Question 1: What type of engine
Question 2: Priority list

In the last year I have landed a decent job so I have decided to start putting my over time money toward fixing up/upgrading the car the way it should be. So far the only major upgrade was a whole new front and rear suspension. Every paycheck I am able to put about 200-500 dollars into the "mustang fund"

It currently has a 302 but is in bad shape, leaks/burns oil, spark plugs wet as hell, smells really bad and doesn't look or sound well either. I took it to a auto shop (first time ever) and they quoted me $2k to rebuild or $4k for a new high performance engine, at that point i started looking on the internet.

While looking for a new 302 engine and from just searching the internet i keep getting this http://www.phoenixengine.com/ and the ebay listings of 302 crate motors. I am not really looking for such high price engine since my mustang is a daily driver/weekend cruise car. Also from what I have read the higher hp you go the better suspension you need right? Any advice would be greatly appreciated and links would be very appreciated

Car info 65 coupe 302 C4 3 speed automatic

After I get the engine sorted out here is my priority list of things to do.

1) disc brakes (not sure on all around or just fronts)
2) electrical harness
3) better sound system
4) body work
5) paint

 

Question 1: What type of engine
since my mustang is a daily driver/weekend cruise car : you answered your own question

Question 2: Priority list
your list:
1) disc brakes (not sure on all around or just fronts)
2) electrical harness
3) better sound system
4) body work
5) paint

my list:
1) engine
2) electrical harness (if your talking about in the engine compartment it should be part of the motor swap)
3) disc brakes (fronts only)
4) body work
5) paint (see #4)
6) _____________
7) _____________
8) _____________
9) _____________
10) better sound system (tied with fancy wheels)




...

 

Wish I could help you out Buddy. You sure have helped me! I paid $2,500 to have my 6 cyl. rebuilt and painted, because I thought that keeping it as original as possible would increase (or at least hold) its value, but I've since come to the conclusion that I might have been better off to get a 289 or 302. I guess it's all in your individual viewpoint. I'd like a little more HP but I can live without it - it won't change the speed limit! Anyway, best of luck to you. I hope it all works out well for you!

 

I just started my project and my priority is as follows:

1) Disc brakes
2) Suspension front and rear (springs, control arms, steering...)
3) Wiring
4) Engine
5) Paint and Body
6) Interior

 

Brakes, suspension, transmission all need to be ready to handle the engine first.

As far as engine costs, a RELIABLE high performance small block that someone else builds for you is going to cost $7,000-10,000. Cheaper engines either won't make any real power, or won't be reliable. Plan to spend at least $4-5k just in parts.

High performance by modern standards will require modern parts, which aren't cheap. A $4,000 "high performance" engine, is high performance by 20-30 year old standards....not by today's standards.

To get a classic up to a reasonable performance and safety level by modern standards is going to require sinking $15-20k into the car...engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, wheels/tires, differential. And it's well advised to use something more than the factory lap belt only.

 

my experience was with a Ford racing 306 (have had two of them now) 3800 dollars but you still need an intake carb and ignition, about 5.5k when you are all said and done, then was a T5 trans, and a nine inch. Everything was super reliable and a lot of fun. WHen tuned I got 291 HP at the wheels.

Several people on the forum have used the Ford 306. Plus 2 year 24k warranty

Just my two cents

Oak