The story of SuperNatural
21-02-2009 | 03:53 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Project SuperNatural
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT. USA
The story of SuperNatural
Hello Everybody allow me to introduce myself. My name is Salvatore Randazzo and I have a story to share. I was introduced to this site by Rob Lynch, on this site he is Charlie/Hank . Rob, as well as a few Uk enthusiast on ebayuk, have been a huge help for me towards my next phase of my project. Written below is the before story, the foundation to something different. For those who do not know what an LN7 is, its basically an escort, an american escort that has some major body differences. The EXP is the brother version, and lets just say that the first gens were terrible when it came to reliability. Enjoy 
Being part of The Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 Owners Association (Fordexp.com) for 6 years led me to meet some interesting people, most responsible sources for information. I would like to share my story and how the next phase of my project corrolates to Passionford
</SPAN>
Back in 2004 I was just breaking from a decision to get rid of my car, my most prized possession, my 1982 Mercury LN7. I had tremendous trouble with my car and just couldn't get it to run reliably. It was the mark of seven years that my local mechanics and I tried to get it to run properly. Hence the sadness I gained when I hopelessly decided to get rid of it. Nevertheless, in a strange instant, just before my attempt to buy a 2.5 liter Jeep Cherokee, I received a rush of encouragement. From this encouragement I researched the possibility to adapt EFI technology to my engine, but my experience with it was seldom. Since my car was carbureted the possibilities of street capable power and reliability were limited, it was just too scarce and useless to work with, especially since one of my sources hinted me on the possibility of utilizing a turbocharger. Turbocharger! I was intimated with this at first to be honest. Of course fuel injection was the way to go not only for managing the efficiency of turbo power, but also for what I wanted most…reliability.
The JAWA
I have much to thank to Rick Torsen, aka EXP Jawa of FordEXP.com foremost who was my initial contact and informer throughout the beginning. I joined in 2003 with hope to find someone who could help me fix my car, or at least find someone who shared the same problem. When I found that nothing helped, it was Rick who informed me in complete details about the fuel injection parts that interchange in my car from the 84-85 EXP Turbocoupe. I was so thrilled! I couldn’t believe that there was a fuel injection version out there, but little did I know what I was getting into. I can’t say how much time I squandered looking for an EXP turbocoupe. The scarceness, the window of opportunity all limited even more. So I fell right back to square one, hopeless, till Rick mentioned Delta Mike.
The Power of Association
From there I was introduced to
Dan Mauldin, aka Delta Mike of FordEXP.com. I can’t explain how glad I was to meet this soldier. As most know there, Dan has a 1982 LN7 that is fuel injected too. It even has AC, PS and CC and all other double lettered options you could think of.
But this man went with something different than what I went looking for, wonderfully different. The Delta used the 87-90 Escort GT power plant instead. Hello Dan I said!! By this time the year 2005 was seeing spring and all I could do was ask questions on how Dan resolved the swap. Not only converting to fuel injection, but going from 1600 cc to 1900cc. This was the ice breaker for me. Dan sent me consistent e-mails with information on how to do and what to do. All worked out great to. However, all said but not done, I still needed to find parts. But how is it hard to find an Escort? Right?
The Hunt
If I could curse right now I would, but I won’t since there may be ladies reading this. Let me just say this, my luck was in worse shape than Chris Brown right now. I spent months looking for a 1987-1990 Ford Escort GT with the VIN J engine. I recall seeing those frickin GT clone LX versions powered by CFI’s! It was a nightmare. Oh how could I forget following a GT “Sun Sport” with the 1.9 HO badge completely trashed, and the guy refused 600 for it, I went to high school with the guy! All said and still not done, till later 2005 came and a trip to my sister’s job twisted all expectations.
The Candidate
On April 26th 2005, within a few minutes from my house I drove right by, and then made a U-wee right back to the car that contained everything I needed. A running but in bad shape 1989 Ford Escort GT equipped with the engine and transmission I needed. The car itself was a disaster but perfect, so perfect that I claimed it my birthday present. I convinced the owner to sell it to me for 400 bucks, and things were well on the way to make me the happiest person in the world. The next day I withdrew 400 dollars from my account and planned to pay the owner after work, but before noon, there was a phone call that brought in devastating news.
