Planning stages for a '69 Fastback

[BigMike80]

I've got the significant other on board to get my dream car once we get settled into a house. So I figured I would come here and get some opinions from you guys.

This project will be a restomod and will be used for cruising and the occasional trip to the drag strip. Some of the things Im thinking are:

351W (351W / 400 HP Carbureted Engine at FordCobraEngines.com)
OR
428 SCJ
IFS (Mustang II or is there another way to do this?)
9" rear end
"modernized" interior (not sure what I want to do with this yet)

A few questions I have are about the engine. What are the differences between the 427, 428 and 429? Also what is the difference between the "cobra jet" and "super cobra jet" I know I can get a lot of power out of a 351 but something is drawing me to do a sort of 428 SCJ clone.

Sorry for the noob questions...I'm just eager to start learning.

 

[shoguun]

my advice is big blocks are fun but the do reduce handling cause they add a lot of weight

 

[rusty428cj]

The 427 and 428 are an FE engine and the difference is the bore and stroke. The 427 has a bigger bore and shorter stroke than a 428 and was used in Nascar and other forms of racing. The difference in a CJ and SCJ is the crank and rods. The SCJ has Lemans rods like a 427 and the crank, crank sleeve and balancer are different so it would balance. Heads, intake and cam are the same as well as the HP.

 

[onlymustangford]

The 427 and 428 can fit, but not the 429. The 429 engine is almost 2 inches wider than the others. If you want an idea of what it took for Kar Kraft to stuff in the 429, check out this page at the bottom on what was changed.

1969 Mustang - Information, options,how to's, restoring your mustang and more!

Look around a bit, it has information on all of the engines, their outputs, by model and year. I could give you some info, but beyond the horsepower numbers, there's compression, carburetors, valve train and so on. Also the cold air intake shaker hood scoops and other things.

One thing to keep in mind. A big block has the potential to make more ultimate power, but it's costly.

The extra weight also means different front springs or the car will sit low in front and bottom out with only very small bumps.

Depending on the original rear end, you could need to swap to a stronger rear end, add additional chassis stiffening, a bigger rad, different engine mounts, different drive shaft and more. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just giving you a heads up.

Either way, there's lots of ways if you're going the restomod way, there's a lot of things you can do to get that flavor. Also, be aware, that pretty much any built motor, will have more output than The stock 427 or 428 had, Cobrajet or SCJ so you have lots of room to get yourself a good fun ride.

Plus you can do all the exterior stuff, like the air dam spoilers, stripes and so on for the retro look.

How about a pic of your car as it is now?

 

[BigMike80]

I dont have it yet...I just started looking around. I have just been "ok'd" to begin the search and once we get settled I can pull the trigger on getting the car.

I'll be sure to post up pics as soon as I have my hands on one though!

 

[NasaGT]

Welcome to the forum. Its a good time to buy, thanks to the economy. A lot of people are forced to sell these days, and not alot of buyers out there.

Good luck finding your dream ride!

 

[simplyJ]

your stock front suspension is an Independent Front Suspension. I see no reason to do a Mustang II kit unless you are using a Modular Motor and really need the room (in a 69 you can notch the shock towers enough to fit one of those anyhow). I'd do a nice set of coilovers, opentracker roller arms, bigger disc brakes, and either an upgraded steering box or R&P.

Also, stick with a small block. Since you are doing a restomod, I'm assuming you'd like it to handle better than stock. No reason to make the car even more nose heavy.

 

[Hack]

If it were my car I would also stick with a small block. Now a days you can make plenty of power with a small block - and the car will handle better.

 

[68RCodeConv]

If you want cheap big block power then you should go with a 429/460 "385" series motor (NOT a Boss 429). They will bolt right in with the right set of headers. Drawback is that they are very heavy but even unstroked you can make LOTS of power.

If you just HAVE to have an FE (427,428) motor get ready to spend some money. Does not take long to drop $8K (or more) in one of those engines. I have more than that in mine (not including the drivetrain).

If it was me I would go for a stroked 351W. It will make more power than you will ever be able to put to the ground on street tires.