THE PLAN

This is the current list of parts and costs for the proposed build. As always, every single item is up for debate and change. I've researched many of the options, but it can be overwhelming comparing many of the listed benefits. What's better - Mustang II front-ed or the Corvette and why? Does it change if it's being used on a truck versus a sports car? These things are almost impossible to find.

The Parts List

Comparisons - Decisions, Decisions...

This has been the hardest part about planning out the project - comparing the various components. The one chasis maker that I'm leaning heavily towards has so many options:

• Front-end: Mustang II vs C4 Corvette vs C4 Corvette sweet ride
• Parallel 4-bar rear suspension vs C4 Corvette rear brackets
• 9" Ford vs C4 Corvette with Dana 36

I haven't found too many articles comparing those various components. Is one better than the other in certain circumstances or is it all purely subjective. If it is subjective, what's popular opinion and why? Are parts more readily available for one versus the other? Did one have a better performance track record over the other? Is one significantly (subjective, I know) more expensive to service versus the other?

In the end, it is a kit car

With this in mind, I have to plan for pollution control and safety features like seatbelts as they will be required to pass the state (CA) safety and emmissions tests when apply for a new VIN.

The Goal

In the end, I have a few main goals:

• Semi-Show Quality
• Daily Driver
• Fuel Efficient
• Pass the California safety and pollution checks

Show Quality

This is a goal that takes time and right out of the garage door, it won't win any shows! It should be an interesting vehicle to see if only for the reason that it is a mail order truck. The engine, headers, radiator, radiator hoses, and transmission will all be aluminum and in my opinion, aesthetically appealing. The engine hood will open forward and the cab will have a nice digital dash with 60/40 bucket seats. The chasis will start of with a nice powder coating and have disc brakes on all four tires.

Fuel Efficient / Daily Driver

In addition to the aesthetic qualities of the powertrain being aluminum, it will also be light. Replacing the original steel body parts with fiberglass replicas will also shave off a lot of weight. The custom made chasis will be significantly lighter than the original frame. Though a V-8, the engine will be fuel-injected and hooked up to a 6-speed transmission. The .5 ratio of the tranny's sixth-speed will connect up to a rear-end that will have a 2.73 gear ratio or something similar. In the end, fuel efficiency should be easily obtained as well as being easily capable of pasing Cali's strict pollution tests with the addition of the catalytic converters, which will be legally required.

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