68 Mustang build input

[InlineDave87]

I just wanted to get some of you guys' input on my plans for my mustang build.

Recently I got orders to go overseas and have just gotten my project car. Military timing for ya. So I have talked to my father and he agreed that while Im gone and with me leaving him with a good chunk of change, he will find a donor car with a 250 from a 78 n newer car, drop that engine into the stang and start replacing fenders for me that really need replacing. Im hoping that I will come back stateside after my overseas tour and from there I can start modifying the engine for better performance and looks. Slap it with some black paint with a unique silver striping and call her good. I hate leaving my dad to do the work for me but Id be right there with him if I could. Im also sure my dad would love reliving the time when he had his 65 stang.

When I return I will modify the log for a 2 bbl, get larger valves installed along with a 3 angle job, and get 1.6:1 roller rocker arms. Then for the bottom end I will get the flat top pistons with a good performance cam but not too wild (want this car for a daily cruiser that can show up some V8s) and the DUI distributor with E3 spark plugs if I could find them. I want to keep this car N/A and eventually get the aluminum head from Classic Inlines. Put a good T5 tranny behind it with maybe 3.73 gears in the rear end of 8.8.

Thats the gist of what I want to do minus all the details. Would love some feedback.

 

[bmbm40]

That is very similar to what I want my next project to be. I am big fan of the 250 and I really want an early Mustang as a back up daily driver to my Bronco. The T5 was my first choice but lately have given thought to an automatic overdrive like aode, 4r70w or 5r55. I learned when working on my Bronco start looking for engines and other parts way before you will need them. You can still find 250s in junkyards in Granadas, Mavericks, Monarchs and others.
Get a copy of the Falcon Performance Manual to take overseas it is packed with info on Ford six performance and these guys like any questions you come up with.

 

[InlineDave87]

I appreciate the input bro... I thought about installing a a T10 4 speed for a while to have that muscle car feel but yea not the gear ratios I want to go with my car... Im hoping in the future that my 68 mustang will be Ecoboost powered with all the fixings... so many choices... God I love the power of customization

 

[MPGmustang]

I like it, just keep it simple, and easy to maintain...

Things to look into before going for more power and better trans ect...

suspension, steering, brakes, wiring, structure................ Get these done first and 75% of your future problems won't happen.

I can't emphisize enough, if you want it done, do it right the first time, sometimes it's costly and other times it's cheap... don't pick either or, pick the smarter route and stay as mainstream as you can (i6's are mainstream here )

suspension, go good quality, that little extra ability is smarter, like adjustable strut-rods, a shelby drop, and roller spring perches... some are $$$ but worth it looking at $1200 on the front.
Steering, all stock steering will have 1-2 inches of play, that's why so many love the manual rack and pinion it has no play and it's the best out there, a good kit will run you $900.
brakes, go big, v8 spindles and brakes, do it right once, I'm fighting my 4 lug scarebird brakes and spindle setup tooth and nail... I think I'm goign to loose but I could have had a great 4 piston caliper setup for a v8 mustang, I already replaced the rear axle too... Oh I wish I went 5 lug... properly I'm sure you get something in the $1200 range
wiring, them gremlins NEVER sleep with 50yr old wiring. and custom wiring will run $2-500 and specific will run $7-800
structure, if you think it needs replaced, replace it, don't skimp or wait... some sub-fram connectors that you weld on are the best bang for buck. maybe $600

Engine, if you want the alum head, go straight to it, I put 1300 in my large log head, little bit more I could have had the alum... instead no I might get $500 for my head (im I'm lucky) but probably $350... I lost alot on this head in terms of improvment... it's smarter to go straight to it don't waste $ on the logs.

My main point is to look at this smartly, don't do it twice like me and still have to do it a 3rd time, just be smart and go right to your goal without wasting time or money. okay enough of my soap box...

oh and a separate daily driver will help you alot!!

 

[InlineDave87]

I have a 2008 F150 as my current daily driver... and when I return from overseas ill have a Harley to help along the way too... Im definitely getting sub frame connectors to stiffen up the chassis I will be doing all of that but just a little at a time. Only thing ill be able to get to do with my dad before I go fixing the ds/ps floor boards and getting the donor 250 in the car... After I get back is when Ill do all the upgrades to the steering, suspension, electrical, interior, ect. I dont make alot of money to go straight to the finish line with my car so a little at a time slowly progressing is fine with me. And Ive been contemplating that eventually I will drop in an ecoboost in mustang.

 

[bmbm40]

I noticed you are in NM and there is a guy in Las Cruces that has a good running according to him 250 he pulled from his bronco. I think he is asking $350 for it. It was setup for Throttle body but may be able to easily put back to carb. The oil pan won't be right for your Mustang but I have a good pan that would work for you and I could actually use the one on the 250 in NM. Let me know if you are interested and I will get his contact info.