Projects 62 Falcon drive train decision.

I recently acquired a 62 falcon in pretty good shape from my late father in law. I don't know a lot about the history of this car except someone has attempted to do some restoration prior to my (or his) owning it. It has an original 170 I6 and a Fordomatic 2 speed.

When I got it the engine ran poorly, but it would drive. After an engine tune-up, the transmission torque converter is locked, and it doesn't shift. Also after more tinkering, it has started to puke transmission fluid from the bell housing while running.

I know it is strange to come here for opinion but I want this car to be unique while keeping the sentiment it holds for my wife and I as it reminds us of a loved one. Also I want to leave the car itself mostly original because I love the way it drives

Here are what I feel are best options.
1. My personal least favorite. Is to try to make the Fordomatic work again. (Possibly just dirty filter?)
2. I have a 61 Galaxy donor car with a 3 speed manual.
3. 81 fairmont with a 200 big bell. (Keeps the I6 look under the hood, but from what I read it would hold up to some boost if I decided to pep it up later.)
4. I also own an 88 5.0 Mustang fox body. This would be a complete tear down re-do, but I understand that the fox bodies are similar enough that it wouldn't be too serious. This option would be fun, but would completely change the way it drives, handles.

I go out and start this car every couple weeks and think on this decision. I currently have the time/money to start on it, but just can't make a decision on which way to go.

 

I voted for the 200 because you indicated you want to keep it mostly original. That being said, I’m not sure they made a C-6 that would bolt up to a 200. That transmission is also overkill for the 200. A C-4 would be a much better choice, besides the C-6 takes a lot of power to turn. I’m also a manual transmission guy, so I would prefer a 3 speed, but that’s a personal opinion. @Crazy Steve could provide someone valuable insight, as he is one of the most knowledgeable Ford guys I’ve ever seen.

 

200 with a 3-speed overdrive.

 

It looks like a really nice car. I found this discussion about swapping a later six cylinder engine and transmission into an early Falcon that may be useful: https://fordsix.com/threads/144-to-a-later-model-200-swap-in-a-62-falcon.85103/

 

250 and a t5

or use a c4. Those are built to handle big blocks these days
Easier to fit

build the fox body in the off topic forum

 

I had a '61 Ranchero that I swapped in a 200 and c4 from a mid 70's Maverick. Everything went in easy.

 

The V-8 swap would be the most difficult, but the end result the most fun. The 4-bolt front and rear would need to be changed. With the right mounts the engine / transmission should bolt in. Your Falcon looks really straight and rust free….its a good start whichever route you go.

 

I would fix the Fordo-matic, enjoy and drive while gathering up a 200 and OD trans of your choice. T5, old BW OD etc. Lots of choices.

The reason for that is the Fordo is one of the simplest autos to repair. Did my first one in a 61 Ranchero, in my drive/garage in the mid 60s. If I can, at that age, with those tools and facilities, anyone can!

That assumes parts are available at reasonable prices. ( just took a look, full rebuild kits are available for around 250, not too bad.)
edit: found a full kit on ebay for 200 bucks. So a couple of days and 200 will get it driving.

Fyi, I really doubt the converter is locked, more likely just a front seal leaking, or maybe one of the welded in mounting studs is cracked. That was what was wrong with mine when I got it. Everyone else that looked/listened to it thought all the rods and mains were really loose. Huge knock from the broken stud and lost all the trans fluid.
The no-shift issue could be as simple as vacuum leak or bad modulator.

 

I'd say the first thing you need to decide is whether you want something you can drive a lot, or something you just drive to a rod run now and then. You may drive it a lot in just good weather, and have something else for inclement daily driving......but decide how much you want to drive it.

Once thats decided, if you only want a rod run and on special occasion driver, I'd keep it stock and fix the transmission. You don't really need to think about more power just to get to a rod run and talk about the old days. It also has somewhat more value if you don't change stuff.

If you decide to make it an "often" driver, then you are going to want more power to drive on the expressways of today.......80mph vs 55 mph in the 60s. If so, I'd go with a small V8 Ford and a 5 speed manual trans.....or 4 speed automatic with overdrive. You will need to upgrade the rearend if you go that route. You might even find some bucket seats and a console from an old Falcon to dress it up a little. It doesn't have to be awsumly fast, but having some pep can make a car more fun to drive without breaking the pocketbook. I'd try to keep it simple...........these things have a way of getting out of hand if you don't focus properly.

 

Nope.

The 250 won't allow the hood to close.

 

Thank you, I hadn't found this one this is the same engine i am referring to in the Fairmonts. (I have 4 of them, 1 has a) the fairmonts have a revisit to the old 200 I've found them referred to as a big bell, because they have the v8 bell housing like the 300s did.
I'm not sure why my brain is clinging to the idea of turbocharging a 200, but i understand the can handle a fair amount of boost.

 

200, T5.

 

Isn't the 250 basically the same block as the 300? I know the 300 is huge comparatively.

 

My street 200 has 11.25:1 compression, and is backed by a T56.

I used to have a T5. It worked well.

A C6 won't fit in the tunnel without major surgery. Even the T5 requires the tabs on the case to be trimmed flush, and a bit of hammer work for clearance.

If you want an automatic, a C4 or an AOD is where it is at.

 

Nope.

The 240/300 is a totally different engine, which also does not fit.

The 250 is the same basic layout as a 144-170-200, but has a taller deck, to accommodate the longer stroke.

Short of dragging your oil pan and modifying the steering, or running no hood, it doesn't fit.

 

That’s what they said about this hood

 

The T5 is an option i hadn't considered yet. It would be easy enough behind the 200 big bell...

In the long run I feel like manual trans would make it a much more fun car to drive.

As far as modification to the front end I wouldn't mind 5 lug wheels for wheel availability, but every time I drive this car the steering/suspension amazes me with how it handles. Granted, I've not had it over 40 yet.

 

Already has good looking wheels.
Put some dog dishes on it



then drop the crap out of it

 

So, forgive my dumb question, but is it an older or newer 200 block (which bell housing?) I love the T5 idea.

 

since you dont have a 414 inch small block Mopar option listed, i voted for the V8 swap. It fits nicely. But considering your original theme, i'd say the 200.

-rick

 

I have a few 318s. But I have those earmarked for other things. The soonest being a 63 w200 that my son has just started on. It was my granddad's

 

Mopar engine?
I vote slant 6

 

I've got a couple of those also... they may be heading to the scrapper soon dont know what else to do with them. 78 Volare, 82 Diplomat.

 

Those are cool

but kinda hard to get rid of

 

But a 221 will!
I knew a guy in the early 70's that had a 60 (ish) Falcon, originally 6 cyl/ 3 speed, he put a pretty nasty 221 with a T-10 and a nine inch rear in it, that thing was a handfull!

 

221 are pretty rare and bell housing to go with them.

 

I vote v8.

Got a buddy with one, v8, 5 speed manual, ford 9".

The suspension is updated, not sure what he used, might have been older mustang but it's fun. Handles well, runs really well, it's just a great all around car.

...

 

Is she a gearhead that'd notice a significant difference if it was swapped to a later V8 with mufflers? Or would the only major thing she notice is that it's peppier and more reliable?

 

Not a gearhead by any means. Also not looking for it to be a daily. Just wanted it to be a fun to drive little thing for a drive along some of his favorite rides.
There is a lot that could be said for the reliability of the fuel injected v8 option.

 

Thing about an occasional use fun car. A lot of what would make a car a more reliable daily driver would also make it more enjoyable on cruises