So, I'm currently working out in my mind how to fit a FMIC in this sucker. There is limited frontal area and the more I look at the "R valance" aka Shelby valance, I don't much care for how much it squares off the front of the car. Right now I'm thinking about modifying the factory front valance for a little more airflow and just moving stuff around in the core support area for more room. Maybe cut out the bottom 2/3 of the core support and make a tubular setup a la my FC. I need to get the car home and start measuring.
The other thought is to go V-mount style, but I'm not sure if I have the depth. I will be pushing the engine as far aft and down as I can, but we'll see how clearance goes. I'm really pretty set on trying to keep the body as stock appearing as possible, aside from my clean-up on a few things.
I also think I'm settled on a front suspension design. Going to do a Mustang II setup with coilovers and 2" drop spindles. Late model Mustang Cobra (or really late model GT) dual piston calipers on 13" brakes up front and vented rear single pistons. Should be plenty to stop a sub 3000 lbs car that won't be seeing any road course action. Big sway bar, tubular arms, etc. Rear is going to be some kind of link setup (I'm not a huge torque arm guy), just not sure exactly which one. Leaning toward triangulated 4 link right now, with coilover like up front. I need to figure out ABS pickups of some kind up front for traction control.
Next concern is going to be shifter placement with the T56 and motor position. The Mustang T56 is further forward but since I'm going LS it'll be F-body T56 and I'm not sure how that placement will be. Need to get a tranny to mock up with and see how it looks. I don't want to have to go to a Magnum for placement but I will if I have to.
Also looking at doing electric power steering on the column from a Saturn. Pretty cheap to do and means I can dump the P/S pump up front. Small circuit board and it can be speed sensitive, I may be able to use ProEFI/AEM to output a PWM signal to run it also, which means I could tune it in software. That said, I need to check clearance for the power booster. If I end up needing hydroboost I might as well have hydraulic P/S. I'm also going to go junkyard scouting at some point and see if there is an easy-to-retrofit HVAC system from a late model car instead of spending $$$ on Vintage Air.