Fairmont Suggestions

Maintain the original appearance. But update the suspension and drivetrain.

As nice as it looks with the original paint I would still murder it out, black everything, remove those hub caps... Maybe tint & HID headlights

Even tho its a Ford, its got sleeper written all over it. I'd stuff the biggest engine I could get my hands onto whether it be crate, LS, or something used like a 351 or caddy 500. Add an EFI system (or make one like the megasquirt) and voila, now you can take your sleeper anywhere.

Honestly, I think your plans for it are the best plans. Yes, a standard transmission would be a lot more fun, but it would ruin the look of the car. It may give it away as a sleeper. I'm excited to see you create an amazing sleeper. The body is immaculate for the age. I think this project is going to be worth every penny you spend. I'm excited for the real work to begin.

I would recommend working on the entire suspension. Get polyurethane bushings, aftermarket coil-over from the fox body mustang, and a large f/r sway bar. Also maybe a 5 lug + disk brake conversion would be pretty sweet. I'd say leave the engine as is for now because that's a bigger long term investment.

Fuzzy dice = must have. Shortest..show..ever.

I got nothin, any of the mustang parts places specializing in fox body stuff pretty much make anything you can think of possible. Any sort of upgrades for plans for larger upgrades later I'm all for (brakes, suspension, rear swap,etc).

I would like to put a more lively engine and gearbox [transmission] in there.
Here is a few great options which are a fraction of the weight of a standard mustang engine.
www.topspeed.com/cars/ford/2014-ford-mustang-ar159714.html
Mustang engine is 4.6 L SOHC 3-valve Modular V8 with variable camshaft timing (VCT) that produced 300 hp.
O-60 6.8 seconds top speed 135 mph go 'large yet small'... You need to see...
www.carduels.com/it/duel/100641/Mercedes...aren-VS-Ford-Mustang
These are sports engines.
www.scot-tec.co.uk/a/SLK-V6-AMG-supercharged.jpg 0-60 in 4.9 Seconds top speed 168MPH Good Gas mileage
Or
www.scot-tec.co.uk/a/V8_Supercharged.jpg 0-60 in 4.2 seconds top speed 205MPH Naff gas mileage
May possibly make you loose your hat in the back seat...

Watch AMG engine being built


Low level engine profile so no need to change how the Fairmont looks, until you step on the gas.
These would mean lots of modifications though.
Jane

See AMG V8 engine and transmission in use on a dyno

I know it's not your thing Eric but my idea would be to replace the engine with a high output electric motor, maybe 175KW and a lithium battery pack, 1 under the hood and the other where the spare tire goes. A controller and liquid cooling system to do the magic.

The ETCG Fairmont looks very nice stock so I would leave it looking stock.

~ 300HP Ford 302 (5.0L)
~ Long tube Headers
~ Electric radiator fan
~ EFI
~ AOD or E4OD Transmission
~ 3.73 or 4.10 gear ratio
~ 5 lug conversion
~ Upgrade the front disk brakes, then convert the rear to disk brakes
~ Braided steel brake lines
~ Shocks and springs
~ Tires
~ Protect frame
~ Stereo System
~ Convert Brake lights to LED bulbs
~ HID headlights (55w High/Low)
~ Convert blinkers to LED bulbs