Hey Bud, I am also building a 47 plymouth special deluxe as my first rod. I think the Hemi is a sweet idea and look forward to seeing your progress.
I have always been a big block mopar guy and have purchased a 440 with a 727 trans to " SQUEEZE " into the 'ol coupe. I will also be adding a 8 3/4" sure grip with 3.55 gears just like the pretty coloured beasts from the bad 60's and early 70's.
As far as the front end, I have a mustang II but after reading your posts, wonder if it's better to work with the stock setup......any suggestions from anybody would be greatly appreciated.
I will also be chopping the top 3"-5" while the body is off.

I have another question that may sound stupid but I've never built a rod before so I'll fire it out there at the risk of looking foolish.....When I bought the car it had no inner fender walls and was wondering if you can build a car with some custom bracing instead. With the 440, I'd imagine they wouldn't stay anyway. Any ideas from experienced builders?

Thanks in advance and good luck with your ride Bud, it's good to know someone else out there has the same taste as me.

Remember.. if it was born a Mopar, it should die a Mopar!!!!!!