The order is in...now for the choices!

coreyc · #1 (**permalink**) 01-13-2004, 08:38 PM

I just ordered a B&B kit which I will have delivered in May. The plan is to build a street car with about 300hp; I would appreciate any recommendations.

1)Which would be a better bang for the buck a 302 or a 351W. EFI or Carb? I am going the non-donar route and hope to purchase a remanufactured engine, if I have new carbs/intake can I assume I will have a maintenance free, smooth running engine?

2)Which tail lights should I use, retangular or round? Which one is from the original?

3)I am using a mustang II steering rack with coilovers, tubular arms and 11" disks. Would a flaming river rack be a worth while upgrade?

Thanks for your help,
Corey C

Scott S · #2 (**permalink**) 01-13-2004, 11:16 PM

Upgrade later. Go with the 351, get a solid block(69 1/2-72 preferred) don't by a reman,(most are chit), put a good set of heads on it, (windsor jr's are nice), carbs are about a 100 years old, simple is good. Ask around for a machine shop, get a reference or two,spend the extra to have it balanced, make sure you take in the flywheel and pressure plate. If you want a reliable runnig engine, go with a MSD distributor and module.

A stock rack is fine, Flaming River makes a nice decal.

Tail lights? Best bet is to do a seach on this forum, also era.com has some great information as to many of the ?'s you may have about authenticity.

Good luck!

Scott S

ps...

Make sure you know the terms, a street Cobra has no roll bar, no sidepipes, and God foribid, no stripes.

Is that what you want?

Jim Werth · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 05:13 AM

EFI or carb would depend in where you live. Check with your state on emission standards. I personally like the rectangle tail lights. You are going to love your B+B. Stock manual rack works great. My wife even drives it with no problem. Go with a 351w.There is so more you can get out of it. Start with lower HP and do upgrades later as you get used to the power. Jim

Hal Copple · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 05:36 AM

your car will be scary and unfamiliar at first, but eventually, you will embark on a relentless search for more power. So you might as well put a little extra money into the motor at the beginning. I think the little things count a lot, so like the above writers suggest, might as well go with the larger 351 block to start, and have it made right. Balancing, proper matching of internal parts, can make a long running, powerful motor for you. I would not go with the re-man motor either. There are a lot of fake experts on building you a motor, so take your time with this part of your decision.

happy hunting....

GOCATS · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 08:44 AM

Congrats on the B&B purchase Brian,Barry, and Karen are great people. I would also recommend the 351w. Spend the extra $$ to get a soild built motor. For a car with 300hp I believe that Fordmotor sport sells the 351w crate motors rated at 375hp (carb motor). Good solid built motor. Do not go the reman route bad idea and there are better options. For an FI motor you will have to upgrade the fuel line,fuel pump,modify pickup tube assembly for the fuel cell i.e. a lot more than a carb motor. When you find a good engine builder ask what they recommend. I spent the better part of 2 days (48 hrs) rerunning fuel line and modifying things to accomidate a fuel injected motor. Not everybody wants to spend that amount of time a just a small part of the build. Remember the motor is the soul of the car choose carefully.