The Call - April 27, 2005
So devastating I wished it were a dream. On April 27th 2005, late morning, my cousin Lisa Marie Randazzo was involved in a fatal car accident. She was only 20 years old, and had just turned 20 the day before. I was completely shut down and drawn to desolation. I remember squatting on the floor looking at my brother crying, and my boss in shock. I am guilty to admit that I seemed selfish, but I wasn't even worried about the car. I was trying to make sense to why things like this have to happen? Why she had to get in the car at that time? Why her accident had to be that way? It was a day I would never forget, the day my birthday would never be the same.
After work the next day I went to see the guy feeling empty. I handed the money to him and explained my delay. When I got home I took a look at my car and knew right there that I wasn't ready to do anything. My cousin was gone with my birthday, and watching our family at the hospital was the biggest heartbreak I had ever experienced. I had the image of her brother looking at me with the most tear filled eyes. I got up to hug him and all I thought about was the loss of his sister. How hard it would be to face such a loss. I was afraid to look at my own sister and my own brother. Being in that room, I developed the fear to see anyone in the eyes. But sure enough, I remember hoping to see Lisa’s eyes open. I remembered talking to her in the past and apologized for never giving her the returning attention. Never taking her out or even making her feel loved better than I did. I walked out the hospital feeling angry.
I can sometimes be my own worst enemy, and to keep myself from thinking too much, I convince myself to keep my mind busy with alterations. I knew that I wanted to start working on the project, but I just didn't feel right. Before long I came up with a plan that became the greatest idea, I was on the brink of dedication. Being that everything happened at the same time it was just right, and I took it far more seriously than I intended. I knew that I had the motivation from there to make my Project LN7 in memory of Lisa Marie Randazzo. So sure enough I became a robot the next four months making sure everything I did was right. I had the entire wiring harness on my bedroom floor making sure only the ones I needed were there each night, and I would not be kidding if I told you that I went over the harness numerous times. When time came to assemble everything I eventually found the position to put my dedication to a test. I was on the edge as I ran into a small ignition problem, but when fixed, my heart was pounding as my cousin Luciano waited for my signal. The signal was given and everything I did for the last 4 months, everything I thought of to keep me motivated, the researching, the confusions, the discoveries and the dedications all became part of the ingredients to success. Nothing ever made me feel like that. It was the greatest feeling I have ever experienced, true and proud happiness. If I could see my cousin knowing this whole thing became largely possible for her, I would have seen nothing but a true smile, and a shed of tear mimicking the present moment.
The Birth
For the most part I found myself believing I was dreaming. During this time my LN7 was painted with a grey primer and looked very dull. In fact, the new paint scheme that I eventually went with became stage II of Project LN7. I believe it was around November 2005 when I brought it to a local shop to paint it. Having to leave it there brought a very disturbing feeling for me, I felt like I was abandoning it. As the weeks became months, I patiently waited for the results to my glorified imagination. Around spring 2006 my LN7 rolled out like a new car. It was exactly how I imagined it. Maroon and gold two-tones all settled with the black hood and cowl. All said and not done yet, I still had more work to do. Still had plans to accomplish, but for the moment, as I stood by my creation, I stood on the foundation to something that will be entirely new to the tuner world. It was the birth of SuperNatural.
SuperNatural; (adj) Existing or occurring beyond the known forces of nature; lying outside the natural order.
To be continued…
Removed 1.6 engine to rebuild with hope to find problem I faced. Also restored engine bay.
