[Doug Hoven]

Definitely a cool thread you got here. I have an 83 mustang GT, but unfortunately with the 83 being stick only, it was not of financial good reason to pursue that as my first stocker build. I remember finding some interesting things when I took apart the original engine a few years ago. I believe the connecting rods had a part number from the early 70s. More interestingly imho was the part number date range on the rod bearings. Some as old as C5 to D8, maybe even E0. I wonder if the factory mismatched bearings to get clearances within tolerance. Good luck with your build!