Ideas for a new car project...

[digitalsolo]

Okay, so this is a while out still, but I'm trying to start collecting ideas and maybe some parts in the next months, but, this is my new project idea:

1968 Mustang Coupe
Modern V8
Single or twin turbo
~600-650 RWHP
A/C
P/S
Modern suspension
4 link rear (probably fox style)
Modernized interior/gauges
Mild tweaks to body

That's the basic formula.   A pro-touring early Mustang, basically.

A few key points:

I have NO brand loyalty.   I don't care if it's an import motor, Ford, GM, Chrysler, whatever.
Manual transmission
Streetable and well behaved.

Current idea is:

Forged LS motor.   Since I'd be starting at 0 probably base it on an LS3 dry sump crankshaft and oiling system.   Aluminum or iron block makes me no difference.   370 ci or less, two VERY small turbos or one medium sized.    TR6060 or T56 Magnum with a twin disc

Modernized coilover front suspension with the stock strut towers yanked for clearance
Modern 4 link rear, maybe fox inspired, maybe not.

Nice seats from a modern car, maybe newer Mustang?
Either Speedhut or Racepak gauges
Vintage Air or similar for better engine bay appearance and efficiency
ProEFI engine management

Car will have drip rails shaved, bumpers tucked in and all chrome replaced with brushed metal or painted.    Right now I'm liking British Racing Green.

Any thoughts, ideas?    I want to do some cool stuff like subframe connectors, some dimple die stuff, maybe a little bit of carbon/titanium in some areas.

[bikedad]

Something like this would look good. Maybe with molded bumpers and nicer exhaust.




Molded bumpers like this:

[gc3]

keep it original


 

[digitalsolo]

Original?    Why would I want a slow,  bad  handling car?   Haha

Don,  that is the basic idea.

[BeasTT]

[jparker7]

I think all your ideas in the original post sound great.  I hope to do the same to my Dads 66 coupe one day.  He won't really let me modify it now.  Its an original straigt 6 3speed manual car his grandma bought new. 

[mattster03]

Sounds like an awesome project.  I'm more of a fastback guy myself, but of course those are way more expensive to get into.  It's tough to get out of the LSx mindset once you're in that game... I wonder if a new "coyote" 5.0 would be any fun and if they're becoming more available yet?

[largeorangefont]

Late 60s F100 instead please.

[digitalsolo]

Nick:

I'd do that, seriously, but the whole idea of the Mustang is air conditioning and a back seat so Kaleb can ride in it.

Matt:

Coyote is waaaaaaaaaay too expensive right now.   I can buy an LS7 for less than one of those.

Ash:

I actually considered an old truck, but again, the main reason for this is a 4 seat car.   Besides, trucks are too heavy.

Keep the ideas coming.    I'm not against a car other than Mustang, either, but it needs to be:

4 seats
Similar in size to a pony car
Not a Camaro or AMC
Big enough to fit a V8, A/C and a turbo (or two)

I've thought about doing an older 4 seat business coupe (late 30s style) also, but it seems like a lot more money/work to get it where I'd want it.

[largeorangefont]

Torino or Falcon?

Even the 68-72 Novas are pretty cool.

[BeasTT]

Psh, plenty of room for AC with no hood, fenders or bumper, plus you could totally put a jumper seat between the 2 rear wheel tubs

[bikedad]

[digitalsolo]

Torino is actually a possibility.   They can look pretty slick done right.

I -LOVE- a 510, a lot, but it's WAY too small under the hood to fit anything.

[quinns]

One of my buddies is big into Volvo's. Mainly 240s but after he showed me this Volvo 121 I was feeling it. Just something different.

[screamin88]

My next project is going to be 4 door E36 with a forged LQ, pt88, 4l80... I think it will be a very fun sleeper and still function as a every day car to haul the family around...