$19k to build a beast

[WhiteDevil69]

I am selling my car and have been planning on buying a supercharged cobra between 96-01. Recently I realized if I just buy a cheaper chasis, I could just have Tim build me an INSANE motor that would be completely streetable.. Now I just need advice on where to start with this. I am selling my 03 gt and should get between 18-20 for it. With this money i need to buy a 94-01 chasis with low miles and use the left over $8-12k or so to build a motor. Where would you guys recommend i look for a motor first off. and second which engine would be the best building block in the long run. I can get any motor/body style, dont care if its gt or cobra. So either buy a 5.0 and build it from ground up and use a 94-95 gt/cobra body or get a 4.6 from a gt/cobra and build it using a 96-98 body. Which would be cheaper to get to about 5-600 rwhp with forged internals? Throw out any suggestions/opinions please. Thanks guys

 

[stallion98gt]

4.6 bored/stroked to 5.3L and forged. Stage 3 heads and aggressive cams. You could see 400rwhp N/A. Then you can always add a supercharger. Upcoming KB 2.2L race kit would be my pick. You need at least $12K

 

[WhiteDevil69]

4.6 bored/stroked to 5.3L and forged. Stage 3 heads and aggressive cams. You could see 400rwhp N/A. Then you can always add a supercharger. Upcoming KB 2.2L race kit would be my pick. You need at least $12K

Only concern then is i dont have anything left for a t-56.. If im gonna go forged internals and a blower then I better get a T-56 on the way too or im gonna be just counting the days til i blow my stock tranny.. May have to stick with a 4.6 for now..Hope not, waiting for Tim to let me know a few price options.

 

[Ryan02Stang]

I would get a 94 V6 with 150K+ miles. Probably get one for a little over $1000. Then you have TONS of money to buy all necessary parts. I would do a forged 4.6 block, VT 302 stroker kit. Stage 2 heads, blower cams, bullitt intake, and a vortech T trim, and intercooler.. I would throw in a Tremec TKO instead of a T56.

 

[ProCharger GT]

What I would do is get a 4.6L stroked to a 5.0 from SHM or Fox Lake ($4000 via SHM, can probably find cheaper) - this will come with all the forged internals that you will need to make big power later. next step is the heads; $1295 gets you stage 2 P&P heads from patriot performance. go with crower stage 2 blower cams/springs&retainers for about $850; Romac harmonic balancer $270, ARP head studs $180, ProCharger P-1SC w/ 3 core intercooler $3400, twin fuel pump setup (350-400), 36-42lb injectors ($300-400), BBK Long tubes, O/R H & Flows ($800 or so) Accufab TB & Plenum ($550), gaskets ($200), 7qt oil pan ($300) and a tune ($200) = $12770, not including install. If it was my car though I'd spend a little more money to do the small things (harmonic balancer, good gaskets TB&Plenum, head studs) that not only increase power and compliment themselves, but ensures a problem free buildup. anyone want to critique my reccomendation?

 

[WhiteDevil69]

I would get a 94 V6 with 150K+ miles. Probably get one for a little over $1000. Then you have TONS of money to buy all necessary parts. I would do a forged 4.6 block, VT 302 stroker kit. Stage 2 heads, blower cams, bullitt intake, and a vortech T trim, and intercooler.. I would throw in a Tremec TKO instead of a T56.

Im liking the idea here.. Only I would spend a few extra and get one with low miles so i dont have to replace EVERYTHING (interior/suspension/rust/general used feeling/etc.) Still be incredibly cheap and leave me an insane amount for a 5.0 buildup that all the part are cheap as can be for. Any problems putting a heavy v8 in the v6 body or problems with the wiring and whatnot?

 

[WhiteDevil69]

What I would do is get a 4.6L stroked to a 5.0 from SHM or Fox Lake ($4000 via SHM, can probably find cheaper) - this will come with all the forged internals that you will need to make big power later. next step is the heads; $1295 gets you stage 2 P&P heads from patriot performance. go with crower stage 2 blower cams/springs&retainers for about $850; Romac harmonic balancer $270, ARP head studs $180, ProCharger P-1SC w/ 3 core intercooler $3400, twin fuel pump setup (350-400), 36-42lb injectors ($300-400), BBK Long tubes, O/R H & Flows ($800 or so) Accufab TB & Plenum ($550), gaskets ($200), 7qt oil pan ($300) and a tune ($200) = $12770, not including install. If it was my car though I'd spend a little more money to do the small things (harmonic balancer, good gaskets TB&Plenum, head studs) that not only increase power and compliment themselves, but ensures a problem free buildup. anyone want to critique my reccomendation?

And with this idea, same question, would it be a bad idea to buy a 96 v6 and do this engine swap? Any problems/other parts im gonna need besides the tranny which i would swap anyways?

