The

Plans are meant to be changed. What started out as a simple build on my 1979 Ford Fairmont, has turned into something much more. With the engine making so much power, 575hp @5500, it was time to take another look at the car as a whole.
After talking with Jack Hidley of Maximum Motorsports, I realized it would probably be a good idea to upgrade not only the front, but also the rear suspension of the #FairmontProject.
In this video I cover those changes and why I'm making them. If you're looking for more info, no worries, I plan to make detailed installation videos with all of it explaining more of my reasoning behind the changes. Those videos should air in a few months.
In the mean time, linked below is some additional information on my new suspension.
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarg...
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecar...
Parts
Maximum Motorsports: www.maximummoto...
MM Torque Arm Set Up: www.maximummoto...
Panhard Bar: www.maximummoto...
K Membrer & Stuff: www.maximummoto...
Related Videos
The Original Fairmont Suspension: • New Fairmont Parts! #F...
#DarkMatterPikachu on the Dyno: • The #FairmontProject E...
Moving the Rear Upper Control Arm Bushings: www.ericthecarg...
Answers to your Automotive Questions Here: www.ericthecarg...
Social Network Links
Facebook: www.facebook.c...
Twitter: / ericthecarguy
Google+: plus.google.co...
Instagram: / ericthecarguy
Information on Premium Membership: www.ericthecar...
Stay Dirty
ETCG1

[@christophersipes4999]

Just glad you were able to get this straight before getting the car on the road. Not to mention, have the ability to acquire the parts to continue going with the parts. I know a situation like this would be the death nail for a lot of people.

[@ETCG1]

Yea, that's part of why I'm doing the series. I figure this stuff out so you don't have to. Thanks for the comment.

[@leemoknows]

Maximum Motorsports is great. Im glad you were able to discuss your project with them. The Fairmont is going to be a beast all around.

[@ETCG1]

Yes they are, and yes it will.

[@joshdoud6306]

I love how people come on here and tell Eric what to do on his car. It is his car and his project. He has a certain goal for what he wants the Fairmont to be. Keep up the good work Eric.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

Above all I'm glad to hear the 1982 Mustang is going back on the road!!

[@brianpardee1281]

jack sounds like a good sales man

[@TheMarcusGomez]

yep.

[@dosbox907]

haha good ol jack.

[@abc123mj13]

Jack sounds like a cool dude.

[@MichaelRCarlson]

I doubt Eric got "sold" on anything. I think he just wants to build a damn good car. It's what car guys do, always have :)

[@TrakSpock1]

Maximum Motorsports rocks! My 96 Stang has been outfitted with their products since 2004 and hasn't skipped a beat. All the fastest Mustangs run their products and everything else is just 2nd fiddle. You will not believe how well your car will handle Eric; you made the right choice.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

All that new stuff just looks "correct" now, you know what I mean? I'm very glad that you will be safer now, and the car will be more fun to drive. I checked their site- some awesome toys for big boys, that's for sure. I can imagine a roll cage kit will hopefully be coming soon. I'm thankful you got in touch with- and listened to- the right People. That's going to be an incredible car- for an incredible Man. We all love you, Eric.

[@WillFigs823]

It's so fascinating how everything works an goes together.

[@DarrenCoull]

Love this build Eric - it's just like Motor Trend, but with essential detail and is free! :-)

[@InternetDude]

Yep but you do realize Eric has a paid section with "extra" videos through his website, right? He is doing something like MTOD, he just doesn't shove it in your face at every opportunity.

[@DarrenCoull]

Of course, but also crucially he doesn't dumb down or cripple the free content as an 'incentive' to go paid :-)

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

This is Stephen King's The Dark Tower of car building. An epic of spectacular proportions!

[@Zero_Ninety]

That ends disappointingly?

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

Let's hope it doesn't end disappointingly...

[@Zero_Ninety]

Simon Coles I hope not. I suspect that Eric is better at ending things than Stephen King is.

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

only thing King really ended well was The Shining - the ending was epic!

[@ETCG1]

Right? I hope it has a better ending though. ;)

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

You MUST get this car on Jay Leno's Garage when its finished! It needs to happen!

[@ETCG1]

That would be cool.

[@TheSleepyMechanic0524]

I'd rather see it on Regular Car Reviews

[@ncc74656m]

Thanks for all your work for us, Eric! MM did great work for you, glad to know that so many companies are stepping up to try to help you with this.

[@zacharycrevola7751]

Nice to see you make lemonade! Keep it up Eric!

