Looking to turn 96 Mustang GT into Drag Car?

I'm barely starting to get into the mechanics of cars so bare with me, I'm informing myself as much as possible. I'm looking to hit 9 seconds in 1/4 mile. Would this be possible in a stock 96 gt engine 4.2L 215hp (of course modifications would be added to increase torque/HP to hit 9 secs) or would I be better off looking at buying another engine? If so what other options should I consider? Aftermarket engines or ford engines, doesn't matter. I'm just interested in engines at the moment, I'm already in the process of stripping weight off the car.

Before you even start on the car you should look into the rules and regulations of your local drag strip, you need to know what you need to to to pass tech inspection.

for example you need to have a steel battery hold down, radiator overflow tank, driveshaft safety loop, Throttle control must be manually operated by foot and be fitted with two positive-acting return springs attached directly to the carb throttle arm., There can be no more than 12 inches of rubber fuel line throughout the car. Approved braided-steel fuel line (as well as approved woven-type line with push-lock connectors as available from Aeroquip) is accepted. Inline glass fuel filters are prohibited, except for stock factory-offered setups plumbed with original hardline tubing.Hardtop cars must have at least a five-point rollbar when running 11.99 or quicker and a full rollcage (eight-point or more) when running 9.99 or quicker
and there's much much more to do to pass tech inspection

to get your mustang in the 9s you'll probably need a turbo or to install a big block v8, 9s is around 145 mph in the 1/4, I. Guess you'd need 500 to 600 horsepower and you won't get that from your 4.3 liter engine unless it has a big turbo and maybe nitrous too
you should be less ambitious and think low 13s unless you plan on spending $75,000 to $100,000 on your car and making a ton of changes, you might end up with nothing but the body and everything else being replaced

In your dreams you think your going to hit 9's in a stock engine. Your best bet is to find a a build V8 motor that can handle up to 800+ HP. And look to be spending 20 + grand.

I would go with a GM engine. Your Ford just won't do it.

9s a cobra engine, larger fuel injectors, ECU performance chip and supercharger

You must have the super rare 1996 Mustang GT with the 4.2L. Most of them had the 2 valve 4.6L…