• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-

Tell me what to buy

  • Thread starter Thread starter tabrad
  • Start date Start date Sep 10, 2009
T

tabrad

New Member
Sep 10, 2009
0
0
0
Sep 10, 2009
#1
  • Sep 10, 2009
  • #1
Ok, I am very new to the world of classic mustangs, I am more familiar with the import scene.

I am looking for a project car, that will be a classic mustang, ie 67 ish style body, but doesn't necessarily have to be a 67.

I am trying to figure out what is the best setup to go with.

I am looking to get somewhere in the 350whp range. I am guessing that it is not very efficient to get to that power on a stock block. So what block would I need to do that? Trans, driveshaft, etc.

Basically I am asking for what is the best year mustang, block, trans, driveshaft combo for that 350 whp goal?

Sorry I tried to sift through the faqs, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks!
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Sep 10, 2009
#2
  • Sep 10, 2009
  • #2
thats a pretty loaded question, how much do you plan on spending? are you doing the work yourself?

But just to give you a rough idea, to put down 350 RWHP, you will at least need need a very well built stroker or 351, or some type of power adder, but that can be done a stock block.

FWIW- In early Stangs, anything over 300 wheel HP is going to give you very fast car, not sure what your goal is.
 
T

tabrad

New Member
Sep 10, 2009
0
0
0
Sep 10, 2009
#3
  • Sep 10, 2009
  • #3
Yes most of the work will be done by me and my brother, we are looking at a total budget of 15k, which includes the price of the car.

The only work that we aren't going to do is the engine internals, which we will just have a machine shop take care of.

So you are saying that if we took a stock block, and bored it out, put larger pistons in, then we could obtain that goal of 350whp?

If so, then what piston size would obtain that goal? In general of course.
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
Algonquin, IL
Sep 10, 2009
#4
  • Sep 10, 2009
  • #4
tabrad said:
So you are saying that if we took a stock block, and bored it out, put larger pistons in, then we could obtain that goal of 350whp?

If so, then what piston size would obtain that goal? In general of course.
Click to expand...


No, thats not what I am saying, to stroke the motor requires a different crank, rods, and pistons. If you are planning on having a shop do the bottom end and because you don't have the parts already, I would look at buying a built short block for a reputable shop like DSS Racing, Coast High Performance or even Ford Racing. Plan on buying a set of very good heads as well. Figure a minimum of 5-6k for those kind of power numbers and all the necessary performance parts.


Base Bullet Engines
 

rpk

New Member
May 18, 2008
42
0
0
Belle River, Ont
Sep 10, 2009
#5
  • Sep 10, 2009
  • #5
sorry to sound pessimistic but $15k is an alright but needs work any year fastback.$5000 for alright coup.Look at $4000 for a 350 hp motor that will stay together.Brake upgrades,suspension upgrades,wheels,rims,paint,interior fix ups,stereo.It all adds up fast.
 

Wicked65

Member
Aug 10, 2003
490
3
19
NORCAL
Sep 10, 2009
#6
  • Sep 10, 2009
  • #6
if you have 15K to spend, Just go buy one thats done. Personally, 65 was the only year to have. First and formost. Find a Straight body car that has no rust or only has it in the small normal places, IE, floor pan, trunk..ect.

Second, figure out what you want to do with the car. If its just a joy ride car, easy enough. 350 isnt really all that hard to get. Just building a solid combination 331 or 347 could get you that.
 

wicked93gs

15 Year Member
Sep 30, 2006
1,198
228
93
Nashville TN
Sep 10, 2009
#7
  • Sep 10, 2009
  • #7
you wont be able to do it if you insist on a fastback, easy enough in a coupe(I have grand total of 3k invested so far, though I am far from done, I estimate about 9k when all is said and done, but I have done all the work so far and will do the rest too) now the biggest thing to realize is its a hell of a lot easier to make power on a v8 than on an import, the quickest way to your goal is this...

1. buy a 67-70 coupe($5000 or so)
2. swap in a 460(you can find a decent one for under $1000, usually with a c6 tranny included)
3. buy a few performance parts(decent 4 barrel carb, good exhaust system, and a set of aluminum heads) $3000 and you should be just about there

a 460 is a heavy engine but stock puts out 250ish HP(low I know) but 400ft/lbs of torque(214WHP/400WTQ) regardless, with a bit of money that engine would be a monster
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Block questions
  • s_vargas54
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
21
Views
746
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 8, 2026
Trogdor
S
what would you do? sell the project and buy completed or finish project?
  • STANG32
  • Feb 8, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
609
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 16, 2025
rusty428cj
R
What's it Worth? 1997 Cobra, a ton of mods and restoration
  • riored97snake
  • Jun 18, 2026
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
2
Views
172
What is it Worth?!?!? Jun 21, 2026
riored97snake
R
  • Locked
Engine Might have to get a Dart block but don't want to and if I do, then 363 instead of 331. Thoughts on what I've already bought so far.......
  • from6to8
  • Jul 8, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
518
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 8, 2025
Noobz347
Might have to get a Dart block but don't want to and if I do, then 363 instead of 331. Thoughts on what I've already bought so far.......
  • from6to8
  • Jul 8, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
52
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 9, 2025
from6to8
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?