[@svalenti94]

Great video! I've been stoked for this build every since you first announced it way back when. Video was very informative and well done. I can't wait to see more videos, and its exciting to know that there are way more to come...especially the engine series. Keep up the good work and don't stress about the timing. Your one person with a day job working on cars as well as building this beast.

[@charlesleblanc1956]

I love the Fairmont project. You started the project with a plan and this showed good foresight. Lately you deviated from the plan on a few occasion and "upgraded" many parts. The original "plan" was intended to keep both the cost and the build time under control . These are the two main causes of project failure. I already voice this concern in «Overbuilding Makes it Awesomer» . Maybe it time to do another revised build plan and try to stick with it. Many suppliers will lure you into an upgrade and this will have repercussion in other parts of the build. These are not evil peoples, not even salesmen, only passionate peoples that get overexcited with the project and try to improve it but at the increase the risk of failure based on the added cost and the added build time.

[@yoyi2030]

Hidden gem in the youtube world this channel has become.

[@amanwithafakename]

Dude. That whole bit about potentially having bought a ton of counterfeit parts really sucks. I've been there myself. Good on you for not letting it get you down and repurposing the parts into another build that will hopefully help in a large part to pay for itself. Smart idea.

[@leefalvey9670]

Holy cow I can't imagine how much you have invested in the fairmont . Even after you get her on the road the parts still just keep coming. Been there done that

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

Jesus!...this is going to be a beast. Happy for you and can't wait to see the final build.

[@allusernamestaken01]

Nothing is constant but change. Keep it up, Eric.

[@ELJORGE1]

I wish you would have tested the cat as it is, but I'm happy that you are solving all possible troubles now!

[@jakepulver8448]

Thanks for the extra videos, Eric!

[@alward9901]

Very nice presentation , I realize there is a lot editing , right to the point , and easy to follow , nice job Eric .

[@kelli217]

As soon as you mentioned the sideways forces on the rear suspension, I thought to myself: Panhard bar. And I'm not even a suspension engineer. :D

[@prissy134]

Eric, looks like you got a lot of work to do,whew will be thanksgiving before your done , plus your regular work you do to pay the bills, have fun my friend ,looking forward to the complete video of you driving the#FairmontProject.

[@ETCG1]

Honestly at this point I'll be lucky to get it done before Christmas. It'll be right when it's done though.

[@jfv65]

a Panhard setup for the rear axle is okay for streetuse and mild trackuse but there is a setup for locating the beam axle from L to R that is superior. it is called a Watt-linkage setup. It was often used in European RWD rallycars like the Ford Escort mk1 and mk2, Opel Ascona and Manta, Vauxhall Chevette HSR , etc. This Watt-setup allows for a perfectly located axle while it moves up and down under the car. It guarantees that R corners feel the same as L corners and have the same traction while cornering at high speeds. it also allows for free choice of ride height. when you lower a car with a Panhard setup you also need to adjust the length of the Panhard rod in order to get the beam axle centred again. You do not want to end up with a car that basically crabs along , the rear wheels following a different track then the front wheels. a Watt-linkage is expensive though.

[@ETCG1]

I'm familiar with it, but I think we can both agree that this set up is better than the 4 link I had.

[@racerxnk]

Sorry for the extra money you had to spend but now you and we get more videos. Also I really appreciate your honesty during this entire build.

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Maximum Motorsports is a solid company for Mustang components. I had their sub frame connectors and their lower control arms. I went with the Steeda C/C plates and FRPP upper control arms.

[@icurt06]

To be honest I thought the replacement suspension parts you had on before weren't correct. Live and learn : ) I'm happy for you having the opportunity to do your Fairmont right. When your done with the suspension upgrade your Fairmont will handle like its on rails! Oh by the way I finished the exhaust on my 05 Vette yesterday. What started out as a simple X- pipe turned into a full catback exhaust. The wife loves the sound of the new exhaust. All is good in my world... Lol

[@mikeh6876]

Totally cool........ It all makes sense. Can't wait for the final build...........

[@nezerac]

OMG, ERIC!! That car's gonna be frickin AMAZING!! It's gonna feel like a beefed up third gen camaro!!

[@derriklee287]

don't compare a gm to a Ford please, that's an insult to the Fairmont dude.

