I was so focused on the engine cut-out that I didn't post anything on the new tires.
Snapped a pic after parking in anticipation of getting the new tires put on. Really like the look of the car, not much left to do to the exterior.
Went 275/35/18 for the rear, and 245/40/18 for the front... Nitto 555's, probably would have done a 255/40/18 front if I could do it again, but they aren't bad... I'm sure there will be more tires in my future.
Much better! Hopefully I can get the cut-out issue resolved and start enjoying the car, all the cruise nights locally had been delayed to July due to COVID so I need to take care of this soon. Should have the car back from the shop with the new mufflers and will post a video later.
Current plan is:
1. Get the coolant burped, coolant is currently at the low side of the reservoir triggering the low coolant light, but when I open the cross-over to try and top it off the cross-over is filled and starts to leak a little. If I can't do this tonight or tomorrow I may just take it to a shop that can vacuum fill it. I want to make sure there are no air pockets causing the temperature sensors to read incorrectly.
2. Once coolant is good, I need to verify if the low speed fan turns on by letting it idle. The car runs at part throttle so the CCRM relay for fuel pump is working, before I buy a used one I'd like to find out. I can't test the high speed fan by turning the AC on full, because the system needs a recharge and it won't activate if the system isn't full.
3. Tonight or tomorrow morning I will be swapping the fuel filter, while nothing is certain the fact the car drives so well at part and light throttle makes me think the fuel filter may be clogged enough to still provide flow but not enough for heavy loads. If the fuel filter doesn't have an impact, then I'll rent a fuel pressure gauge that's long enough I can monitor in car and go for a drive. Apparently the 96' doesn't have a fuel pressure sensor, so the X4 can log duty cycle on the pump but I can't see the pressure through the PID.
Trying not to stress about it, plan is to have this car for the long haul and as my dad points out, I'm not under any deadline on the car. In better news the weather has cleared for the weekend after so much rain, and my birthday is on Monday! Hope everyone has a good and safe 4th of July and get's to enjoy some cruising in their Mustangs!