With a well-rounded performer in hand, Ray makes a break of sorts from late-model tradition by declaring this '87 a done deal. That's right-there's no pining for stroker motors, six-speeds, high-end computer management, or the necessary cubic dollars. Simply put, Ray says the current iteration "uts a big smile on my face"-a point well worth considering since we've seen bigger efforts generate far less desirable facial expressions.
One last point of mention regards Ray's father, Richard, who died last year after a battle with cancer. Richard was a Ford fan of an earlier era, but he was understandably interested in his son's automotive endeavors. No doubt he'd be pleased by this recognition of Ray's job well done.
5.0 Tech specs
| ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN |
| Block | Stock, 0.030 over |
| Crankshaft | Stock |
| Connecting Rods | Stock |
| Pistons | JE forged |
| Cylinder Heads | World Castings |
| Windsor Jr. (iron) | |
| Rocker Arms | Scorpion 1.6 rollers |
| Intake | Edelbrock Performer |
| Throttle Body | FRPP 65mm |
| Camshaft | Comp Cams hydraulic |
| | roller (0.512-in lift, 220 degrees |
| | duration at 0.050 |
| Exhaust | JBA Shorties, BBK 21¼2-in cats, |
| | MagnaFlow after-cat w/31¼2-in tailpipes |
| Fuel System | Walbro 255-lph in-tank pump, |
| | 30-lb/hr injectors |
| Power Adder | Vortech S-Trim w/Anderson |
| | Power Pipe |
| Transmission | Tremec 3550 |
| | w/Centerforce clutch |
| Rearend | 8.8 with 3.55 gears |
| ELECTRONICS |
| Engine Management | Stock EEC IV w/Superchips chip, Pro-M 75mm mass-air meter |
| Ignition | MSD 6AL/Crane boost retard |
| CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION |
| Front Suspension | BBK caster/camber |
| | plates, urethane bushed stock |
| | control arms, Tokico Illumina struts, |
| | Griggs conventional coils |
| Rear Suspension | BBK control arms, |
| | Tokico Illumina shocks, Griggs Panhard bar, torque arm, and conventional coils |
| Chassis Bracing | BBK and Kenny Brown |
| Wheels | ROH ZR6 |
| Tires | Falken/Nitto |
| Brakes | Baer four-wheel discs |