[@ToxicMisfitsYt]

+Derrik Lee even tho the camaro has the suspension set up

[@nezerac]

Derrik Lee If you knew anything about 3rd Gens you'd know they handle like a dream OUT OF THE BOX! They come factory with a panhard bar and most of the stuff Eric's bolting to the fairmont is standard equipment of the 3rd gens. I'm a ford man but I've owned both. The only car that handled better than my 85 firebird was my 96 thunderbird and even then. The shocks and springs were it's achillies heel. Go hop in a third gen and come back and apologize. I'm a very forgiving guy. :D

[@michaelblacktree]

Thanks for explaining the 3-month lag on the videos. I wasn't aware of that. Also, this car is getting some pretty serious hardware! Love it! :)

[@mitchf1508]

I missed the show yesterday, but it was my Birthday, so thank you for your birthday wishes!

[@joshakaoger69]

luckily garage gurus and moog suspension hooked me up and used my pt as a learning tool and i now have everything new and its like a go cart 👌

[@MilesFromExtraordinary]

Brian filmed an ETCG1 video! Definitely couldn't do this as a selfie - thanks Brian.

[@basedboyz13]

I'm really loving this build, you're going to have yourself a badass car when you're done with this

[@gearhead7961]

Love the "sleeper" look of the car. If adding the torque arm is anything like on a Camaro you'll definitely want a beefier transmission mount. You probably already did from the looks of all the mods your doing. I'm glad your not modding a mustang. I like to see the not so popular cars getting some love. Don't forget the dash cam for the huge grin on your face when you get to rip it down a curvy road.

[@oconnorc97]

Not usually a ford fan but I've been enjoying this build. It's always interesting to see the detail that goes into any performance build no matter what the brand or intended purpose is. Super excited about this engine series that's coming soon though! Love the videos man wish I could go to the meet ups you have but Florida is a ways from Cincinnati lol

[@clinthightowerclinthightow4950]

Nice, we totally had one of these when I was in 9th grade :)

[@bodesund]

Very interresting Eric! Looking forward to see all your comming videos

[@mikehartmann5187]

I've been wondering if this sleeper was a keeper or not. Sounds here like it's a keeper. I also think that a key lesson learned from this build is that hot rodding a car is a system swap, and just dropping a zillion hp motor in the engine bay will not be enough if you want to do the job right (and safely), so budget accordingly. Thanks - can't wait for the engine segments.

[@ETCG1]

THAT is my point exactly! Thanks for the comment.

[@TheBeerBox80]

I can't imagine what these parts cost you. However, this thing is going to handle amazing. Good for you, can't wait to see the end result. I am sure you will enjoy driving this thing.

[@henrig4409]

Make the mustang into a drift car and compete with ChrisFix, that'd be fun to watch...

[@smajoooooooo]

I second this idea

[@xplorearizona154]

+Smajo Lelak I 3rd that idea.

[@realmaindrianpace]

He would need some soapy wooder.

[@MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

Yes!!!

[@dylanandersen9318]

That would be so sweet!

[@anothersiguy]

Gotta give Eric credit for wanting to do this the right way, instead of just dropping a turbo 302 into a stock Fairmont. That has to be an eye-watering amount of money but he'll be able to autocross this thing when it's done.

[@harindugamlath]

One of the best explanation videos! Actually learned a lot. #FairmontProject can't wait.

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

Panhard Bar FTW - turning this into a real classic muscle car heavy duty rear suspension!

[@josealcaraz3426]

Take your time Eric. It'll all be worth It

[@mrgoodbar216]

Man I can't wait to see the finished product

[@supercoupe6288]

looks like your going in the right direction can't wait for more videos.

[@jakesnake_27]

Keep it up Eric, you're doing a great job with the build.

[@DhulstDirk]

This is a great video because it demonstrates all of the considerations that go into bumping up the horsepower. Most people think it's just increasing the engine capacity and that's it. Out of curiosity, if someone were to pay retail for those additional parts, what would the approximate bill be? (I know you looked it up!) Thanks again for making such high quality videos!

[@sashoxxx]

Even more awesome than it already was

[@jlp5137]

I can see you trying to explain this to your wife LOL

[@ETCG1]

She drives the newest vehicle in the fleet and has more travel vacations than ever. I always make sure my family is taken care of first. For me, this is all I care about. Besides food and rent, I want for nothing besides go fast parts.

[@NoRegrets001]

+ETCG1 This is how it is with me and my wife. We're getting a house built and I told her all I want is the garage, the rest is for her and the kids. All I care about is turning wrenches. Give me a project car and I will be the happiest man in the world. Great video Eric, keep them coming, your vids is helping me out alot to prepare me for my first project.

[@Mortalomena]

You paying rent? Why havent you bought a house / apartment? Rent is money wasted.

[@ETCG1]

Several reasons, starting with an old foreclosure that's still on the books. However, after owning several properties and being a landlord for 8 years, I can honestly say there's nothing wrong with renting.

