calfroper_06

hi everyone im new to the forum as well as the mustang world i guess you can say. I recently purchased my dream car a 88 mustang gt. The previous owner was about 98% threw a t-5 to auto swap.Supposedly a c6 with a 2500 stallHe told me (not for sure) the car has 93 corbra heads as well as a 4.89 lift cam but stock bottom half. i think thats right might be 4.98. Iv started the car it runs decent once warmed up but questionable blown head gasket keeps puttin water in the pan.And the starter is very loud and sometimes bangs kinda grinding sound but then turns over fine, might need to be shimed not for sure. Anyways i cant figure out what to do with the car im on a buget build, all i want is a good hp but very reliable motor. i have a spare complete motor. Should i just bore to 306 ,does anyone know if the cranks in that motor were reliable and strong, cause i wouldlike to reuse what ever i could but replace thing like the cam and little stuff.I do know im switching the auto back to a slightly built t-5. as when i did a test run down the coldesac i didnt like. but for that should i go with a t-5 or tremec 5 speed. also the car came with 16 chrome cobra rims, i bought the car with the spare motor and a complete donor 4 cyl. for 1200 bucks is that a deal. srry its so long