65 Fastback - Help Me Build It

[65-Fstbk]

Hi All,

My first post ever so if things seem a bit plain, sorry.

I'm about to start a 1965 Fastback resto and would like your opinions. The goal is to build a nice summer cruiser with some pep when you hit the pedal. Not a strip car or anything.

Currently an inline 6 car so I'll be doing a V8 swap and will probably be doing a HO302. When I swap to the V8 does the steering column need to be swapped out as well?

Thinking of an 8" rear end with 3:55 posi. Comments?

I would like to do the Granada disc brake swap. I know the spindles need to be changed etc but was wondering about the calipers being too big for factory styled steel wheels. I would like to fit factory styled wheels on it when done. I've read that Granada discs won't work as the "snout" is too big and needs to be turned by a machine shop in order to work. What's the "snout" and does anyone know how much it needs to be turned to fit the factory style steel wheels???

As far as transmission goes. I'm a stick sorta guy but it's a pain in the a$$ in traffic getting the neverending left leg workout. So if I do an auto what do you suggest? C4 C6 or ?? Also what type of shift kit to give it "go"??

Thanks for all your suggestions. I can't wait to get started.

Chris

 

[danny clemens]

If you really want some pep you might as well go with a 351W. An 8" rear with 3:55's would be just fine in my opinion. The snout they're talking about is the part of the rotor that sticks through the hole in the center of the wheel. You definately don't want a C6 for this car. A C4 can be built to withstand a lot of hp. Good luck.

 

[washMO66]

In a 65-66 a 302 based motor will be all you need for a nice street driver. Why go 351W and edure the fitment issues that go with it (yes I know it will fit but header fitment etc is a pain) Frankly advising someone new to go 351W in a 65-66 engine compartment is kind of silly.......

If a built 302 won't get you the pep you need just stroke it. Depending on your power levels and how you use the car the 8" will live, but if you plan to put sticky tires on it and pull holeshots all day go 9".

If you want an auto a well prepared C-4 will handle all you can throw at it and a C-6 would do nothing more but add weight, suck power and be a tougher fit (see 351W comments above)

Can't comment on the granada swap as I went aftermarket and to the best of my knowledge your steering column will work fine.

Welcome and enjoy your fastback.

 

[65fastbackresto]

Tips

For what you want stay with 302.

C-4 tranny, C-6 wont fit without mods.

Steering shaft is fine.

If you have 4 lug bolt pattern change to 5 lug.

Beef up the suspension.

You`ll need a V-8 radiator. Bigger fuel line from tank to motor.

 

[Sicarius428]

I suggest a 302 based stroker... best compromise between size and power. C4 because as stated before fitment issues, among others that its just damn heavy and you loose more power to the rear with a C6. The 66 body is light... use that advantage. If you are going 5 lug you might want to think about upgrading the brakes while you are at it... there are a couple people that make brackets to adapt sn95 brakes which there are plenty of parts for out there. A 9 inch would be ideal... especially if you are thinking of getting it packed with a limited slip 3.55. Subframe connectors along with suspension.
Kevin

 

[danny clemens]

In a 65-66 a 302 based motor will be all you need for a nice street driver. Why go 351W and edure the fitment issues that go with it (yes I know it will fit but header fitment etc is a pain) Frankly advising someone new to go 351W in a 65-66 engine compartment is kind of silly.......

I don't think it's silly at all. An early 351W would be a lot cheaper than building a stroker and with a few mods be a very streetable engine with more low end torque. It's not that hard to make one fit with a minimum of mods. If he is able to change the suspension he should be able to do the engine swap easily. They're definately isn't anything wrong with a 302 but for about the same money you get a whole lot more power with the 351W.

 

[washMO66]

Hi All,

The goal is to build a nice summer cruiser with some pep when you hit the pedal. Not a strip car or anything.

Based on his comment above I don't think he is looking for "a whole lot more power"

I'm just saying less headaches with the right sized motor for the car. It's a 65-66 after all and a 302 will give him all he needs, if he wants mucho power he can go stroker (for not much more money), 351W or hell why not cut out the shock towers and put in a 585 series big block....... that would be a neat crusier with some punch

351W suggestion - silly for what his goals are Danny Clemens.... Everybody has an opinion and based on the responses to the thread so far it looks like the opinion is 302...

 

[AdamInChains]

Might consider an AOD trans.

 

[chemeng]

Just say no to "Granada"

Had tons of bumpsteer issues with the Granada setup. Finally dumped them and put my stock V8 65 spindles back on with an aftermarket kit. Bumpsteer solved. I've heard there are new Granada spindles that have the arm lowered to match the 65 geometry, but going with the original spindles solved my headache.

