What to do?

[Otto Man]

My apologies if this isn’t the right forum but I need to introduce myself just the same. My name is Chris and I am the original owner of a 1985-1/2 SVO. The car is near mint and stock and I was wondering if there were certain mods I should consider since these days have produced so many options for upgrading our jewels. The only thing I’d like to get my hands on is a new horn cover. Other than that I am OK to go!
Are there any upgrades I might be interested in that you all have done years ago??
Chris

[Ken Potter]

85.5 Original owner also

I'm also an original owner of an 85.5 2R. I also have an excellent horn / steering wheel center I'm selling for $50 plus UPS charges. Or if you can make the reunion this weekend in Kentucky I'll bring it with me. Let me know soon... It's already loaded in the truck!

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Welcome

I'm a third owner of an 85.5. I guess the question should be how far do you wish to go. As for myself, I'm keeping mine as original as possible within reason, maybe just bolting on parts that can easily replaced with the original ones such as a 3 inch downpipe.

New Old Stock exhaust goes for a bundle but if originality is not a concern, there are several options from which to chose that closely resemble stock.

255 Walbro fuel pumps are a popular "in-tank" bolt in that should be considered before getting too carried away with more HP than stock.

The whole "What do I mod on my car next?" list is covered in the FAQ section. Visit there and you'll find out in what order most mods are done, and what suits your preferences.

[Otto Man]

Horn Cover

Ken and Pat,
Thanks for the speedy response. I'll take that horn cover of your hands. I replaced my steering wheel with a new SVO wheel while they were still available back in 94. The leather is not "smooth" on this new one, its kind of bumpy. Is your horn cover the original smooth look or the newer bumpy look? (If you know what I mean)
Can't make the reunion...having the entire brake system replaced as I type. I too want to keep my SVO as stock as possible, but was curious about any main upgrades that improve the car from an owners point of view. I don't care to make it quicker! Its quick enough as it is. I suppose the fuel pump suggestion above is exactly what I meant. I notice a lot of chat about replacing some bushings also. What bushings are people talking about and should I be worried about this as well. Sorry for the rambling on...I never had anyone to chat SVO stuff with before now.
to my new friends
Chris

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Re: Horn Cover

Originally posted by Chris Weber
Ken and Pat,
...I too want to keep my SVO as stock as possible, but was curious about any main upgrades that improve the car from an owners point of view...
Chris

A Ford Motorsport aluminum driveshaft gets rid of unwanted vibrations and is not an expensive part.

Shop for a spare exhaust manifold to replace the original when it cracks on you.

Keep a new ignition switch and ignition lock handy.

Find a good spare complete distributor, including the TFI module.

A 2 inch "dogbone" clutch cable will be needed some day. A spare doesn't take much glovebox space.

The air conditioning/fan relay under the driver side dash can go out and cause overheating problems. They're a bit pricey, but can be bypassed with a toggle switch very easily.

[GAboySVO]

Welcome aboard!

You didn't indicate how many miles you have on your 85 1/2. That can play a part as to what needs repairing, replacing, or upgrading.

Like Pat said, a 3" downpipe and high flow cat are good upgrades along with a mandrel bent cat back system.

You indicated your changing the brakes. The Stillen cross drilled rotors and pads are a good upgrade to help keep your baby from kissing others on the road.

A set of lowering springs helps to give you more of that "go cart" feel and gets rid of the big fender well gap.

A K&N cone filter or cold air kit will help it breath deeper.

If you haven't replaced your valve seals, it is just a matter of time. Use the 88-89 turbo coupe type.

Put in the Ford silicone valve cover gasket.

[Otto Man]

I ordered it in Feb 85, took delivery in August 85, and it has 85,000 miles on it. Its a white, non-leather car (I think you call it a 9L) in perfect shape! It has pretty much sat the past two years (under cover and garage) but that took its toll on the brake system. Its seen almost no rain or snow. The valve seats were replaced at about 35000 while they chased a bad turbo (I'm on my 3rd...for free from Ford). Other than that its not bad....in fact its mighty good! I also have an Audi TT and they dont compare very well. The SVO is a rocket!
I cant thank you more for your help...keep it coming if its not too much trouble.
Maybe we should start a Section on Chris's SVO.
Thanks Guys
Chris

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Originally posted by Chris Weber
Maybe we should start a Section on Chris's SVO.
Chris

By all means. Give that digital camera a workout and start a thread in the "welcome" section.

