I'm looking at a Contemporary Cobra that currently has a 351C with an automatic transmission. The plan is to purchase the car at it's current inexpensive price, and gradually long term turn it into what I'd like to drive. First thing to go is the automatic. I'll have to stick with the 351C for now, but the long term plan is to eventually dump in a FE. With that in mind, can anyone take a reasonably accurate stab at what it would cost to convert this thing over? I'm just trying to budget this project out. I'm thinking more in terms of a Toploader than Tremec, for cost reasons, primarily. I have no idea what the rear ratio is in the car. I'd want a scattershield, of course, as I've grown to like my feet after all these years.
Factor in a top quality clutch, shifter, master and slave cylinder, lines, pedal assembly, and whatever else. I'd rather stick with an old fashioned reliable throwout bearing and fork rather than one of these hydraulic throwout bearings. They seem like more headaches than they're worth. Anyone wth a semi educated guess on what this would cost, and how difficult to do, I'd appreciate it. Where does one buy a good toploader these days, and what do they cost now? Which toploader should I buy? I looked at David Kees website, but there's no prices on there. All info is appreciated and welcome. Thanks.