Thanks for all the tips and info! I really appreciate it, I have historically only had old Chevys, but I am not brand partial.

So far the plan is to get a 2000 or 2001 Explorer engine with the GT40P heads (excited for aluminum heads). Do you think a Performer RPM manifold will fit under the hood? If not I can go with a plane Performer manifold. My thoughts on a cam were something like an E303, just something with some lope and power up to 5500rpm or so, just want it to run like an old hotrod. 600cfm 4160 carb and the Autozone 85 Mustang distributor (thanks for the tip on that)

Would you go with an AOD or C4 trans? You think either of those would bolt up to the Explorer engine and fit under the car with no trans tunnel cutting? I'll have to get a driveshaft made.

Any heavier duty rear ends bolt in or at least the same width or narrower? I dont want to spend too much there but realize it is always the place where the most money ends up other than the engine! I just put Strange axles, cclip eliminators, spool and new Motive r&p in a GM 8.5" rear and it was $1k just for those parts!