Mattalicious

Finally found a job and have been working 10 hours a day for the past 9 days on a 14-day commitment. 5 more days to go and I'll finally get a day off. I'm going to be getting paid on the 25th and I'll get a good $1500 or so. Trying to decide what i should get for my Stang.
Alternator needs to be replaced,
There is a pinging sound when the rear driver's-side compresses(Shop told me it's a bushing/nut that came loose/fell off, or something) and the suspension is in dire need of new(previous owner cut the springs to lower it, ride is absolutely horrible. It sits lower than a goddamn Corvette),
Exhaust is cut off at the mufflers,
Need a new clutch cable(Adjustable, definitely)..
Over the next year I'm going to be building up a 351 or something(courtesy of FordStrokers.com). Trying to decide what route to go. It'll be a long build(Little by little, as I get paid/money comes in) that will span over a year, year and a half, and I'm looking to get 400-500 horses out of it, if not more. And streetable.
But for now, I have a recently fully rebuilt(1800 miles) 302 that I'm looking to build up a little(something to keep me occupied while I build the other).
Any suggestions? The budget would be about a grand. Suspension was first on my list but I don't even know where to start looking. I'm still new to all of this but I have 2 mechanics/car-building enthusiasts that are willing to help with whatever I do, so any suggestions are welcomed with open arms.
Thanks in advance.

Edit: Also, any supporting mods that will help now, but could also be re-used after throwing the other engine in there down the road are also welcome(Rear-end, etc)

stang8689

sounds like you need to fix all the problems first

mjr46

500 horses........408

Mattalicious

Tis' the plan. Just attempting to get some ideas together in the meantime. Exhaust/Suspension/Alternator/Power Steering won't take too long(2 checks). =O