Guys, (sorry, this is a long one)
I need some help with a new project. I have a million questions, and I’m sure a million more will arise as this project progresses. But first, let me tell you the situation.
My father-in-law had a 1968 Mustang Fastback (roller) that we had been discussing building for a few years. I thought it would be a great project for me to learn on, and with his experience I’m sure I could have gained a ton of knowledge. However, due to a sad turn of events, he passed away while crewing for a friend’s drag team last summer. So, after all was said and done, the project was passed on to me.
I am very excited to take on a project like this, since, while I have a decent amount of car and racing experience, I have NO experience with classic cars, nor with V8 powered projects. You may notice my screen name, so as you may have guessed, up till now I have lived a life of fuel injected, turbocharged 4 cylinder projects. But I have always wanted to expand my knowledge, since I just love cars in general.
So, with that said, I know that I am in way over my head at this point, and I am well aware that I have a ton to learn about this build before I even turn a single wrench on the car. And due to the massive amounts of information needed, and the sheer amount of parts to be sourced, I don’t expect this car to be finished any time soon. And that is fine.
But I do have a basic plan in mind, and I would really appreciate some suggestions on how to achieve it. Since again, I know so little about these cars. I don’t really know the engine ‘codes’, nick-names, etc. Nor do I really know anything about carburetors or trannys for these cars.
By asking these questions on a web forum, I am sure I will end up with a ton of varying opinions, but at the moment, that is what I am looking for, since I would like to get a plan solidified so that I don’t make more mistakes than I have to.
My basic plan is as follows: (albeit a very basic outline)
I would like to have this be a somewhat reliable fun weekend car. I lean towards fuel injection due to the simple fact that I am more comfortable with the concept, but I am open to looking into a carbureted setup for the experience I can gain from it. I would like the car to be able to hit high 11’s (or low 12’s) at the strip, yet be civilized enough for street use. (N20 will be an option if required) Beyond that my plans are to do basic body mods to appeal to my tastes. I have access to an engine builder who will show me the ropes during the build if I need to start from scratch.
So, after all that, here is where I ask for some opinions.
1. what engine should I start with? 302, 351? Other?
2. would fuel injection be worth it? Or should I try my luck with a carb?
3.what auto trans will be the best option for my needs? (and will fit without crazy fabrication)
4. Is there anyone out there who has built one of these that can give me some pointers and things to look out for? (I can imagine there are a bunch of things that would be pitfalls if you don’t know what you are doing, like me)
5. How can you adjust ride height on these cars? Remove leaf springs in the rear? What about the front? Or are there adjustable suspension setups available that are reasonably priced? (Not sure I need to at this point, but I became curious after familiarizing myself with the car)
6. Once the engine and trans is installed, are there standard drive shafts that fit different combinations, or do I have to source a custom drive shaft?
I think those are my first questions, though many more will pop up with time.
Sorry for being so long winded...
And thanks for any help you guys can offer, since I want to do this right by doing the research in advance, and eventually build the car in a way that my father-in-law would have appreciated.
I need some help with a new project. I have a million questions, and I’m sure a million more will arise as this project progresses. But first, let me tell you the situation.
My father-in-law had a 1968 Mustang Fastback (roller) that we had been discussing building for a few years. I thought it would be a great project for me to learn on, and with his experience I’m sure I could have gained a ton of knowledge. However, due to a sad turn of events, he passed away while crewing for a friend’s drag team last summer. So, after all was said and done, the project was passed on to me.
I am very excited to take on a project like this, since, while I have a decent amount of car and racing experience, I have NO experience with classic cars, nor with V8 powered projects. You may notice my screen name, so as you may have guessed, up till now I have lived a life of fuel injected, turbocharged 4 cylinder projects. But I have always wanted to expand my knowledge, since I just love cars in general.
So, with that said, I know that I am in way over my head at this point, and I am well aware that I have a ton to learn about this build before I even turn a single wrench on the car. And due to the massive amounts of information needed, and the sheer amount of parts to be sourced, I don’t expect this car to be finished any time soon. And that is fine.
But I do have a basic plan in mind, and I would really appreciate some suggestions on how to achieve it. Since again, I know so little about these cars. I don’t really know the engine ‘codes’, nick-names, etc. Nor do I really know anything about carburetors or trannys for these cars.
By asking these questions on a web forum, I am sure I will end up with a ton of varying opinions, but at the moment, that is what I am looking for, since I would like to get a plan solidified so that I don’t make more mistakes than I have to.
My basic plan is as follows: (albeit a very basic outline)
I would like to have this be a somewhat reliable fun weekend car. I lean towards fuel injection due to the simple fact that I am more comfortable with the concept, but I am open to looking into a carbureted setup for the experience I can gain from it. I would like the car to be able to hit high 11’s (or low 12’s) at the strip, yet be civilized enough for street use. (N20 will be an option if required) Beyond that my plans are to do basic body mods to appeal to my tastes. I have access to an engine builder who will show me the ropes during the build if I need to start from scratch.
So, after all that, here is where I ask for some opinions.
1. what engine should I start with? 302, 351? Other?
2. would fuel injection be worth it? Or should I try my luck with a carb?
3.what auto trans will be the best option for my needs? (and will fit without crazy fabrication)
4. Is there anyone out there who has built one of these that can give me some pointers and things to look out for? (I can imagine there are a bunch of things that would be pitfalls if you don’t know what you are doing, like me)
5. How can you adjust ride height on these cars? Remove leaf springs in the rear? What about the front? Or are there adjustable suspension setups available that are reasonably priced? (Not sure I need to at this point, but I became curious after familiarizing myself with the car)
6. Once the engine and trans is installed, are there standard drive shafts that fit different combinations, or do I have to source a custom drive shaft?
I think those are my first questions, though many more will pop up with time.
Sorry for being so long winded...
And thanks for any help you guys can offer, since I want to do this right by doing the research in advance, and eventually build the car in a way that my father-in-law would have appreciated.
