Howdy folks, first post here. I've been on the hunt for an older mustang, and/or a falcon. This is a vehicle that will be a fun daily driver, and ideally get reasonable economy (20+ mpg, 25+ would be awesome, but let's be realistic).
The more practical vehicle to buy is a newer used 4 banger of some sort, but, well, that's boring. They also tend to be a POS that need work anyway. I'd rather work on something I enjoy.
I come across many I6 falcons and mustangs that are in a decent price range, with a 3 speed. Now, the I6 looks like it could be a hoot to build, so I haven't ruled that out. I'd like to eventually see 200ish HP to the wheel. It seems that could be difficult, or at least expensive with a 200 I6. I could probably live with 150 to the wheel though, and perhaps that is more realistic with the I6. Turbos can solve many problems though.
I'd also likely convert to a T5 no matter what I do. So it begs the question, why not just put an entire 5.0 drivetrain from a 87-93 in it?. ...and, of course that leads you down the rabbit hole of upgrading your spindles and rear axle control arms, brakes, etc. The only real consistent reason I've heard for this is to handle the weight; however, if you run alum heads and intake on the 302 and remove the no longer needed accessories the 302 starts getting pretty close to the weight of the I6 (from the quick math I've done).
So, it must be more than just weight... a faster car should have better brakes and handling right? If that is the case, then doesn't a hotter I6 also necessitate the need to upgrade to 5 bolt stuff? I guess my question is "how" necessary is it, is a MUST do?
Now, i'm not against any of this, but when you start adding up the costs for all of the conversion - well, maybe this car just isn't the proper candidate for what I'm trying to do. I have come across a pretty straight, complete 66 coupe 200 I6 3 speed. It needs paint, cleaning up and standard maintenance done, but for the most part is a great starting point - it is a functional vehicle right now. He also already has decent 4 bolt wheels and tires on it that are near brand new. I just know that the 80-100HP it gets to the wheel isn't going to keep me happy.
Maybe I'm worrying about this too much, especially if there are grassroots ways to upgrade the suspension and handling (the "kits" I've found are 3000+).
The more practical vehicle to buy is a newer used 4 banger of some sort, but, well, that's boring. They also tend to be a POS that need work anyway. I'd rather work on something I enjoy.
I come across many I6 falcons and mustangs that are in a decent price range, with a 3 speed. Now, the I6 looks like it could be a hoot to build, so I haven't ruled that out. I'd like to eventually see 200ish HP to the wheel. It seems that could be difficult, or at least expensive with a 200 I6. I could probably live with 150 to the wheel though, and perhaps that is more realistic with the I6. Turbos can solve many problems though.
I'd also likely convert to a T5 no matter what I do. So it begs the question, why not just put an entire 5.0 drivetrain from a 87-93 in it?. ...and, of course that leads you down the rabbit hole of upgrading your spindles and rear axle control arms, brakes, etc. The only real consistent reason I've heard for this is to handle the weight; however, if you run alum heads and intake on the 302 and remove the no longer needed accessories the 302 starts getting pretty close to the weight of the I6 (from the quick math I've done).
So, it must be more than just weight... a faster car should have better brakes and handling right? If that is the case, then doesn't a hotter I6 also necessitate the need to upgrade to 5 bolt stuff? I guess my question is "how" necessary is it, is a MUST do?
Now, i'm not against any of this, but when you start adding up the costs for all of the conversion - well, maybe this car just isn't the proper candidate for what I'm trying to do. I have come across a pretty straight, complete 66 coupe 200 I6 3 speed. It needs paint, cleaning up and standard maintenance done, but for the most part is a great starting point - it is a functional vehicle right now. He also already has decent 4 bolt wheels and tires on it that are near brand new. I just know that the 80-100HP it gets to the wheel isn't going to keep me happy.
Maybe I'm worrying about this too much, especially if there are grassroots ways to upgrade the suspension and handling (the "kits" I've found are 3000+).
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