Need answers on an idea I have

[onefast5.0]

Ok,I have been planning my build a little at a time and I have had some thoughts come up,but not sure of the answers.
This is what I come up with,I want to know if I bought a basic kit,do I have to buy a donor car to use everything off of it or can a pick up things as they come along.I am really leaning toward a 302 or 351 carbed motor.
I haven't ever built a motor,but I really want to do something like this on my own with books and help,of course.I want to know my car inside and out and learn alot through the process.
I know I want a manual trans definitely,I also have seen some people on here and the other site use the explorer motor.If I go EFI,I need the ECM and all,I guess.If I go carb,I am assuming that can pick up some things on craigslist,and work on it a little a a time to get my desired results.
As far as rearend,I'm thinking I can find one of those as well from craigslist or my local salvage yard.rack and pinion,Summit Racing perhaps?
I'm not sure that is why I would like some input to make sure I am on the right page.
Any suggestions are greatly at appreciated.

[Three Peaks]

That is how most people plan their build these days. You can collect a lot of the items necessary for your build that way and probably save some money in the process. I've seen some great deals on parts, especially on craigslist, and you can see every part before you purchase it, unlike buying a donor or dealing with ebay.

Bob

[onefast5.0]

Thanks thats what I wanted to hear b/c the donor car thing just doesnt sound that great to me.I will have to pay top dollar for a decent mustnag around here in SC.
I have a convertible that I had to have and I had to pay top dollar for it,but it is in great cond.

[olddog]

When I first started looking like you, I found a fellow fairly close to me who had just finished building his 3rd FFR (he had it for sale). He some how got linked up with a company that delt with salvage yards and put packages together to build projects like this. He just listed what parts he wanted out of what cars and they shipped it to him. I don't know the name of the company, but wanted you to be aware that level service exists. It saves you the work of dissassembling a car and getting rid of what you don't need. I suspect it would cost a little more for the convenience.

Think about what rear end you would like to have. IRS or straight axle. I have not had the pleasure of a long ride in a IRS Cobra. My Cobra has a 9" under it. I wish I could tell you that I know this from experiance, but I cannot. I think the IRS would give a better ride, while still giving better handling. A 9" would be better for drag racing type abuse. There is a wide range of IRS to choose from. The Thunder Bird and Explorer have been used.

Also there is good aftermarket tubular front suspension parts for the Mustang that could be used instead of Mustang parts. I would think this would be quite a step up. A lot to consider.

Also if you are going to build your first engine on this project, stay clear of the FE engines. They are much more complicated and need a fair amount of upgrades. I think if I were starting with a blank sheet of paper, I would choose the 351W and stroke it. A carb is simpler and cheaper. Slowly the tuners are becoming younger guys with only EFI knowledge, but there are still plenty of people who know carbs.

Good Luck

[onefast5.0]

Thanks for the advice.I have ran across a couple of motors on craigslist,just wasn't sure what to do.
I have seen the tubular front ends for the mustangs.Nice.
Also I am considering the ford 9" as well.I would like to stay with an old style hot rod car.Thats where my ideas are leading me,so carbed motor is perfect too.I dont really know much about carbed motors,but a guy across the street from me builds drag car such as novas,camaros and chevelles.Not sure how much I could actually talk to him though b/c is always gone or busy with customer cars.
I was reading a thread from a while back about some books that I could always pick up from Barnes and Noble about engine building too.I think that would give me a good start.

[BDR561]

OneFast,

Have you considered purchasing a salvage/wrecked vehicle for the donor? I bought a salvage 2004 Mach1 with 10K miles for $4,500 2 years ago... Only thing that couldn't be used was the radiator.

Lot's of parts that can still be sold off once you take what you need...

I ended up selling the complete car less wheels to someone who turned it into a drag car as I bought another BDR instead.

I figured that by the time I sold off what I didn't need I would have had less than 2K into it... That's a CHEAP, quality donor...

[onefast5.0]

Sounds like an idea.I was just wanting to use new and used parts depending on what parts were to be used b/c some things I would like to buy new and some used.I may check into buying a salvage car though.