Obviously a lot of this thread is based on
personal situations. In most cases there is
more than a single way to reach a goal.
The Ford small block will perform just fine
in such a light car no matter whether you
have a $ 500 used 5.0 or a $ 5000
crate motor. It's all a function of how fast
you want to go! SPEED = MONEY.
Some people would NEVER install used parts in their car. That's their preference.
However history and dyno tests have shown that well cared for used engines lose
VERY LITTLE power and reliability vs new.
Regarding build sequence, be prepared to install and remove the drive train more than
once unless you are very well organized
(and lucky). This is not a big deal since
the rear clam is easily removed.
Unless you have your heart set on high HP,
I can't see why anyone in the US on a budget would not use the Getrag since they are cheap and adapter parts are now available from RF and Kennedy.
At worst this would require fabricating new tranny mounts. However if you ask the
Aussie's nice, I'll bet they'd install
Getrag mounts at the factory.
The key to keeping a budget is planning,
patience, and discipline. It is SOOOO easy
to upgrade in so many areas of this car.
MikeD
personal situations. In most cases there is
more than a single way to reach a goal.
The Ford small block will perform just fine
in such a light car no matter whether you
have a $ 500 used 5.0 or a $ 5000
crate motor. It's all a function of how fast
you want to go! SPEED = MONEY.
Some people would NEVER install used parts in their car. That's their preference.
However history and dyno tests have shown that well cared for used engines lose
VERY LITTLE power and reliability vs new.
Regarding build sequence, be prepared to install and remove the drive train more than
once unless you are very well organized
(and lucky). This is not a big deal since
the rear clam is easily removed.
Unless you have your heart set on high HP,
I can't see why anyone in the US on a budget would not use the Getrag since they are cheap and adapter parts are now available from RF and Kennedy.
At worst this would require fabricating new tranny mounts. However if you ask the
Aussie's nice, I'll bet they'd install
Getrag mounts at the factory.
The key to keeping a budget is planning,
patience, and discipline. It is SOOOO easy
to upgrade in so many areas of this car.
MikeD