Ok, I posted up bits about the next project. Though, as normal life changes things a bit. The car is a 74 Mustang II. It will be used for enjoyable driving/cruising car. Not built for anything other than my own amusement. The drivetrain I had planned was sold off, so now I am back to looking into what to get.
So here is what I have on list of wants.
325hp at the wheels with ability to build to potentially make 400+ at the wheels can be turbos, heads, cam, etc. but would like it to be streetable still
Is easily accessible I don't want to have a big problem finding a spare if warranted
Cost effective I can spend 8-9 grand for a crate engine that makes 480hp with a controller, but less is always better
Must have a "easy" option for a manual trans with OD
Points of fact are this is the only year mustang to not be offered with a V8. So that could be an interesting option. I can see getting a 4 turbo, but cost to build may not make sense. V6 can work, but not sure what would fit the power requirement or cost effectiveness.
I don't mind building an engine from the get go either, but I want the power now rather than later.
A list of things that have hit my radar *
2.3T SVO, Turbocoupe, Xr4ti
302 Windsor possibly stroker
LSx
VQ35/37
So what say GRM? I have contemplated buying a running car and parting it out. What sounds like the best option out there?
I have 309 at the wheels of my 93 EFI 5.0 powered FB RX7 with a mild E series cam.
It is a stock block with bolt ons from the heads up.
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/rx50-project/33672/page1/
2nd the ecoboost suggestion
LR4 4.8 with a cam and LS6 intake.
IMO, this is an application where an LS makes no sense. A SBF will bolt in, be cheaper, and with aluminum heads will not be vastly heavier. The ease of installation makes it a no brainer for achieving the OP's goals.
I just built a 347 stroker that makes 450hp at the flywheel for under $5k.
bravenrace wrote:
IMO, this is one instance where an LS makes no sense. A SBF will bolt in, be cheaper, and with aluminum heads will not be vastly heavier. The ease of installation makes it a no brainer for achieving the OP's goals.
I just built a 347 stroker that makes 450hp at the flywheel for under $5k.
Yepper, factory mounts FTW
My goal was to match the weight of the rotary powered FB, I am within 20lbs of the RX7 stock weight. Of course I removed the AC and PS and used lightweight components including the flywheel, heads and roller rockers.
Yeah, for V8 it's a no-brainer here, just bolt in a SBF and go. That said, an alternative Ford V8 could be cool. Can you squeeze a 460 in there? Or maybe a 351W EFI from a late 90's F-150. I'd skip the mod motors for a lot of your requirements.
2.3T isn't going to do it. I built a 300HP one, and that was at the flywheel, and it was not a great motor. You can certainly build them to be insane, but it takes a lot of money and it will be a drag motor.
Personally, I think that because it's the only year Mustang without a V8, sticking without a V8 would make it cool. The "easy button" would be to find a pull out 3.7L V6 from the 2011+ Mustang. 300+ HP stone stock, cool motor, won't see another one done, etc. There's some other 6's worth considering as well. If you want to bastard-child it, it's hard to argue with a Buick 3.8, especially with a turbo. Super Coupe 3.8 might be neat if you can stomach the head gasket jobs. I like the VQ idea.
Good idea on the 3.7. The 351W or 460 won't fit without a lot of modifications, and are much heavier. I think a stroker 5.0 would work better overall, considering his goals. I also like the turbo 2.3 idea, which would also be pretty much a bolt in.
Stroked 302
Tell me more about the M-II. I love those. My sister had a '78 Ghia V6/auto as her first car. I was always jealous.
I am not stuck on the easy option since I am going to be modifying the car a bit. This is the plan.
Moving the front "axle" forward about 4 inches.
Miata rear Suspension w/ 03 mazdaspeed3 hubs to get to 5lug.
Aluminum 8.8
Then an engine and such....
302 is the easiest, but having the non-V8 kinda makes sense. Anything can be done since I am planning to rip the front end apart. So a simple drop in isn't a requirement.
It may end up, I stumble over some engine for a song and so I use that. But, maybe I am not thinking of something so I can look for it.
I like the 3.7 idea. I think that you should be able to pick up a motor kit for a couple grand and since that one isn't DI yet it should be moderately straight forward to get running. Add a turbo or two and make all of your goals in a really neat and interesting package.
Go turbo, find a Cosworth YBT
