May 2010 Winner

Chris's (varn82) 1979 Mercury Capri RS

 Written by Chris

 

Christmas morning 2006, I opened up a small package from my wife. In this box, contained a set of 2 worn Ford keys. I looked at her with a puzzled look on my face, and she just said "what, just some old keys I found. Thought they might be motivation for you to find your next project".  The next package I opened was the title to a 1979 red Mercury Capri. I looked at her, and she smiled. 5 minutes later, my buddy John pulled his enclosed trailer forward in the yard. I opened up the gate, and inside sat my next project. "Super Rat".

The car in question was a rusty, smashed red 79 Capri RS. The car did not start, the drivers door fell off the hinges the first time I opened it, and the brake pedal was stuck to the floor.  I loved it right away.  Sat down, smelled the hydrocarbons permanently etched into what was left of the interior.

By the next day, new brake lines were run and bled, and a new starter was installed. Car ran ok, and stopped like a 30 year old car is expected. I drove it like this for about 3 weeks. By then I had collected all the parts needed for a 5-speed swap.

I drove the car for a few months, and the rear let go. So I rebuilt an 8.8 with a fresh traction lock and 4.10's  Next, the tired 302 came out and gave way to a forged eagle 347.  Project Super Rat was shaping up as expected. Mostly donated and cheap used parts, turning into a screamer.

My goal was a caged unsuspecting beater. I had no idea the following these cars had. At the time, I knew it was cool being a Capri, and it was fast, that's all I cared about.

Fall of 2008 I took my son to a local cruise, where I met a few people. Jeff, Pete, Chris, Ken, and a few others. Turns out I was not the only one who liked these vehicle. My motivation turned a 180,  and when I drove home that night, the plates came off, along with the interior, nose, doors, and hatch. Car got stripped down to a bare shell, all paint removed down to bare metal. And the transformation started.  A week later, I joined FEP, and with the knowledge, motivation, time, and some spare parts donated from others on this site, the car has come together.

I never imagined it would turn into what you see today.  This is an honor beyond words to me. I can honestly say at this point, every nut, bolt, washer, has been in my fingers at some time in the last 3 years. The car is far from perfect ( so don't look too close) but it is beyond my expectations in every way.  My tangerine ODDFOX  will be with me to the grave.

Now its time for what everyone here lives for Pictures.

Engine

347 shortblock
Forged Eagle rods w/ARP hardware
SRP forged 11:1 pistons
Eagle nodular iron crank.
ARP main studs
Balanced by CNC motorsports

Valvetrain

Pro-Comp 190 aluminum heads.
Manley stainless 1.60/2.02 valves
Comp cams springs, retainers and locks
Comp Cams  XE-284-H cam   .541/.544 lift, 284/296 duration (240/246 @ .050)
Trick flow chromoly pushrods
Comp Cams Magnum roller rockers, studs and pushrod guides.

Induction

Parker Funnel Web intake
Holley 650
Edelbrock Performer RPM nitrous kit. 150 shot

Exhaust

Flowtech longtubes w/matching H-pipe
Magnaflow stainless 2.5" cat-back.

Transmission

Tremec 3550
Centerforce D/F clutch kit
Pro 5.0 shifter base
Hurst shifter handle/plate/knob
Ford Racing aluminum driveshaft

Rear End

8.8 w/4.10's
Moser axles
Rebuilt traction lock with FR500 carbon fiber clutch kit.
Trick Flow girdle cover.

Suspension / Brakes (haha)

Stock front suspension and brakes, 1 coil cut from 4 cyl springs.
Summit upper and lower control arms in rear
stock 5 liter springs with r/r airbag
Comp Engineering  3-way shocks.
(haha) Front brakes still stock 79 4-cyl brakes, and stock rear drums.

Wheels / Tires

Greg Weld 15x8's with either 255/60/15 M/T drag radials (street) or M/T 26x10.5 E.T Streets (track)
Greg Weld 15x3.5 with 165/80/15's

PAINT

Single stage Dupont Cintari
Factory 79 Tangerine

MISC

Comp engineering subframe connectors
Summit driveshaft loop.
Aluminum radiator.
Auto meter Z-series/Sunpro gauges.
91 LX seats, recovered with TMI black vinyl to match stock rear seat.