$5k is tight.. Here's what id do.. Others feel free to add/comment.
- First does it ave a motor and what is it? What condition?
- If none Try find a already decent running 1600 escort engine if you can. Find a GT manifold and put a downdraught webber carby (they came standard on the 2litre escort engine, they are everywhere so don't pay heaps for one but make sure its clean and running well). Maybe look at a fast road cam installed if it hasn't got one but this isn't essential just yet - you could do this later. Get some extractors. Keep the 4spd gearbox. New clutch while your there.
- Was your car a 1300, 1600 or 2litre car? (everyone is after the 2litre type strut - and if you go with a 2litre motor you'll need 2litre type struts to rego) So keep the standard struts and get new shocks and springs all round.
- For shocks Monroe GT all round will get you going and keep costs down (compared to more expensive Koni/Bilstien etc). And then get some -2" lowered 180-195lb springs for the front, and -2" decambered leaf springs for the rear. King springs do both. Try and find a twincam type sway bar. And if you can stretch it new poly bushes. If not new rubber ones will be ok.
- Get new brake pads and discs. Make sure rear drums have new pads too. New fluid etc.
- If you can get a 3.9 diff (1300 models and vans i believe mostly had them) it will accelerate much better and be a more lively car without having heaps of power. Top end won't be as good though for the highways..
- Search for rust etc learn how to fix. Learn how to rub the panel back for paint prep. For your budget you'll be spraying it yourself i dare say. But thats ok. Practice makes perfect. Get some other old panels and practice!!
- Spend the rest on parts you need to finish the car from other cars ie. wreckers, parts for sale online. Don't go too expensive here. Try and get the bargains. Find a nice sporty steering wheel, nice unripped seats, maybe some new moulded carpet etc. etc.. Then the inside will be a nice place to be.
This is half the fun of building a car i think. Finding the items you like and including it in your car!
- Get some nice looking wheels and new tyres. 13x6 is a good size wheel with 185/60/13 tyres. Hotwires, globes, minilites etc are all popular and look tough on a nice lowered car.
That should be all of your budget. At least then it will be going and will be a great handling fun car.
You can then drive it, and look at more power further down the track.
Good luck! Make sure to post pics up as you go.
post edited by evobda2 - 2015/02/11 20:46:55