[WKB]

Regardless if it is a Ford or a Holden powerplant you are going to use, if this new project vehicle is going to be EFI the the most cost effective way would be buying a written of car from the auctions. Everything you need to get the vehicle going will be in the donor car. You could also use the ABS, traction control and stability control if fitted. There are more late model holdens at the auctions than fords, but I think price wise they are similar for the year. Then you sell the left over bits from the wreck.
Aftermarket parts would be more available for the chev than the quad cam fords.
If you are going to use an automatic then the 6 speed ZF would the way to go. Arguably the best auto available in Australia from either ford or holden.

Warren