[surfbeast]

I was a long time z-28 guy. Bought my first stang due to cost ( alot less ). First off there is way more mod stuff for stangs with more on the way. Any year 99 up stang ( GT ) is good. They are much easier to work on than the chevy, much more room. I have done all of my work myself and I am no mechanical master and have few tools. The SOHC 4.6 is great to work on and very reliable. The 4R70W not aod-e is in the 4.6 although they are basically the same. They are very good trannies and good stock to 350-375 HP easy. A few upgrades and 4-500hp easy. 1 grand will get you a nice upgraded rebuilt tranny with warrenty! The IRS is in the cobras and are crap. You will learn that the first mod to do is gears, 4:10's ,no less, even 4:30's are good! throw in some P&P heads, cams, and a blower and your in there. The only draw back is that the z's and ss's will kick your azz untill you get nitrous or a blower or simular mods ( heads,cams,etc.. ) Just no way to make up the stock HP differences.

Good Luck!