Well, since I want to be able to restore the '68 back to stock pretty easily, what are my engine options? I've heard that the 351C/351W is a drop-in for this car. I've also heard that a bigger (390, 429 and 460) motor requires modification like moving the shock towers up front.
Is that true? How big a motor can I just drop in? How much work is it to put a big block in?
Thanks! Thomas
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1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8" w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
The VIN is 8T01CXXXXXX. If I read it right, it should have the 289 2bbl that's in it now.
So you think I could go nuts and put a 429 in it? I assume that would involve a different transmission (prolly rear end), too.
Thomas
The 390's and 428's are called "FE's." The 429's and 460's are called "385 series." The FE is a drop in for a '68, although yes you should upgrade the entire drivetrain. The 385 will fit, but only with an aftermarket kit that mounts it up high and forward, or with some form of shocktower trimming or elimination.
I wouldn't go with a big block. You can get 400 hp/400 ft/lbs with a
351 Windsor. Ford itself sells one rated at 385 hp. Even cheaper would be a $2000 Ford 5.0 shortblock and some aftermarket heads off eBay or a swap meet. That would get you to 300-350 hp for less than $3000. In a 1.5 ton car that's plenty for a start. Your existing drivetrain can live with that, and if you decide later that it's not enough you could add a supercharger. 180 Out"Thomas Cameron" wrote
I'd stick with a W. C's arew hard to find in decent condition and the W was made longer and has ALL the upgrades from a 5.0 except the intake. This all equals saved $$$
Who's the 'tard that told you that?
NO!!!
How bout this???
ROFLMAO - too funny.
So you are saying that you can drop a 460 in without having to modify the engine compartment? Just the appropriate motor mounts? I've got a line on a fresh rebuilt 460 with a 7 year/70K mile warranty for pretty cheap
So between the motor and the performance work it would be a little over $2000 plus shipping.
I know that I will need to come up with intake and exhaust manifolds, carb, headers, pipes, etc. I am not sure about what else I will need, but I assume the list will be long. I am not sure about the electical system, whether the stock power steering will work with this motor, etc.
Can you offer any opinions or advice?
Thanks! Thomas
"Thomas Cameron" wrote
Honestly, I would talk to Bill S and/or CobraJet in AHPBBFM, especially if you want to go big block. I myself would go with a stroker small block.
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