I agree on the "can't...do...stock..." thought, but also would hate to do something difficult to reverse like cutting sheetmetal, especially on a solid car with a rare engine combo.
But...I can't do stock either, so my '78 Ghia with 2.3L/4-speed/Sport package car will be getting a bunch of mods also...just nothing that requires any cutting. The MII wheel wells will hold significantly larger than stock wheels with the right choice of backspacing.
Here's some ideas for you:
1. Build a hot carburated 2.3L, either with a new 2.5L block and roller cam EFI head or with the original 2.3L block. Use an EFI lower manifold and adapter for a 4bbl with a new EFI head, or use vintage speed parts (Offy 4bbl intake, etc.) on your original head. A header is no big problem with the Ranger shortie or MII 2.3L long-tube header.
2. Build a Turbo 2.3L, using parts right out of a '87-'88 Turbo T-Bird. The battery tray and gas tank is about the only metal you'd have to modify.
3. Use a T-5 in place of the RAD 4-speed.
4. Swap to 5-lugs. The wheels you have pictured look a lot like the old Shelby Cobra (2 seater) (Halibrand?) wheels. They are being duplicated in a range of sizes these days. A set of 17"x8" wheels looks huge in the MII wheel wells.
5. Use a wider rear axle (either 8", 8.8", or 9") to use modern positive offset wheels. A Fox 8.8" rear could be converted to 5-lugs and have leaf spring mounts welded on pretty cheaply. I seem to recall someone offering wider tubular
suspension arms also, but I don't know what that would do to your geometry.
My plans are for a high compression 2.3L using the original block and a ported head with roller cam and Ranger shorty header. I found a NOS Offenhouser 4bbl intake and Holley 390 CFM 4bbl carb on eBay last year. I just need a good roller HO roller cam to complete the package.
The carburated 2.3L should make an easy 150 HP, which should move my Ghia pretty well with a 3.55 rear gear. A stock Turbo 2.3L would have about 225 HP, while mildly modified Turbos can make 300 HP. Either should move your CBII pretty well.
Eventually I'll add a T-5 transmission. I have a set of 15"x7" Fox mild positive offset wheels, so I'm hoping I can skip the spacers, but its not likely.
