CobraSix

I think this is very important. I also think its something that is forgotten by a lot of people. I get it a lot with my 65 mustang. It's an original 200 I6 car. I've spent way too much money upgrading it over the years. I've put a lot of money into the engine just to put it on par with a normal run of the mill V-8 that would have cost me 1/3 of the money. I'm even going a little further as I've found a great deal on a ford inline 6 that was only produced in Australia. I plan to put this in my 65. The rest of the car is V-8 equipment now. Front end, steering, brakes, T5 transmission, 8" rear. It's basically ready for me to drop in a 302 and be off for more power. But my motto has always been "It's not how fast you go, but how go you fast" (pilfered from my old soccer team). But all of my modifications keep the outside appearance of the car stock and original. But the concours crowd give me crap because it's not original. But at the same time, I can't understand why they like to spend years restoring something to original just to put it in a garage and try to win trophies. But hey, to each their own.

I would agree. My 65 Mustang Convertible is a daily driver until the first snow. I will admit it has seen the snow occasionally, but after having to tear the car apart to replace the mid section of it, it's rare that it does anymore. I do tend to avoid the rain as well, but mostly because I need to replace the weatherstripping on the front windshield as it leaks onto my lap. Now I've done a lot of things to make it safer and more comfortable while still keeping the classic look and some sense of no frills power. Upgraded to dual MC, electronic ignition, and a 5 speed transmission along with getting more power out through various modifications. Hid a radio in the glove box and hid speakers around the car so everything still looks stock. Still have the old AM radio in the dash (and it does work). This summer I plan to install a homemade MPFI. No one makes a MPFI set up for my inline 6. While I don't mind the carb and it's simplicity, I want to make life a little easier for daily running. Carbs when tuned for the most power can get finicky when the weather changes more that 10*.

Working on a hell of a deal (read free) on a 1982 280ZX turbo that is solid, and 90% complete. Just have to install the engine and transmission and if it bothers me, a newer fresh interior. There are some things involve, but mostly helping a friend move some stuff over the course of a few weekends. My vision for this car is to start back up in some autocross events. I do want to keep the car streetable and presentable but want it to be more of a fun car. Now, just working on the wife to accept another project. Granted, the 65 mustang is mostly done. It's running and road worthy. Just a few more last minute projects I want to complete prior to calling it done for a year or two. However, in a few more years, I do really need to tear it completely apart to do a full restoration. I just want to get all my mechanicals where I want them so I can take everything out and properly clean up the body. Luckily, the structural work for the car is done. Just need to do some cosmetics. Look forward to reading up and lurking for awhile until the deal is complete (as in, I've moved all the agreed upon items).