Hank, I am five hours away in Alabama. Northwest corner. Lots of Cobra guys between us.
In an ERA is would go with a FE motor. Maybe 390 block with stroker kit? A TKO 600 would be my choice for a tranny. Old school would be a top loader but I don't like spinning the motor at 2900 rpms to do 60 mph.
Check Craft Performance and see what Lance has in a FE.
https://craftperformanceengines.com/crate17.html
I have six or eight FE blocks and motor in my back room. This fall I'm pulling the 390 out of my 66 Fairlane and install a 427 center oiler that I'm building.
And all the guys are correct about the budget. $60K to $85K
Please don't put a 302 with a T-5 in it.