As far as tranny, I like the T-5. It is my 2nd favorite upgrade after the 331 stroker. If going auto, AOD is the way to go. No screaming at high rpm's on the interstate for long periods of time!

Mike

 

[Sicarius428]

A T5 should do fine if you don't launch hard and bang the gears around too much. From what your goals are it will suite you just fine. An AOD would be the way to go if you want to go auto. I agree, the 351 is just too much for his wants. It will make more power but a 302 or based stroker with some good heads should be more than enough to push a 66 around. For ease of install for possibly your first conversion... I would say 331 or 347 stroker. I would either go with a local engine builder or with this guy. http://www.rnhperformance.com/ From what I have heard he has been pretty busy so be patient with him. I would suggest staying away from DSS and CHP because their quality has been slowly on the decline as of late.
Kevin

 

[Tubo(2-bo)]

Start out with getting your 6cyl brakes & suspension swapped out. Especially if your I-6 is running, leave it till later.
Insted of swapping everything at once, do one system at a time. Getting rid of the 4 lug, poor I-6 running gear is a good start.
Granada discs can be fine, by now their old tech, but if you have 'em their fine.
Use Daze"s front suspension set up, http://home.bresnan.net/~dazed/drop Though thipage is about the Arning/Shelby Drop the alignment specs at the end will help prevent bumpsteer problems , other have had with the Granada brakes.
An 8" Rear will do just fine for your stated needs.
Forget the C-6 entirely, it'sa power robber, C-4 is OK, I much prefer the AOD, or even better 4R70W myself. Read up on them here http://tccoa.com/articles/tranny/index.html#
By the time your suspension is done, you'll be ready for the drive train, then you can make a more informed choice on power plant.

 

[65-Fstbk]

You guys are all GREAT

Thanks for all your opinions. You're advice is well taken.

The inline 6 is currntly running so I was going to start as follows:

V8 steering and suspension swap

5 lug changeover with discs up front (you've got me wondering about the Granada swap now)

Will then pull the driveline and detail the engine bay

Change mounts

Add new motor (351 sounds nice but will probably stick with the HO302), and trans (I think the C4 will do)

Then add the new rear ( can I have the 8" from the 6 cyl converted to 3:55 with posi or do I need a new rear??)

Going to use 620 coils up front and rear leafs with 1" drop

15x7 Styled factory steel wheels

Interior re-do

Paint

Is that the right order.

Once again, thanks to you all. Your input is well received.

Chris

 

[65fastbackresto]

Your rear end...

You better not assume its an 8 inch, alot of the factory 6 bangers came with 7 1/4 inch rears. You can determine this by looking at the back of the housing, if the bolts that hold the cover on are on the back, its a 7 1/4.

If the bolts are in the front, its an 8 or better.

 

[SoCalCruising]

Yeah, prolly not an 8". If you must buy an 8" for this car, then it's worth doing it right. Find someone with a 65-66 rear laying around (I have one ...), and buy it cheap. But get a 67-up center section, which has extra ribs for strength, and a limited slip. Axles are the same. You can get one from Currie, or a bunch of other places. 3.55:1 gears will be fine. Stay mild on the motor build so the converter won't be too big of an issue.

Is your car a stick now? If so, a T-5 will be fine. Use a diaphragm clutch and the pedal pressure will be like a modern car. Otherwise, a C-4 is fine for 'round town stuff. Lot's of highway miles are a drag with even 3.55s, though. An AOD would be sweet.

 

[65-Fstbk]

Rear End & Trans

Good points, thanks, I'll check on that.

I think I may use AOD trans based on what you are all saying. What works well? Something from a late model Mustang or ??

I will try to find a factory 8 or 9 inch rear and have adapted for 3:55's with LS.

Also, I do have a set of Ford Motorsports GT-40 Heads

Thanks again for all your help.

Chris


By the way, a colour poll (not sure how to add the actual poll but this'll do):

I'm thinking:
Wimbeldon White w/ Guardsman blue Shelby stripes (white/blue int)
Honey Gold (Original colour) with White Shelby Stripes (white gold int)
Silver Blue (blue or black int)

 

[Sicarius428]

C4 or AOD... not an AODE. The E is computer controled which is more recent.
Kevin

 

[Iamdiffrnt]

For the Granada setup www.discbrakeswap.com has the adjusted spindles that were already mentioned, and the price isn't bad. I also agree on the 302/C-4 will be fine, or if you can, go with the AOD. Sounds Like you've got your priorities straight, good luck with the project.