 

[ProCharger GT]

there would probably be wiring/computer/motor mount issues. I would start with a GT96+ because the only difference between 96-98 and 99+ are the heads and intake... for a few extra $$ you can throw in the PI intake as opposed to doing a huge conversion on a v6 to make everything work right.

 

[Halcyon_Dolour]

v6s have the 7.5" rear end too.

 

[AmerMuscleGT]

Ohhhh man what a lucky guy...I wish I had the funds to buildup my 4.6..drool...

 

[WhiteDevil69]

Ohhhh man what a lucky guy...I wish I had the funds to buildup my 4.6..drool...

yah, never had any idea how addicted i would get when i bought the 03, first car ever, im only 19. But now i realize it would have saved me bunch to do this in the begining.. Oh well, live and learn. and ill still have my deam car when im done so no complaints here

 

[stallion98gt]

true u can get a 99+ v6..u can find some used ones for dirt cheap. I would wait the 05 to come out before buying a uses stang, their prices gonna go down as usual..
also for the tranny: get a 5 spds X2C TKO v 1.0. will handle 700 ft/lb and costs about $1800.

I would recommend VTengines and T&J for engines. don't waste your time with shm..they are overly pricey

 

[WhiteDevil69]

true u can get a 99+ v6..u can find some used ones for dirt cheap. I would wait the 05 to come out before buying a uses stang, their prices gonna go down as usual..
also for the tranny: get a 5 spds X2C TKO v 1.0. will handle 700 ft/lb and costs about $1800.

I would recommend VTengines and T&J for engines. don't waste your time with shm..they are overly pricey

Have to sell my car too though at the same time...so i would lose out there too Has anyone done a v6 swap here to tell the horror stories?

 

[stallion98gt]

plus u'll get V6 rates from your insurance company will save couple of hundreds for more mods !!!..that's how saleen built the s351. stripped a v6 and dropped a s351 in it

 

[tripsober]

buy a 03-04 cobra?!?!?

 

[AmerMuscleGT]

yah, never had any idea how addicted i would get when i bought the 03, first car ever, im only 19. But now i realize it would have saved me bunch to do this in the begining.. Oh well, live and learn. and ill still have my deam car when im done so no complaints here

Same here man, I just bought an '03 GT, it's heaven on earth, but I still need some major cash so I can modify it. You and I will have to wait a little longer...

 

[mo_dingo]

there would probably be wiring/computer/motor mount issues. I would start with a GT96+ because the only difference between 96-98 and 99+ are the heads and intake... for a few extra $$ you can throw in the PI intake as opposed to doing a huge conversion on a v6 to make everything work right.

I agree with above. If you get V6, nothing will work. You will need to find a wrecked 96-04GT with the motor still good, and steal the computer/wiring harness/accesories/brackets/emmisions crap/etc etc etc etc......

Seems way too expensive IMO.

The insurance rate on a 96GT compared to a 2003 GT will be a huge difference. The liability portion of the insurance is the only thing that will hit you hard.

If you get a 96GT with tons of miles on the chassis, it will drive like crap. The suspension(L & U c-arms, bushings/balljoints, etc)/brakes/d-shaft/rear end/ will need a complete rebuild. That will cost a fortune or take TONS of work.

From www.kbb.coma 96GT with 150,000 miles, minor body damage, needs new a/c, suspension needs work, needs new paint, interior is clean, etc runs $4075.00. A V6 in the same condition will run you about the same.

A 96GT with 15,000 miles, in perfect condition, will run you $7,335.

Get a 96+ GT with low miles and in very good coindition; Save yourself the trouble.

Just a question, what is needed to convert a auto car to a manual. Can you swap the computer chips? Or do you need major work (besides needing the obvious flywheel/bellhousing/clutch)?

Allowing the purchase of a auto car as well as a manual won't limit your choices for the lower mileage cars. Maybe you can find a old granny that drives a GT!
Scott

 

[AmerMuscleGT]

Building a $12k motor is great, and you will burn everyone. But have you considered other mods? With a motor that powerful you DEFINITELY have to beef up the suspension with sway bars, new shocks, sub-frame connectors, C/C's etc...That's a good 2k right there. Also you have to work on the drivetrain (4.10's or 3.73's) etc...There's more to a good car than just the engine

 

[yellow5.0cobra]

Just buy my damn 1997 Cobra Convertable, full steeda suspension minus 5link... umm vortech V1 S-trim supercharger, 4point cage, 5pint harness, 410's, subframes...yadi yadi yadi yada, new rear end diff...alum driveshaft...

i blew a rod supposidly, nothing out the block, needs a rebuild i assume...

$12k, i have recipets and everything.

email me if ur interested

nuclearpjr(at)aol(dot)com

 

[stallion98gt]

sounds like a cool car