Engine bay restoration and complete assemly
The fuel injection parts donor and my LN7 awaiting
The 1.9 engine and harness
More Harness
Nothing left
Rear transmission mount location modified for 5 speed use
Tranformation Complete
Undergoing Paint Job
3 days after paint job
A little fun with AutoCAD
I will continue the story when all my parts arrive from UK so I could provide more pictures and descriptions
Thank you
Your new member, Salvatore
Being part of The Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 Owners Association (Fordexp.com) for 6 years led me to meet some interesting people, most responsible sources for information. I would like to share my story and how the next phase of my project corrolates to Passionford
</SPAN>Back in 2004 I was just breaking from a decision to get rid of my car, my most prized possession, my 1982 Mercury LN7. I had tremendous trouble with my car and just couldn't get it to run reliably. It was the mark of seven years that my local mechanics and I tried to get it to run properly. Hence the sadness I gained when I hopelessly decided to get rid of it. Nevertheless, in a strange instant, just before my attempt to buy a 2.5 liter Jeep Cherokee, I received a rush of encouragement. From this encouragement I researched the possibility to adapt EFI technology to my engine, but my experience with it was seldom. Since my car was carbureted the possibilities of street capable power and reliability were limited, it was just too scarce and useless to work with, especially since one of my sources hinted me on the possibility of utilizing a turbocharger. Turbocharger! I was intimated with this at first to be honest. Of course fuel injection was the way to go not only for managing the efficiency of turbo power, but also for what I wanted most…reliability.
The JAWA
I have much to thank to Rick Torsen, aka EXP Jawa of FordEXP.com foremost who was my initial contact and informer throughout the beginning. I joined in 2003 with hope to find someone who could help me fix my car, or at least find someone who shared the same problem. When I found that nothing helped, it was Rick who informed me in complete details about the fuel injection parts that interchange in my car from the 84-85 EXP Turbocoupe. I was so thrilled! I couldn’t believe that there was a fuel injection version out there, but little did I know what I was getting into. I can’t say how much time I squandered looking for an EXP turbocoupe. The scarceness, the window of opportunity all limited even more. So I fell right back to square one, hopeless, till Rick mentioned Delta Mike.
The Power of Association
From there I was introduced to
Dan Mauldin, aka Delta Mike of FordEXP.com. I can’t explain how glad I was to meet this soldier. As most know there, Dan has a 1982 LN7 that is fuel injected too. It even has AC, PS and CC and all other double lettered options you could think of. But this man went with something different than what I went looking for, wonderfully different. The Delta used the 87-90 Escort GT power plant instead. Hello Dan I said!! By this time the year 2005 was seeing spring and all I could do was ask questions on how Dan resolved the swap. Not only converting to fuel injection, but going from 1600 cc to 1900cc. This was the ice breaker for me. Dan sent me consistent e-mails with information on how to do and what to do. All worked out great to. However, all said but not done, I still needed to find parts. But how is it hard to find an Escort? Right?The Hunt
If I could curse right now I would, but I won’t since there may be ladies reading this. Let me just say this, my luck was in worse shape than Chris Brown right now. I spent months looking for a 1987-1990 Ford Escort GT with the VIN J engine. I recall seeing those frickin GT clone LX versions powered by CFI’s! It was a nightmare. Oh how could I forget following a GT “Sun Sport” with the 1.9 HO badge completely trashed, and the guy refused 600 for it, I went to high school with the guy! All said and still not done, till later 2005 came and a trip to my sister’s job twisted all expectations.
The Candidate
On April 26th 2005, within a few minutes from my house I drove right by, and then made a U-wee right back to the car that contained everything I needed. A running but in bad shape 1989 Ford Escort GT equipped with the engine and transmission I needed. The car itself was a disaster but perfect, so perfect that I claimed it my birthday present. I convinced the owner to sell it to me for 400 bucks, and things were well on the way to make me the happiest person in the world. The next day I withdrew 400 dollars from my account and planned to pay the owner after work, but before noon, there was a phone call that brought in devastating news.
