[G_Edmonds]

Welcome Charlie!
I'm one of the guys that's been through a few engines and constantly looking for more power. That just tends to be my hotrodder nature. I travel and cruise with a group of up 10-15 guys with an array of cobra brands and power levels. I promise you the lower powered guys are having just as much fun as the high powered guys. A basic 302 with a manual trans in a Factory Five makes a light weight, simple, responsive car. It's also easy to add 50 or more HP without hurting reliability. You'll be way ahead money wise, and time wise to buy one already built than build it yourself. Get another Cobra guy to look at a used one with you, and he can help find any issues.
Good luck.
-Greg