Put Ford parts in your Ford

You have to select an engine and transmission to use with this car.  We’ve built cars for our racing programs using the full range of Ford small-block and big-block engines.  The aftermarket is alive with parts and services related to this category.  Additionally, today’s modern running gear provides reliable performance for less money.

It’s important when taking on this project to decide on an engine and transmission configuration that will deliver the power you need and is within your budget.  You can use the full spectrum of Ford engines in either our base kit or our complete kit. 

The Mk3 base kit is configured to use the entire engine/transmission/rear-end out of the Mustang donor car (5.0 or 4.6 liter V-8, T-5, T-45 or 3650 transmission, and Ford 8.8” rear end).  The kit is designed so that these parts literally bolt right in. 

The Mk3 kit is also compatible with the 351 Windsor engine, the old 390/427 FE engines, the newer 429/460/514 crate motors from Ford, and the 4.6L SOHC and DOHC engines.  We have had good experiences working with the crate motors offered by Ford Racing Performance Parts.   You might notice that our car is featured in their Motorsports catalog and on their show/event truck showcasing their parts!

Engines

The arguments for using the small block Ford engines are pretty strong.  In the mid 80’s an unprecedented quality and manufacturing revolution began in the American auto industry. Ford Motor Company, more than anyone else, began building cars with “Quality as Job 1”.  Anyone who has owned a 1987 or later Mustang 5.0 will tell you that the engine, transmission and rear end, are virtually indestructible.  The newer 4.6 liter SOHC and DOHC engines don’t quite have the same enthusiastic support and aftermarket but are solid powerplants nevertheless.  All the Mustang engines are easy to work on and readily available for a reasonable price.

It’s hard to ignore the high performance and relatively low cost (plus huge aftermarket support!) of the Mustang package.  The Mustang has defined performance value for the last 20 years. Additionally, the Mustang drivetrain has benefited from years of engineering refinements (C.A.F.E.) that have made the running gear lighter and more durable.  The huge performance aftermarket that supports the Ford parts means that you can quickly and inexpensively obtain a wide selection of high performance goodies. 

 

The standard FFR chassis with a stock 5.0 powerplant will outrun a Viper from 0-60 mph and run the quarter mile in about 13 seconds flat!  Simply imagine driving a Mustang that weighs 1200 lbs. less and you’ll start to understand the possibilities with the Factory Five package! 

The complete kit is designed so that you can use the engine of your choice.  Follow the order form to determine the correct headers and engine mounts you’ll need. 

Here’s an interesting fact for old school big block fans:  The Ford FE engines are not only the lightest big block engine Ford has ever made, they are the lightest big block engines ever made by any of the big three!  A complete 427 FE, built with aluminum heads by our friends at Southern Automotive weighed in at only 83 lbs more than a comparable small block!