the left and of the other side is the living room. My house is a TriLevel and its oriented into the side of slope. The double wide, double deep, (28'w x 44'd) garage is half a floor below and 30' behind me in that picture!

 

[Lorne34]

I think Ford tried to do the very best they could within the confines of their budget and what they had to work with. If you haven't seen it, go watch the documentary "A Faster Horse" They really cared about the product and attempted to balance every day driving with performance enthusiasts and still keep the car at an attainable price. I'm not sure if you have looked into any of BMR's suspension products, but I have always been impressed with those guys and their honest efforts to get things right.

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