1slow67

intake, carb, headers

MustangFTW

c4 is an automatic transmission (a 3 speed auto, no overdrive.)
if you want 20 mpg then you need a 5 speed, the t5 is a common modification in classic mustangs.
fuel injection is horribly expensive and not worth it imo.
dual exhaust will help with mileage.
overall the transmission would make the biggest difference.

GT350R Klone

If you have an early auto trans...it is a C4.

There are a few technical advances that have made cars a lot better. Electronic ignition and fuel injection. Electronic ignition can be had for $100 or so. Fuel injection, as previously noted can be expensive. There are plenty of people that have swapped a later model 5.0/T5 5speed, computer, etc into early model mustangs. It is well documented on the internet, but does not come without considerable expense and effort.

One thing to look at is how much you will be driving. I drive my toy cars like 2K miles per year. 12mpg vs 20mpg @ $3.75 per gallon = $21 / month difference. You can buy a lot of gas before you would pay for the cost of transplanting the drive train.

boogerschnot

Agreed. I would reccomend finding a 9 inch rear end and a new front suspension set up for 5 lug disc brakes. I have the stock style disks in front and drums in rear and i feel just fine driving my car daily. I have an AOD transmission from a 93 mustang that i picked up on craigslist with the 5.0 fuel injected motor ( didnt keep the motor) $300 for both was a great deal. My 351 gets about 16 mpg with the 3.70 rear end and overdrive. But its my toy/ driver and i would drive it anywhere regardless of the price of gas. If you choose the EFI route you will need the computer and harness for the motor but all in all I really dont think it would be that bad for you to pull off. My opinion is to get the original 302 running, carburated, and teach the kid some things. Then let him make the decision to go fuel injected later on. Where are you from?

MustangFTW

+1 I feel I gained alot by toying with my carb and getting it tuned right, I got my stang 1.5 years ago when I was 17. learning about how carbs work is fun and usefull skill. maybe let him rebuild it himself?

DanofTroy

Thanks again guys, great direction and information.
We are located in south/central Alabama.

Dan

1slow67

If you are near Mobile I know they have a mustang club, and so does Birmingham. I think they each have forums so if you ever needs some parts, I would see about finding their forums and asking.