I used to drive a Saturn that someone totalled so now I get to go back to my old High School car and use the settlement money to restore my '66 Mustang.

I eventually want to put a new head on it upgrade the carborator system, etc - make it a "GT200" - not that I don't appreciate a V8 but not many people trick on the i6 so I figured it would be fun.

About the car.

Year: 1966
Model: Mustang
Style: Coupe
Engine: i6 200ci

Here is my current checklist of things I need to do and some concerns I have - let me know if I am on the right track or if you recommend I do something different.

-Pull out engine - do a rebuild (eventually will put on a new head)
-Upgrade Exhaust to a split exhaust system, throw on some Flowmasters
-Replace suspension
-Upgrade to disc brakes
-Transmission Check up - I believe I have the Automatic 3speed trans that I have read is worth keeping (does not look like it aligns to the engine properly though)
- Rewire electrical
- Clean/fix gas tank and fuel line

Concerns:
I only have about $2500 to put into the car so I want to make sure the important stuff is done first, but I also want to make sure things are done in the right order.

There is some rust on the car but I don't know how far it goes. Is it something that I can go back and have the frame and body inspected after the engine fixed up and put back in ( I would assume I would have to remove the engine to check it again anyway). The other stuff I know I can add to as money comes in but the body is the thing of most concern to me.

Another thing, because I am not putting on the new head with more HP just yet, could I wait on upgrading the brakes to disc brakes until I have more horses under the hood?

Thanks for the input. I plan on starting things within the next couple of weeks.

 

you could wait on the discs...they aren't a necessity but they certainly are a nice upgrade

 

I would have the frame checked 1st with the engine in. Is the car running?

If you have not checked out "www.cliffordperformance.net" yet you need to. All they do is 4 and 6 cylinder upgrades. They have a lot of info on thier web site. If you ever call them set aside some time. These guys are great and will talk your ear off.

I added Clifford Headers and a dual exhaust. The headers ran about $550 and the exhaust guy ripped me off for a lot more than that. But I ened up with a dual exhaust that looks and sounds great.

Based on your list you will not get far on $2500 unless you can do all the work yourself.

Good luck and enjoy.

 

so I think after a little thought I am going to hold off on upgrading the disc brakes and focus on getting the brakes I already have working really good.

I haven't started the engine in about 5-6 years (been sitting in my parents drive way). I am thinking I want to try to do as much of the rebuild myself so I can use more money towards other things on the car.

Any suggestions on exhaust set ups - the one I have is pretty much worn out ( leaks exhaust under the passenger seat). I would like to go with a split exhuast.

Here is a list of companies I have:
FSP
Clifford Performance