Comments:

Ford part has to be a good thing.

Good Friend ...we all know about the V6 Turbo Alliance so don't try to hide it now. Just say Thanks Brian.

Glad to see you wrenching on the beast and giving us all a heads up as the what we maybe in store for should we have to line up beside you.

LOL... wasn't Brian but good guess. Actually he isn't too active here but is a huge fan of Bullrun

Jon,

Its ok to use a Ford part on the SY.  I have one one my Tempest. Its the only way to go to prevent the hot start problem. In fact I use it on everything. By the way,Tony,  this is not just a Ford part, it is used on tractors and other industrial type equipment too........ Does this mean you have tractor parts on the stang ? 

When I first started reading what the problem was on your truck above, the first thing that came to mind was the ford solenoid but you were already on the right track. Good job!!    Now,  the only thing different I would do is use a all steele type solenoid. The plastic ones have had issues in the past.

The work you are doing is a lot of what I just got done with. Fun aint it ? We will wait til BR-S3

How bout that alliance, still kicking eh....?

Ford makes Kick Ass Tractors!

One of the mods I never did to my Olds, but always thought about. Usually when laying on the ground pounding on the starter with a large hammer.

IH makes the best tractors. (I used to own a 1973 Scout 2)

I have had to hit the Ford Starters with a hammer back in the before mIni starters were cheap and all my cars had headers.

Good luck with all that!

I have some Ford in Corvettron too , those hi flow injectors i put in are stamped with the Ford logo... The only thimg is that they fit right in without modification. happy times!

Those are good ford parts they use them in some dodge trucks too (know one admits it though) and some tractors use them Have fun!!!

UPDATE.....

Well, I got a little more work done on the SY. Taking the downpipe out inone piece is more work than desired. I had to remove the turbo, intercooler and trans crossmember and even then it's a very tight fit... but I got it out. Here's a pic of the replacement. You can see that it's bigger and should flow much better. It's also a two piece unit so in and out for the future should be much simpler.

Other than that, all I did was clean a little more. I'll update again once I get the downpipe back in.

Well, I don't have pics to post but all the reliability upgrades are domplete. All that is left is a little clean-up, painting some parts and reassembly.

Things I did are: Ford Solenoid, 3" Downpipe, Ported Turbo Exhaust Housing, Steering Shaft Upgrade and ABS delete. While it was apart I did a LOT of spot checks just to be sure everything will be reliable.

I'll post some pics later when I begin reassembly and you can bet... TEAM SYCLONE WILL BE READY just incase we get the call.

OK... as promised here are some new pics. I have most of everything completed and just need to get the fenders and grill put back on.

FIrst, here you can kinda see the new brake lines ans the ABSENCE of the ABS unit. Yup I took it all out. In the background there you see the new steering shaft installed. The second pic shows the difference int he two. No more "rag joint" or bulky obstructions. Everything is nice and tight now.

Here is the biggest upgrade... 3" downpipe and turbo exhause housing modification. Before and after pics of the Turbo exhaust housing. Notice all the materil removed to greatly open it up. A refresher pic of the downpipe upgrade and finally the assembled turbo and installation.

Great read.

So I guess season 3 has already started? Hey team syclone I've always wondered if you could bolt a manual trans to the T-case? I had a blazer at one time and wanted to make a Rally Sport version with awd and a T-56.

Jax... The Rally is under way but Season 3 has not yet begun. Although I know there is a Syclone out there with a manual shift I dont know what other changes he as made. Mine is still auto... stock auto at that. These trucks are notorious for burning them up rather quickly with all the torque, even the level 3 modded trannies. Many have invested in the 4L80 comversion that so far has been holding up well.

One las update before I finish up. I ave everything completed and so far working well. Put most back together just have hood and bumper left to do. I pick up the exhaust piece later today to complete that and it'll be out for a test run before the weekend.

Fenders back on and alligned with grill

Drivers side fender all cleaned up and free from the ABS rats nest.

Only before pic I can find of ABS, sorry it's from side view.

Looking good! That is a lot of work!

My car's got an intercooler pump from a Mustang Cobra in it. Sometimes dipping into the parts bin will lead you places you didn't expect...

Can't wait to see this beast on the street!

TEAM SYCLONE TRUCK MODIFICATION AND RELIABILITY UPGRADES...

COMPLETED!

Well, I fired up the Syclone early this morning for the first time since making the decision to install the Ford Solenoid. Still haven't put the hood back on or taken it out of the garage but it's on all fours again and ready to test drive. I do have an exhaust leak where the two piece downpipe fits together but damn it that stainless is hard to clamp. I'll probablyhave to take it apart again to get a better fit. Other than that everything seems to be just fine.

Pics coming once I get it out and cleaned up again. A couple runs for tuning to see if the 3" DP made any difference and it'll be ready for Bullrun Season 3. Look out if we get chosen... we plan to give it our all !!!!!

Sounds like you've done one hell of a job on the Syclone. Great work.  See ya on BR-S3 I hope 

When are you going to paint those eyeballs on your windshield to match your signature?

The eyes will be easy enough but the mouth may be difficult. I can guarantee that if we are chosen I will have some EYES o nthe windsield for you.

The eyeballs might hinder your range of sight.  Might want to rethink those.  Or, heck, paint em on and make it more interesting...demolition bullrun.

I was thinkinh more along the lines of a sun shade or a banner.... stay tuned to Season 3 to find out!

OK... took the SY out for a few miles. Had some issues with overheating and starter not getting nearly enough juice to start the truck. All of a sudden the starter seems perfect, even better than expected. I looked through everything and couldn't find anything but thus frar it's been great with nothing to hickup about. The overheating issue was simple not plugging in the Relay far enough... silly me.

I drove it to work the other day and everything seems to be working well. Looks like everything is a go for Season 3... Now, if only I can get picked. Just spending some free time here and there fine tuning the tune.