Auto Racing: Mustang Engine Swap, mustang engine, mustang gt

Question
Hi there!  I've got a question...  The last few days I have been thinking of doing something kinda wild...  I've heard of swapping more powerful engines into old cars, and I'm starting to want to do that myself.  I currently drive a 2001 Mustang Convertible (V6).  I'd really like to put a cobra engine into it, but I don't really know where to even start to get info about this.  All I know is that it's been done before...  These are the questions I've thought of so far:

Where can I find laws regarding this?  I live in washington state.

Would I need to change my hood?

Is there more things I'd need to replace than just the engine itself?

Last but not least, would it be a lot easier to swap in a Mustang GT engine instead?

I know that's a lot of questions, if you can answer any of them I'd really appreciate it...

Thanks!
-Carson

Answer
Carson-

 Sure, it can be done.  Cobra engines are rather expensive compared to the GT motors, but they deliver more power and like to rev higher.  Besides the engine, you'll need a few other important bits and pieces, all of which you could swipe off of a Cobra.  Namely the engine brace (a.k.a K-member), computer, fuel system, and a few suspension pieces like the springs and whatnot.  It would also be a good idea to swap an 8.8" rear end from a GT since the 7.5" rear in there now is weak...super weak.  The swap components are pretty much the same for a GT motor as well.  As far as laws go, it shouldn't be an issue.  The motors will obviously pass emissions but some states have visual inspections as well.  As far as I understand (here in Kansas there are no emissions laws) it's generally acceptable to swap engines so long as the engine was originally available in that car from the factory (and since the Cobra and GT motors came in Mustangs, that shouldn't be a problem).  You might double check that, but that's what I'd always been told.  The hood...you can keep your current hood.  I believe even the supercharged Cobra motors will clear a factory hood.  If you wanted to get REALLY experimental, you could always look into swapping in a 3-valve 4.6L from the newer Mustangs.  I'm not sure I've seen such a swap, but I'm sure Sean Hyland Motorsports is working on it.  Hope this helps.

Steve