questions about dropping a 460 into a fox body, and one about just the car

This is my frist time at the site, and I sorta rushed through the registration process so if I break any rules my apologies, I mean no disrespect.

I'm planning on doin this as a project to work on while I'm in college ((4-5 more years), and since I've yet to find the mustang I can use a whole lot of input. I've been thinkin about this since I realized that I needed a temporary high MPG car, that could later be a platform for something mean when I can afford payments on a crotch rocket.

First, I saw the article on the site about that monster 460 and am wanting to draw from it since this 460 will likely be with me for a very long time, so I need to know can I ask questions about it until I can get a money order to send in? If so, how limited are the questions I can ask?

Second, Since I've yet to purchase a mustang I have the luxury of looking for one that might be easier than the others for the process, And need to know: of the 87, 88, 90 and 93 mustang 2.3L 5 speeds, would any be easier for this plan than the others?

Third, what all differences are there between a sedan and hatchback?

Fourth, Since I'll be driving the 4 cyl until the engine is built and ready to go I'd like to do little things to it here and there so I can actually see some results during the long wait. So is there anything I can do to it in it's 4 cyl incarnation, without bad damage to the MPG, that I can use once the v-8's in? For that matter, is there anything that I'd need to do during the drop that I can get outta the way earlier?

Fifth, what am I looking to spend on the engine? Remember I'm on a budget (student) so I'm not looking for a shiny new one. I'd planned upon getting a junkyard rebuilt 460, my cousin found one for $700 that had a 90 day warranty which he never bought so I'm thinkin of seeing if it's till an option. Is there any better option for locationg one?

Sixth, from what I understand 460s were sorta common. Was there any particular nonnew 460 that would work especially well in this situation? Either the ease of being dropped into a fox body, harder to kill, or ease of beasting?

Seventh, what kind of force does it take to damage the frame on a fox body that came with a 4 cyl?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: EvilMrStubbe on 10/19/05 5:33pm ]</font>

First problem I see is the "low budget" statement. Forget going to a big block if you are on a low budget. Here's why, headers are $400, good oil pan and pick-up $350, decent motor at least $2,500, tranny and converter that will hold up $1,500-$2,000 minimum, 8.8 mods and axles $600-$1,000, and this is just the beginning. The coupe is lighter than the hatchback. I would look into building a nice stroker small block since you can find about anything used for a much lower price and parts are everywhere. A big block will destroy a lot of parts just because they have a TON of low end torque. Chris

I can't argue with Chris here. Big blocks like to break stuff..just because they're BIG and heavy, and make a boat load of torque. Can you get by for a while? Probably. But if you keep the 7.5 rear end and a JY transmission to cut a few costs, the fuse on the ticking time bomb suddenly becomes quite a bit shorter.

Few thoughts to share. Small block + 5 speed is a lot of fun, especially if it's a 351-based engine. 351 will fit where a 302 was, with the exception of the pan &amp; headers, so getting it in there is easy. STock hood won't fit though most likely. OR 2.3 Turbo engine from a Tbird or Merkur (or SVO) will bolt right in. Get the wire harness &amp; everything. They make decent power and have a bunch of potential. There are a few out there running DEEP in the 9's at 140+ mph with a 2.3. I kinda like mine so far. around 300 HP and 30+ mpg all day long. Best part is when you spank the GT that was sitting next to you at the last stop light and explaining to him that it's a 2.3.
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