Not only would the long block be preferable to you, but seems like it would be cheaper for Ford in the long run. Just the labor cost and time removing the one head off your old block and installing on the short block.
In my area - NC, I don't see Ford advertising the Mustang at all. F150s must get all the advertising budget.
I am looking at getting a GT Premium, PP, 401A, a10, magenride. It does price out high, but you still get a lot of performance and tech for that money.
One thing to keep in mind - is the exhaust note on the older engines is a function of the exhaust, cam, compression, etc. It may be kind of hard to match.
On my 331 sbf I went from the stock 5.0 cam grind to a custom grind with a 109 lsa. It changed the exhaust note more than adding...
Drive it - wash when you can.
I've got a 65 convertible and 70 mach 1. These cars will rust just mentioning the word rust... Actually, they are all sealed up pretty good now.. My point is, the new metal and treatment is millennium falcon light years ahead of what it once was.
Sorry for your issues. I am not too familiar with the monitoring on these engines, but it seems like with a dropped valve the engine would still run. I dropped a valve on my 289 years ago and drove it 25 miles home. Piston, bore, and head were trashed - but it forced me to get a 331 stroker...
unfortunately I am in North Carolina, so Yorba Linda is a bit far.
I may go the order route. I did the Ford build/inventory search and I was bombarded by dealers trying to sell vehicles not even close to my specs.
I am coming from a G37 sport sedan - so the big brakes and tighter...
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. For me the performance pack is a must - just too much bang for the buck compared to replicating it in the aftermarket.
I have not test drove a PP with magneride yet. That will be next.
I have been shopping around for 2018's at different dealers and having a really hard time with my "required" option list and availability. So now i am rethinking what options I really need or should I wait a bit longer.
Here are my must have's:
-GT Premium
-401A
-Performance Pack - I...
I like orange, but there aren't too many orange cars out there these days so it will definitely attract attention.
One of the best colors Ford ever put on a Mustang was Calypso Coral (aka Competition Orange). I need to see in person how this orange stacks up.
I have been toying with the idea of getting a 2018 Mustang. I love Mustangs and have had several through out the years. I currently have a 65 convertible that looks bone stock but has a 5.0 (stroked to 331) and a 5 speed.
I currently drive a 2012 Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan (has bigger brakes...