[@Mortalomena]

ETCG1 Yea nothing wrong if you just cannot afford to buy. But it is a waste of money if you can buy a house.

[@n20cpri]

@2.32 HOLY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Awesome!!!!!

[@gregorywills2231]

This should be one helluva car when its done. Very cool!

[@michaelmullin1990]

Eric🙌🏻 mind has been blown!! I don't mean this in a bad way but I'm happy for the mess up... Because it's leading to more videos!!!! :D

[@dennislorden3142]

Take your time with the videos, no rush. Car is looking bad ass dude

[@Denkha94]

hi eric great build man. its looking great. you turned that ford in to something different. keep it up. good luck.

[@roberthale8407]

Turbo the inline six for the Mustang!

[@masonmcdonald2566]

I was thinking the same exact thing... that would be badass. Kinda.

[@mjs182004]

lol, I was thinking that to. How cool would that be!

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

Haha, it's certainly doable but you'd need one hell of an intercooler to mitigate the problems caused by the intake and exhaust manifolds being in such close proximity. Running ethanol would help too as the fuel itself helps cool the intake. I wouldn't bet on the 6 cylinder taking much extra power before it blows up though so it probably wouldn't be worth it.

[@ETCG1]

That engine is already in the scrap yard.

[@ETCG1]

Also, the i6 will not go into a V8 K member.

[@johnjustin823]

take all the time you need!

[@hornerable]

cant wait for test drive and 1/4 mile numbers.suckes to tack few steps back but looks like you got much better parts

[@adamtoman5855]

it just keep getting awesomer and awesomer and awesomer. it seems this build will be far from the "sleeper" you talked about after you first got the car. i see this being the meanest ride in town!

[@CarattiniGarage]

Wow what an eye opener. I alway thought that 4 link was the best because that is what every show on TV uses. Now that you have explain this I realize that my 1989 Trans Am GTA already has that type of setup. Make me feel good about my car. This makes me wonder "is this why in every car and coffee their is a mustang that crash? Haven't seen any third gen crash on a cars and coffee yet." Don't hate me you mustang guys just joking. Thanks Erick always love your videos even the sponsored one I believe you give a unique twist on them.

[@o2boutdoors]

Well, that escalated quickly. Now that you've pretty much thrown the Fox chassis pages of the MM catalog at the Fairmont, I hope we're going to have lots of driving videos come springtime.

[@letsdosomething806]

thanks for a great video as always eric. can't wait to see the engine series!

[@workingshlub8861]

that sucks to have to do all that over again..good thing you had mustang so its not a total waste. .keep the videos coming love following this project.

[@zx8401ztv]

Hey its going to be even better than you planned :-D, So lucky that your able to correct its weaknesses before it hits the road, its got to be right, dont rush it eric. Dont worry about hammering the videos out, Just dont worry, enjoy your project :-D.

[@ETCG1]

It's a labor of love for sure. I plan to take it to it's completion though. No turning back now.

[@klc317]

Nice new stuff. Looks like it should make quite an improvement!

[@MrBobrossftw]

Do it just do it! Don't let your dreams just be dreams!

[@crashmavrick1076]

It's awesome to see someone do a fox body other than a mustang!

[@50sKid]

I for one am eager to get to the engine videos, Eric! Suspension isn't quite as sexy to me.

[@TheRealMrCods]

Always happy to see an upload from you Eric.......Yes...even the sponsored ones :)

[@jlp5137]

Yeah, everything you purchased used had to be replaced with new stuff LOL

[@duncharvst]

you can tell that hurt when he was explaining the rear suspension. gotta be hard on the budget too.

[@noflooddamage154]

I'd really love to see a mad max type build on the Mustang!

[@wyattoneable]

It's the long an expensive option but your doing it right Eric.

[@bchant19]

Well shit just got real for the Fairmont project no wonder it's taken longer than original planned but it's better to do the job right now then have to come back later on. Keep up the good work Eric.

[@easyemu1511]

What a monster. I'd love to do something similar to a Cadillac

[@mikew2256]

Really cool video, nice progress.

[@akabigo135]

great video! I look forward to more!

[@carhead9397]

love your videos . that said I wonder how all of us old timers built our cars without Jack. we used tried and true stock parts or fabbed them. I raced a lot won often and @ 64 I'm still here to talk about it and still building without Jack's help. you need to rely on your experience and abilities and forget Jack. if he built a car it would be called the Titanic.😕

[@moguls914]

That moment when the "V8 swapped Fairmont" build turns into, the "ultimate V8 swapped Fairmont track car" build.

