How important is it to preserve originality in a 66? I'm currently building a 302 to put in it in place of the original 289 to keep the original motor around for the sake of being able to go back "stock" should the need arise. The original exhaust on the car is gone after the headers so does it really matter or should I just build the car the way I want to. I'd really like to put discs on it cause I'm planning some ponies out of the 302(probably stroking it) and stopping would be nice. But again, I'm afraid to permanently modify anything. Thoughts?

 

there were about 1.4 million mustangs built from '64 1/2-'66...do what you want to do, thankfully we have people like soaring to preserve some of the original ones

 

the big issues with these cars (things we want to mod) like suspension, brakes, trans, engine and so on are reversible. you would probably never want to put it back to stock BUT its totally possible.

I have thousands of dollars worth of modifications on my mustang and I dont think one of them is permanently stuck there. In fact they are quite simple to reverse.

So go ahead and make the changes you want unless your welding something on it can be undone. its all bolt on bolt off stuff.

Gun

 

its not a shelby or a really rare mustang do what you want with it.

 

there will always be a car in the museum somewhere so go for what you like

 

I agree with these guys, you should do what makes you happy, there are those who want to stay stock, but you want to mod your car so go for it.

 

Or do like I am doing. Parts like the stereo and housing are coming out and I am putting in repops with a new stereo. I also pulled the kick panels and am putting the kick panels that allow speakers into the car. I changed out the non halogen headlights and upgraded the wiper assembly. All of the stuff I am taking off including the power regulator and other items in the future will go into a HD plastic locker so that if I ever sell the car and someone wants the original parts I will let them have them. If not I will sell them to people that want original parts. Me? I think its always a good idea to put the best technology in a daily driver. If its a show car do whatever you can to sip in modern repops that offer better ride, power and longevity. That is what I do with all of the cars I buy and rebuild. My resale to investment so far is about 3/1. I have not lost any money on any car yet. And I have enjoyed every last one of them. Think about a modernized 66 Tbird with as much alluminum as you can put on it and a 428 with a Holley 750 and one hell of a valve job. I hated letting it go but the offer was way over my investment. And the gas mileage was ~14 mpg.

 

Sweet, thanks for all the replys guys. Look out discs, here I come!

 

I'd caution you, to take the time to do several searches, on any planned changes. Take time to read back into the archives. There are always several ways of achieving a goal, some better than others. Most all have been tried or used by the member here, so use the experiences of the members here, to save you time, effort, and grief.
Most of all enjoy.