[Guest]

I have been thinking recently about the things I have been wanting to do with my fastback. I am considering putting off painting the car and installing a brand new 302 motor from Ford motorsports. I was also wondering if I would need to make any changes to the transmission or the rear. I have an 8" posi rear, and a brand new T-5. Will the motor I am looking at be too much. It has the following specs.
Aluminum Head Long Block Engine Assembly
5.0L/302 GT-40 - 320 HP Street/Strip
B303 Camshaft -
302 cu. In.
320 Bhp 9.0:1 compression ratio (nominal)

I am not planning on driving the car extra hard, but if I need the power I want it to be there. Also the car has not been primered yet. I bought it from the PO and he only got as far as having the body panels replaced. Should I at least have the car smoothed out and primered or should it be ok sitting inside in its current condition. Thanks a lot.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1595645&a=12155680&p=44128286&Sequence=2&res=high.jpg

 

[Guest]

I have heard that 8" rear ends can take 350 horsepower or so if they are built well. If it was me I would put in a 9". I am in the same boat with my 70 restomod I am doing. It's got an open 8", and I have the Edelbrock Performer RPM setup I am going with. It will put out 385 hp. So I am going 4.11 posi and a 9". I always like to have the extra insurance of a really tough rear end in the car. As for what to do first, the paint and body work or the engine install, I would definately do the paint and body work first. Get the engine compartment just the way you want it, and painted your color (black or body color) and then have the car painted. I would paint it with the front fenders off, as well as the hood off. Put your motor in and get it all running and then put your hood and fenders on. This way nothing gets chipped or scratched during the engine install. Sounds like a cool project. What color is your car going to be?
Dave

1964 fuelie Corvette (restored)
1970 Sportsroof (project)

 

[Guest]

I am probably going with Royal Bue Pearl Metallic with Silver Frost Pearl Metallic stripes. I am also pondering candy Apple Red with Pearl White stipes but there are so many red mustangs I am leaning towards the blue.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1595645&a=12155680&p=44128286&Sequence=2&res=high.jpg

 

[Billgear]

The 8" while probably be fine! I have a little more then 320hp
with a 8" and it's been fine. The handleing is better with the smaller rear end. less unspung weight. I know a guy that's been autocrossing with a 8" rear for about 12 years, he has never hurt the rear yet, he has over 400hp.

Regards,
BillGear

1966 Mustang Coupe, 302 custom roller cam, holley 650dp,http://www.289mustang.com
http://www.289mustang.com/images/vmfcar.jpg

 

[mrgem]

A properly-built 8-inch should handle 320 hp (but torque is really what destroys drivetrains). When I say properly, it should be a 4-spider set up and trac-loc. You should also use 66-style axles which are not 'necked down' like 65s.

Jim Vogle (posts as JAV65 and 'Jim'), has a hot-rod 65 with a good 8-inch that he does open track events with...no problem as long as you don't mount slicks.

Glenn Morgan: 66 GT V-Burgundy Fastback 351w+toploader+9 in. TracLoc. Started out as a rusted-out Chicago-area crusher. After sacrificing a solid 66 coupe for its sheetmetal sub-assemblies, I have one solid (and expensive) work in progress!