@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.

 

[2015DIBGT]

OH WOW! Look at me forgetting to update this for the last 4 years...

Welp, the car is still here - shocker. Up until the spring of 2024, this car has stayed pretty much the exact same. No real changes. No real updates. But, there are a couple little aesthetic changes that held me over for just a little while. I will say I am bored with the car until I drive it again. Then it feels like I dont need to do a whole heck of a lot to it to continue to enjoy it. With the way the market has gone, I dont really see the need to get rid of it while it doesnt really cost me very much to drive it.

Since the last update, these are the things that I think have changed but im sure I am forgetting a couple things.. Saving one mod for its own addition but I will still add the change in the list
- 18+ Style Euro Tails
- 18+ EU/AUS GT Decklid Panel
- Striker S650 style lights
- Maxton Design front splitter for perf pack cars (This took forever to find, US Companies dont make many parts for the PP front splitter for some reason, they are all base parts..)
- Work T7R's: 19x9.5+25/19x10.5+32's (had to drill for M14's from M12 holes)

Now for the photos:

Euro Tails:

IMG_2744 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_2883 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_3119 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

SE Chicago by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

1B0A8450 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8489 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A9265 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8880 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8910 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8043 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr


Decklid and Maxton Front Splitter:
Xmas Tree Shoot by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

Xmas Tree Shoot by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

Untitled by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

Untitled by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

Untitled by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

 

[2015DIBGT]

T7R Update!
SO Ive wanted these wheels forever. I dont know why exactly but the style seems very fitting for the 'US S-Chassis' (dont come at me for that...)

A little history - the T7R's were made in sized from 15"-19" for the 1 pc wheels. The 2P's still come in other/larger sizes. The 19" variants were discontinued some time ago but they randomly pop up here and there. For the Mustang, I needed 19's so when they stopped producing them, I wrote them off as a wheel I could ever have on my car.

A friend of mine works for an aftermarket parts company and by some chance, got a stock list that included some T7R's in the Triple Silver/Chrome-esk finish I was looking for - even better, 19's... I bought them instantly and figured "Ill make them fit when they get here"

This set is:
19x9.5+25 in 5x114.3 with M12 holes
19x10.5+32 in 5x114.3 with M12 holes

As we all know, the S550's are M14 holes.. so, here became the struggle. Every shop was looking for $300 a wheel to drill the holes from M12 to M14. I wasnt doing that. So, I bought a drill bit and said "Good Luck" to myself and made it happen with the trusty Dewalt drill...

Enough of the details - photo time!

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

T7RMustangTestFit by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

Untitled by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

Untitled by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

Gridlife Summer Apex | Road America by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

1B0A8144 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8323 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8358 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

 

[Lorne34]

OH WOW! Look at me forgetting to update this for the last 4 years...

Welp, the car is still here - shocker. Up until the spring of 2024, this car has stayed pretty much the exact same. No real changes. No real updates. But, there are a couple little aesthetic changes that held me over for just a little while. I will say I am bored with the car until I drive it again. Then it feels like I dont need to do a whole heck of a lot to it to continue to enjoy it. With the way the market has gone, I dont really see the need to get rid of it while it doesnt really cost me very much to drive it.

Since the last update, these are the things that I think have changed but im sure I am forgetting a couple things.. Saving one mod for its own addition but I will still add the change in the list
- 18+ Style Euro Tails
- 18+ EU/AUS GT Decklid Panel
- Striker S650 style lights
- Maxton Design front splitter for perf pack cars (This took forever to find, US Companies dont make many parts for the PP front splitter for some reason, they are all base parts..)
- Work T7R's: 19x9.5+25/19x10.5+32's (had to drill for M14's from M12 holes)

Now for the photos:

Euro Tails:

IMG_2744 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_2883 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

IMG_3119 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

SE Chicago by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

1B0A8450 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8489 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A9265 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8880 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8910 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

1B0A8043 by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr


Decklid and Maxton Front Splitter:
Xmas Tree Shoot by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

Xmas Tree Shoot by Brandon Deuster, on Flickr

Untitled by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

Untitled by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

Untitled by Benjamin Martens, on Flickr

Hey Ben! Great to hear from you! Car is looking great and it's nice to see someone sticking with their car.
Still absolutely love the DIB color!
I was actually considering the River Valley Rallies this past year, but things just didn't work out schedule wise.
I am hoping to get it on my calendar for 2025.

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