Help design my 1965 Fastback suspension and drivetrain

Hi Everyone,

I’m new to this forum and have recently purchased a 65 Fastback. Body, paint and interior is in great shape, rebuilt 302 engine is fair to good. Everything else is stock.   Primary goal is to improve the drivability.  I have a budget of $25k for parts and labor and am looking for advice from more experienced Mustang owners on what they would do with this budget.  The areas I want to concentrate on are as follows: suspension (IFS & IRS), steering, brakes.  If the budget allows, I would also like to update the transmission from an automatic to manual (Tremec T5?)  I have been looking at the same suspension kits as everyone else(Heidts, RRS, Total Control Products, Ron Morris Street Force, Rod & Custom , and CTM IRS).  Breaking down items by parts budget and labor budget is where I am getting stuck.  I will be having everything professionally done.  So if you were in my shoes, how would you maximize my budget of $25k?  

I am just one voice Chicago, but it really depends on what you want to use the car for. If your using it as a daily driver or occasional driver to shows and so on. Then I recommend not spending as much on the suspension as you are anticipating. Many of the major kits like Heidts and total control are specifically designed to eliminate the shock towers making it possible to install different engines such as big blocks and making the engine bay much more roomy. The stock suspension is an old design but certainly serviceable. There are planty of upgrades such as the shelby drop and 620 lb springs, new sway bars and new urethane that will make that suspension very good handling without depleting your budget, especially since you plan on having this done. In my own 65 fastback I found the one thing that really transformed it to a wonderful driver was the tremec 5 speed along with a lower ratio rear end and 17 inch wheels and tires.
Dont get me wrong, I think total control has some wonderful pieces as does Heidts. I just think that unless your installing a big block, go with mildly modifying the front suspension and bigger leaf springs in back and you will have a car that handles very well. Use the money for transmission change and updating all your driveline pieces. Consider the AOD trans since you already have an automatic, its a really nice upgrade that gives you a nice quiet ride on the freeway.  

For street use, driveability is major! T-5, I can't say enough for the enjoyment with my 3:89 rear end ratio. AOD, if you want Automatic. Suspension upgrades are great mentioned in Oct. 2007 Mustang Monthly "How to Install a Blueprinted Suspension" p.28.
www.fly-ford.com
Also, HP, stroke that 302 to 347. Lots of crate short blocks and long block kits out there.  

If your budget doesn't allow for one of those type of suspension setups, try Global-West as their stuff is just as good or better! Maier Racing also has quality stuff using vintage style suspension...Do not be fooled by 'adjustable' suspension systems either as unless you know what you are doing and or are racing the car, some of those kits are way overkill for the street. Spend your money on quality Shocks and Brakes and you'll be happy.  

Thanks you guys.  I am leaning towards TCP front coil over kit, TCP rack and pinion and CTM IRS for rear.  Also stiffening chassis with TCP kit and 4 wheel discs all around.  I'm really not sure what to do about the transmission...it currently has a C4 automatic with shift kit and 2800 stall converter.  I'm just thinking I may want to switch it to a 5 speed manual Tremec.  Maybe I should leave the trans alone for now and make that phase II in the project.  Thoughts?  

I also forgot to mention that I have decided to do the work myself instead of farming it out...that;s why I like the bolt in TCP for front.  I may have the IRS done professionally though....according to TCM's website, they offer intall for $500...seems fair. See link below:

http://mustangirs.com/products.php  

Curious to know how things turned out?  I've decided to use the Total control coil over kit, rp steering and CTM in the rear as well.  I've spoken to Duane twice this month and am about to pull the trigger.  Have you ordered from them, received the IRS?  How did it go?

Let me know.

Ralph in Atlanta
ralph@sikesllc.com  
66 Coupe - Long Gone ;(   ....  
07 SGT - Whoo Hooo!!......  
66 Fastback - In Process - Restomod

I just restored a 67 fastback and used a small block 351 with an AOD transmissions.  It is great to drive.  Enough power.  Smooth on the highway with the overdrive.  I probably overdid the suspension.  The 17 inch wheels & tires handle great but ride somewhat rough with the stiff suspension.  Important is a good electronic ignition and a good intake and carb.  I also installed factory looking A/C and leather seats.  I probably should have left off the power windows.  By the way the gas mileage is really pretty good.