Thanks again guys, for the pointers.
I didn't know that the fox verts were as heavy as the cobras. I saw that the '03 was tippin' the scales at like 3800 lbs or more for the coupe. I imagine the '03 vert weighs close to 2 tons.
about 8 years ago, I had an '88 LX 5.0 vert and took it to the truck stop and it tipped the scales at something like 3600 lbs. I don't remember the exact number, but it was pretty close to that.
I guess I was sizing up the '03. I wasn't thinking about the '01 which had an aluminum block and a lighter 5 speed than the new one. Oh well, probably won't get the weight advantage that I thought I'd get.
Still, when comparing the prices, I'm still going to go with building the 32V. For one thing, if I stuck with the 302, I'd have to get a blower or really trick heads and intake and exhaust to make the type of power the 32V makes. I want to stay NA (after blowing up 2 turbo's in previous jap cars), and I really do like the feel of DOHC motors. Between the mustangs, I had a couple of late 80's toyota supra turbos and a '90 300zx NA. They feel a little lazy down low when compared to the 302, but I'm not a real "drag launch" kinda driver. I'm more into the 2500 - 5000 rpm area of the engine when I'm getting my fix. I might be wrong, but I think this is where the 32V would draw an advantage.
What I mainly do with my car is spirited drives around the lakes and out in the country. Not Crazy trackstyle type driving, but definately enough to get pulled over for. I'd like more power and a more flexible engine, but also this is a street car so ride quality and drivability are a little important. (I'm mean it's a convertible, so my backs already against the wall in terms of all out performance, so I might as well keep it daily driver comfy).
I have heard alot about the wheel hop in the IRS. I also heard that the heavier axles in the '03 reduces it somewhat. To be honest, if the car does wheel hop, I'll be ecstatic, because that means I actually assembled the drivetrain correctly! :-)
In terms of chassis and suspension, Kenny Brown Performance is like 20 minutes from my house, so I'll probably go with them; they've got a good reputation and they're local so that would help if I have any issues.
Well, hopefully this project produces a unique and enjoyable car with cobra-like performance and not just a collossal waste of money and resources.
Sorry it's so long again and thanks for the input and info guys,
Will
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