Hello all!

My Dad (mechanic for over 40+ years) and I, are beginning the planning stage of building a Roadster and had a few questions for the group here. Using his connections with parts dealers, would it be beneficial to by a Base kit and order the running parts needed or should we just spend the extra $$$ and buy the complete kit and save ourselves the headache.

We have the means to spend the extra couple $$$ on the complete kit but wanted to get the opinions of you's here. Another question we have is, is it possible to make this an automatic? I ask because, unlike my father, I am very rusty driving stick. I learned on it but it's been over 10 years, the wife will NOT be driving this but just an overall random question. If it is possible, is it worth it? Does that limit the amount of power?

In terms of engine/trans, what is an option that will give us power and low cost? My dream would be to put a 427 in it but also can't bring myself to buy a brand new one for $24k. Would it be worth searching for an older one that can be rebuilt?

Last question, what is the "average" amount of time completing a build? This is will mostly be a weekend project for my Dad and I so just trying to get an idea on timeline.


Thanks!!
-Craig