Fair enough, good volley! You have made some tremendous accomplishment
s with that combination.
I don't think my car will get into the 11's since I want it to be a canyon carver and occasional trackday car. Off the line traction and gearing may not be optimal for drag racing.
I picked the 2012 Mustang V6 because they are installed in all the standard "secretary" Mustangs. There will be many low mileage drivetrains in salvage yards everywhere. I should be able to get 20,000 mile or less complete engine, transmission, rear end,brakes, and related components for $4000-$6000.
A heavy 2011-2012 Mustang gets 30-34 miles per gallon even with 305 horsepower. So I should get 40 miles per gallon in my light car. I plan to take many road trips. The engine is light and having a block length of 3 cylinders will allow the engine to be set back for handling. That is why I ruled out a V8. I could get more power with the EcoBoost version. I still need to evaluate all the extra weight related with the turbo charger and intercooler EcoBoost version. Handling is the primary goal.
I spent a lot of time researching what engine I wanted for the Volvo. I had originally considered the 2300 turbo-4. I lurked related forums and seen nothing but problems, especially head gaskets. Maybe it was because most were on a shoe string budget. I even considered a Cosworth 2000 YB turbo from England.
In 2012 I need to pay for my daughters wedding and wrench on wifey's 79 Pinto. She wants it reliable for road trips. I am pulling the motor now to reseal it and other upgrades. But I stopped because now it is cold. (Michigan) I hate wrenching in the cold unless I have too. So wifey's car will be a summer project.
I also will sell my 73 Pinto 1600 late in 2012 and replace it with an 87 Audi 5000 Quattro I have in presently in storage. So more wrenching. I may drive the Volvo in stock condition until 2013 or 2014 while hunting for a low mileage drivetrain. I already bought a modified Mustaang II style front end for the Volvo.
Picture of the front end: