Hi guys and gals. I've been reading on the forums here quite a bit here and I've been interested in Factory Five cars for a long time now. I'll get strait down to business here with my question. I need to pick your brains a little here so bare with me.
I want to know if I can build a decent Type 65 for 30 grand or less (i.e. do people usually go over 30 grand for a build). I set an "auto-hobby" budget right there and I don't want to exceed that level if I can avoid it so I want to get a budget laid out for parts. I was looking at the Complete Kit as it looked like it would speed the process up.
I was looking at the Ford 302 engine as I understand that gives decent performance (300ish HP) for a pretty good price and it looked like I can get a T-5 transmission for about $1000? Then I've not sure which rear end to use, but I imagine something in the middle price range would work. Most build threads I see are pushing 400 HP, which looks like happy number, but with performance comes the price tag.
I see a lot of people talking about fitment issues with the 351W engine so I figured the 302 was the way to go in that area. Also, what are stacks? I read a lot about fitment issue with those.
All told I'd like to have a coupe I could drive on the street on weekends and take to the track occasionally. Having done some previous track time I want to put my money into suspension and brakes (and reliability) and save power for afterwards.
A bit about me. I have been tracking BMW's/hobby/enthusiast for a few years now as they are cheap cars to get into a learn on. I've never built a car! I should say that. But I have swapped engines, rear-ends, transmissions, ect. I lack experience in cosmetic/painting/bodywork areas. I also don't have much experience with Ford engines. I am used to dual-overhead cams and fuel injection as the norm for my automotive experience. I have worked on carbs before so I know them fairly well, but I figured I would stick with something fuel injected if possible. I've read a lot that American V8's are pretty responsive to power modifications like headers, cams, cold air intakes, ect.
Basically I want to build something that I can enjoy building and maintaining first off. Then I would like to drive it on weekends or at the track once in a while. (I've read that to track these cars you need to re-enforce the chassis to improve rigidity)
I also have a stupid question. I have a 7.4L 454 engine out of a Chevy pickup that I own. This 454 is geared completely toward torque and I assume it would not work well in a sports car. Not to mention the weight. But seeing as I have the compete truck I had to ask...
I have a long time to put this build together as I wouldn't be starting until I come home from a deployment in Feb 2015. I figure I need to see what I can do on a budget. These cars look beautiful and I have nothing but respect for the people with the technical know how and drive to compete such interesting projects.