[B+L FFR1686]

Joe,
It isn't really a "bandaid" to fit other engines. They just use the Mustang donor concept as a good marketing tool. Their intention from the beginning was to allow people without a huge budget to build a really nice, reliable car without mixing and matching parts from various sources. It's a good concept for some, but that is not to say that you can't use any driveline you want - there are even several Chevy pwered FFR's. From the very beginning they were designed for the 5.0/5.7 Windsors, 429/460's, and FE series engines. The only real changes that they have made with regard to using bigger engines, was to redesign the aluminum engine compartment panels to allow for more space, and they also moved the frame mounts slightly, but all of that was done way back in '96! They are currently offering the lastest revision which will also allow the use of the new modular engines to open even more options!

I can't personally speak of Shell Valley, but I'm told they offer a very nice car also...