The Call - April 27, 2005
So devastating I wished it were a dream. On April 27th 2005, late morning, my cousin Lisa Marie Randazzo was involved in a fatal car accident. She was only 20 years old, and had just turned 20 the day before. I was completely shut down and drawn to desolation. I remember squatting on the floor looking at my brother crying, and my boss in shock. I am guilty to admit that I seemed selfish, but I wasn't even worried about the car. I was trying to make sense to why things like this have to happen? Why she had to get in the car at that time? Why her accident had to be that way? It was a day I would never forget, the day my birthday would never be the same.
After work the next day I went to see the guy feeling empty. I handed the money to him and explained my delay. When I got home I took a look at my car and knew right there that I wasn't ready to do anything. My cousin was gone with my birthday, and watching our family at the hospital was the biggest heartbreak I had ever experienced. I had the image of her brother looking at me with the most tear filled eyes. I got up to hug him and all I thought about was the loss of his sister. How hard it would be to face such a loss. I was afraid to look at my own sister and my own brother. Being in that room, I developed the fear to see anyone in the eyes. But sure enough, I remember hoping to see Lisa’s eyes open. I remembered talking to her in the past and apologized for never giving her the returning attention. Never taking her out or even making her feel loved better than I did. I walked out the hospital feeling angry.
I can sometimes be my own worst enemy, and to keep myself from thinking too much, I convince myself to keep my mind busy with alterations. I knew that I wanted to start working on the project, but I just didn't feel right. Before long I came up with a plan that became the greatest idea, I was on the brink of dedication. Being that everything happened at the same time it was just right, and I took it far more seriously than I intended. I knew that I had the motivation from there to make my Project LN7 in memory of Lisa Marie Randazzo. So sure enough I became a robot the next four months making sure everything I did was right. I had the entire wiring harness on my bedroom floor making sure only the ones I needed were there each night, and I would not be kidding if I told you that I went over the harness numerous times. When time came to assemble everything I eventually found the position to put my dedication to a test. I was on the edge as I ran into a small ignition problem, but when fixed, my heart was pounding as my cousin Luciano waited for my signal. The signal was given and everything I did for the last 4 months, everything I thought of to keep me motivated, the researching, the confusions, the discoveries and the dedications all became part of the ingredients to success. Nothing ever made me feel like that. It was the greatest feeling I have ever experienced, true and proud happiness. If I could see my cousin knowing this whole thing became largely possible for her, I would have seen nothing but a true smile, and a shed of tear mimicking the present moment.
The Birth
For the most part I found myself believing I was dreaming. During this time my LN7 was painted with a grey primer and looked very dull. In fact, the new paint scheme that I eventually went with became stage II of Project LN7. I believe it was around November 2005 when I brought it to a local shop to paint it. Having to leave it there brought a very disturbing feeling for me, I felt like I was abandoning it. As the weeks became months, I patiently waited for the results to my glorified imagination. Around spring 2006 my LN7 rolled out like a new car. It was exactly how I imagined it. Maroon and gold two-tones all settled with the black hood and cowl. All said and not done yet, I still had more work to do. Still had plans to accomplish, but for the moment, as I stood by my creation, I stood on the foundation to something that will be entirely new to the tuner world. It was the birth of SuperNatural.
SuperNatural; (adj) Existing or occurring beyond the known forces of nature; lying outside the natural order.
To be continued…
Removed 1.6 engine to rebuild with hope to find problem I faced. Also restored engine bay.
Engine bay restoration and complete assemly
The fuel injection parts donor and my LN7 awaiting
The 1.9 engine and harness
More Harness
Nothing left
Rear transmission mount location modified for 5 speed use
Tranformation Complete
Undergoing Paint Job
3 days after paint job
A little fun with AutoCAD
I will continue the story when all my parts arrive from UK so I could provide more pictures and descriptionsThank you
Your new member, Salvatore
24-02-2009 | 12:29 PM
#4
excellent mate great to see this story and pictures now cant wait to see when the other bits get put on too.
its nice to see something different on here to the normal cars.
keep up the excellent work.
(ps ive sent you an email mate)
its nice to see something different on here to the normal cars.
keep up the excellent work.
(ps ive sent you an email mate)
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