cwill

Hey guys, I am thinking about buying a 99-04 mustang and building a 351w and putting it in. This would be my first project car so I have a lot of questions but I will try to just ask the big ones (I am still dong my research). My biggest concern is if I put a 351w in that some of the stock parts of the GT will not be able to handle the hp/torque (tranny, rear end, etc). I understand that there will be a lot of parts to replace - computer, motor mounts, etc. Because this would be my first build I am not looking to do a full restoration on the car. I do not mind upgrade key components ( going from a 28 spline rear end to a 31 ) if that is what needs to happen. My goal for this car is to mainly do an engine rebuild. Not a full restoration. Is there anyone that has done this build already and can help me out a bit?

I know you like the details so,
1. This would be my first build.
2. I do not want a race car.
3. I would be aiming at 450-500hp.
4. I do not have tens of thousands of dollars to spend. (My dad already has an engine I can use)
5. Main goal - rebuild a 351w and put it in, not a full restoration.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Urambo Tauro

Welcome!

It's very important to lay out your goals before starting. Let's try to narrow things down further. There's a lot of room between "full restoration" and "race car".

450-500hp is a lot; you will need a strong transmission. Do you prefer manual or auto?

Will this be a daily driver or weekend/summer car?

88 orangepeel notch

Also, what is your budget ? As that's the most important factor.

Are you handy with a wrench and going to be doing all the work yourself ?

cwill

Hey! Thank you guys for the responses!
Alright, I prefer manual, and a "weekend/summer" car is a perfect description.
I was thinking if I get 450-500hp that I could be around 400hp at the wheels.
I don't have much experience working on cars, but my dad has build a few engines and I plan to do all of the work (everything I can). I plan on doing this over about 2 years (I am still in college) and I plan to spend around 6k on the engine. I know that isn't a lot but my dad has a built 351w already and said that there are a lot of re usable parts on it. I am trying to find the line where I can get as much horsepower without upgrading the WHOLE car so it can handle it.

88 orangepeel notch

My advice would be to knock the hp rating down a bit if you don't want to upgrade the rest of the car. With over 400 at the wheels, your really going to be stressing the stock axles, and T5 tranny. Depending on how hard you are on the car of course. Not saying they can't take it, just on borrowed time is all.
Shoot for 300-350 at the wheels, stay off the really sticky tires and 5000 RPM launches, and go easy on the shifter and it'll last alot longer.

cwill

If I went with the 400-450hp engine (for arguments sake), what all would I need to upgrade and how much more would I need to spend (roughly). So far I know tranny and rear end.

Urambo Tauro

You'll want a good suspension and brakes for handling that power. If the chassis you end up using is a Cobra, that could save you a lot of work. But if you start with a V6 model, you'd have to upgrade it yourself. Subframe connectors are a wise choice too, especially if it's a convertible.

cwill

Ok I was worried about suspension. Would this be full suspension? And it's very had just to find a GT model that has high miles or a blown engine, I don't know if I could find a cobra.
So if I go with 400hp I can estimate about $3000 more to spend?

Urambo Tauro

I think that with some frugal spending, you could upgrade a V6 chassis (springs, shocks, struts, brakes) pretty nicely for close to $2000. $3000 would give you some more elbow room when selecting parts, though.

cwill

What if I get a gt chassis? Would I still need to upgrade suspension? If so, then yes, I might as well get a v6 and save.