[Otto Man]

Its Home

Well, $1800 later and a new brake system!
Now the tough part. The guy told me he cannot adjust the parking brake anymore than just a slight hold. He says I need a new emergency brake cable (mine is "stretched too much") and the cable(s) are no longer available. Any idea of a source for a new cable???
Now I know I'm talking brakes in the Interior Section but I'm new and this is a fresh thread. Anyway, Pat I just read your post about adjusting the calipers to remedy this. Is it possible my brake guy did not know this. He installed new Ford calipers in the rear and he seemed to understand the system as well. (He also said its the nicest SVO he has ever seen)
I'll post some pix this weekend!
Chris

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Re: Its Home

Originally posted by Chris Weber

Any idea of a source for a new cable???

Is it possible my brake guy did not know this.
Chris

I don't remember exactly from which source, but some folks posted lately where they found new cables, as well as how to free up your cables if they're in a bind. I believe that many folks are overadjusting the cable nut under the console which, although a temporary fix, leads to these problems shortly thereafter once the pads have worn a bit.

EDIT: Bendix cables, here's the thread.

http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2817&highlight=brake+cable

It's quite possible that either the brake guy didn't know or that he was the unknowing victim of a bogus rebuilt caliper. See recent posts on Autozone SVO loaded rear calipers for the full rundown.

http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3027

The supplier had a few with park brake problems. Ford Motor Company even had problems on the assembly line with them when the cars were being built.

[indiana dave]

Welcome to the site...
I'd recomend reading the FAQ section thouroughly... Lots of info. there, and also some "rules"
Using the search feature here will fins you about all the info. you need.
I used it to find where I asked about the cables about a year ago...
Here's a quote from that thread...
"I used AC Delco cables on my 84 and they fit very nicely. The parts # is 18033363 and list for about $56. I also got brake hoses that fit very well too. Let me know if you need those #'s"

I bought them, installed them, and they work great...
Can't wait to see pics of your car.

[svohoo]

Chris,

You're in Ellicott City? I am working just down the road in Elkridge. I'd love to see your 85.5 sometime.

[Otto Man]

Well, the whole point of this hurried resurrection of my SVO was my emission test date was fast approaching and I had used up all my extensions. She failed on the Hydrocarbons (HC) test. State Standard: 1.8000 GPM, my car: 1.8674 GPM!!! The bad readings were at low speed, ok at 60 MPH. Picky, picky don’t you think? No problem with the CO and NOx tests! She had a half tank of 18 month old high octane. I put some dry-gas and injector cleaner in and topped her off at the Sunoco station. Is it possible the gas is the culprit here? New (18 month-200 miles) NGK plugs, ACCEL wires, cap, and coil, and K&N filter. Any thoughts??
Maybe some brake cables will show up at the reunion!
Dave,
I’d love to have you over for an inspection and a brew!
I live at the end of RT 29 (north) in Mt Hebron area. Take a left on 99, first right, first right, second left, second right, 2001 Diane Lane.
BTW, you’re not the guy who sold me the headlight about 18 months ago are you? That guy lived off 97 near Severn, MD. Had a green SVO and a boatload of spares!
I attached a pic I just shot a moment ago.
Chris

[GAboySVO]

The weak gas could have an effect as it might not burn as completely as new gas. Dirty injectors could also cause poor atomization of the mixture and lead to poor combustion.

The other thing to consider is your choice of plugs and wires. Original motorcraft parts are the way to go. You might want to replace our oxygen sensor as well.

Another thing to check is to remove your EGR valve and clean the port into the upper intake. Carbon can build up there and block exhaust gases from being recirculated back to the intake for burning the left over HCs that were not burned the first time around.

Just my 2 cents.

[Otto Man]

Just a little help here

Mike,
Thanks a million. Sorry for the lame questions but its been some time since I got my fingers dirty so I need a refresher. Where is the oxygen sensor? On the TURBO? Are these available from Ford or parts places?
And explain the EGR valve thing a little more. Is that the thing with the ball in it (or is that the PCV valve?). And is this something to replace or just clean?
Is it a coincidense that all of us have the same birthday, Dec 31 1969?
Thanks again,
Chris
Oh yeah, I'll post more shots over in the welcome area!