2000VertGT

So here is the scoop, I just re-enlisted in the Air Force and will be getting my bonus in a few weeks. I have decided that if I don't sell my car, I am going to set a budget of $4-5k. I am looking for some feedback for what is the best bang-for-the-buck products that some of you have.
My current set-up is an 02 GT Vortech s-trim, 8lb pulley, anderson power pipe, after cooler, all supporting fuel mods, stock internals, sniper tuned to 375rwhp/400 ft/lbs, I have a pro 5.0 short shifter with Ford Racing 4:10 gears that will need to be replaced because some jackass didn't do it right. Also already have Nitto 555r 315/30/17's on the rear and tokico blues with eibach pro kit.
This car will be spending about 50/50 time on the track and road, so I need it to be daily drivable.
I will be taking the motor out to do all new seals and gaskets, and I know the first thing that has to happen is new piston's and rods. Some other things I was thinking was new cams, depending on my budget new heads, and probably the snow performance water/meth injection.
My question is, what do you guys have installed and what would you reccomend as far as cam specs, rod and piston specs, do I need to change the crank or will it hold up, ect... Thanks in advace.

uberstang1

In a case like this, the cheapest and easiest way would be to buy a pre-assembled forged shortblock, places like modular mustang racing, coast high performance, and so on all sell forged s-blocks all ready to go.

2000VertGT

Another thought i had is looking for a complete 03/04 cobra swap and selling my setup

boduke0220

03 cobra swap would be badass but only if you have a good budget ie sell your vortech setup + that 5 grand.

I say get an MMR900 shortblock and some MHS blower cams and a bigger heat exchanger and a fuel system to support if all thats in budget

Gt04

I'd have to agree with boduke, a shortblock or longblock with some heads/cams and supporting fuel and cooling looks to be right up your alley. I run mhs cams with my kb but i had to choose between mhs and cms as i like both of their grinds

Mustang_NTriangle

Been there done that personnally i would sell ur car add the 5k budget and buy a cobra. 5k budget will not get u short block, heads, and cams including hardware such as head b olts and fel pro gaskets etc. Hell add upgrade fuel system u are looking at another 2k making ur build closer to 8k. Food for thought. Goodluck

2000VertGT

Yeah, I'm really starting to reconsider, I wouldn't have enough funds to do a short block plus heads, cams, fuel, ect... and I really don't even think I wanna sink that much more money in this car. Who wants to buy it off me?

LilRoush

Best way to make use of your current power is via good suspension. I'd go that route. Tubular K member and A arms, full length subframes, then look at the rear end with what ever $$ you have left (start with lower control arms). It will really wake up the car and you don't have to worry about your stock bottom end taking a dump on you.