Welcome to the mad house Damo. What state are you from?.
Generally, all States now require late model motors like the Mod Fords (which are a little wide for some kits), or the newer Chev/holden LS76/98/LS7's.
Queensland is still accepting late models of the 5Ltr Ford. but I'm not sure for how long.
Generally you'll need to contact an approved engineer and follow his advice.
When you say made on the gold coast and no longer in Business Do you mean the DeType?. If so then there is a version of it being made elsewhere in Queensland called the King Cobra so you should be OK for special bits etc.
One of the members on here is building one and is also a King Cobra agent. His Nick is Hogster and this is a link to his photo gallery.
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...at=500&thumb=1
Do a search on his nick and you'll find some of his posts.