[@markm0000]

Major respect to Eric and his Fairmont but he's going to have a very hard time selling it if he ever loses interest.

[@moguls914]

+Mark M I'm going to guess that with the amount of sentimental value he has expressed for the Fairmont as a car initially - referring to his video on love for old cars early on in the progression of these videos - and that the car has been upgraded with his own two hands to accomplish a goal that is uniquely his goal, that all of that will result in a healthy amount of satisfaction for the "final" product (I put final in quotes because a project is never really complete ;-)) as a tangible representation of his passion for working on cars in general, and an artistic expression of the years of work that he's put in to working on cars. In short - of course, I can't speak for Eric since I am not him - I don't think he would want to sell it. I think he would want to keep it as a living legacy of his life's passion and hard work.

[@DoRC]

whooo buddy. pandora is definitely out and running. I hope some of this stuff is sponsored:)

[@Darwinpasta]

Damn, sorry the suspension set didn't work out. Good to see the project moving forward though!

[@rockymtnredneck4888]

YAY!!! MUSTANG BUILD!!!!!

[@mikedrz]

I just specically remember you saying that you don't need power steering multiple times previously! haha

[@403patriot3]

you had me at fairmont project...

[@kennyboone2278]

First time I have ever commented on a show that I watch. I love this show and your other one I have just recently started watching (begining of this year some time. Anyway, for the mustang, I know at one time you said you was thinking some kind of Mad Max build. Not sure if you are still thinking that or not, but it might be kinda cool (I think it would be AWESOME) to do a 4X4 Mad Max build with the mustang that you can drive on the street. Lots of videos (said in a baiting kind voice :-) )

[@joedesalvo3316]

rear suspension is the same as an F-body (torque arm, panhard design) I wonder if you can use a Watts link instead of the Panhard setup

[@HashiriyaSquadron]

So glad I subbed to this channel. I came for the alternator vid and parasitic draw test but stayed for Eric. No homo lol. 😎

[@ETCG1]

Thank you for that, and for your comment.

[@HashiriyaSquadron]

+ETCG1 Anytime brother.

[@Swordie100]

I see so much of myself in the way you work. "Well, let's just tidy it up there and there". Few days later: "Well now I want to eradicate the small rust issues, get leather interior and clean the undercarriage". -_-

[@MichaelRCarlson]

Haha right? I was just going to freshen up my car, now it's got new suspension front and rear, upgraded induction, all the hoses, lines, etc replaced, and then out comes the interior for a good wash, off comes the dash for all new lighting, then maybe some new paint since I have Ford self peeling white lol.

[@Swordie100]

Michael Carlson I wanna paint mine too. >< Terrible life decisions.. xD

[@pgs8597]

Good video Eric but where will you stop. We might be in for some cheesy suspension infomercials staring Jack, go for it.

[@DeatGaming]

IT would be cool if when you, ChrisFix, Engineering Explained, and HumbleMechanic were done you would do a meet up with all four of your cars.

[@Mo5005]

Money flying!

[@aussiebloke609]

...and this is why modding your car can cost so much more than you anticipate. There's always something you got that SHOULD work...but after you install it, you find it doesn't quite...or really isn't good enough...or calls for a change in plans, which requires you to change other work you've already done. It's frustrating and expensive sometimes - especially if you're not following a tried-and-tested pattern that's been done to other cars many times over - but it's the only way to make something that is completely unique. I remember modding my classic Mini back in the early 90s (before they were called "classic"), and I must have gone through 3 heads, 4 complete subframes, 4 distributors, 3 exhausts...not to mention massive numbers of carb jets/needles/emulsion tubes, shocks, suspension arms, etc. It's the only way to get it dialed in right. Glad you're doing it right, instead of taking a "it'll do" or "that's the way [insert name] says to do it" approach. Stay dirty, mate. :-)

[@MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

Eric you could make some not too expensive custom build of the mustang then sell it or have it auctioned then reinvest that money into fixing it forward,paying bills,etc. Or invest into a editor,not sure what your reason was for not having one but it's just my idea.

[@InternetDude]

I still say you're doing yourself a disservice by having this second ETCG1 channel. Both channels are all yours, I think you should just post everything to ETCG channel.

[@frank_the_tank4906]

ETCG1 seriously in need of some Dark Matter Pikachu videos! You can't keep holding out on us!

[@panzerveps]

Good news everyone! More videos!

[@Asomesauc]

Cleveland damn it

[@Clearanceman2]

As far as the rear, you know a top fuel set up would be even better. Got to draw the line cost wise somewhere.