Hey all, I have a 1971 Trunk Back that I've been working on for some time. It's a 2.0 liter with the automatic transmission, and while I've gotten it running and working somewhat decent, but I've had a lot of problems with it. Because of that I've decided to just go straight into a V8 conversion. I have a rebuilt 289 waiting to be thrown into a car, and from what I understand a 289 should bolt over onto my cruisomatic transmission, but I'm wondering what advice you can all give me as to other parts. A good friend of mine who is a transmission specialist is going to help me rebuild the tranny, but I need some advice as to headers, brake conversion, etc, to use for the rest of the car.
So any advice on what headers to use? A good place/brand for a disc brake conversion on the back end? How about any particular type(s) or brands in regards to replacing the suspension for a better fit for the heavier, more powerful engine? And also any recommends on the radiator I should go with? And ditto for a fuel cell or gas tank for it? Will Mustang II motor mounts work, or should I get a specific type of those?
I guess if anybody knows if there is a specific company that sells a specific kit for this type of conversion that'd be handy(I've seen these for other popular conversions). Or is there a place I can get it all at once? I have heard PAW might have something like this, but I've never dealt with them, and I didn't see anything on Summit of this sort, but yeah, any advice will be taken seriously, and I will look into it.
One last thing, I'm not exactly looking to drag race my Pinto, I'd just like a quick, sporty little car, and since I have an engine, and all the time in the world (although not all the money) it really makes me want to do this conversion. I'm just going to need some help along the way. I appreciate anything you guys (and girls) can help me with, and look forward to seeing what I can do with this cool little car I've got.
Thanks again, and I look forward to getting to know all of you.
Ryan
Oh and one other thing, as I part things out any recommends on holding onto or giving away the old engine? I am the second owner of this car, and it really only has about 153K on the engine (it sat for years alongside this guys house until I bought it). I don't know I'll ever wish to go completely factory restoration on this car, but do any of you have horror stories about wishing you'd never gotten rid of the parts to do a resto on something? Or should I just give them away/sell them? Any opinions?