Projects 1962 Falcon Futura - Should she stay, or should she go?

Which definition did you find.

 

If the 289 swap for $2500 is a realistic possibility, I'd be all over that. Keep in mind these type of projects can quickly escalate ($$) with the nickel/dime stuff. Cool little Falcon ya got, good luck.

 

If you go with 200 or 250 try to find a 1968 or newer donor.

 

IMHO,I would go with a V8,especially if your talking about the same money,as for selling and buying a Sprint,,that's a great idea,,if money is no object.

Just fix what you have. HRP

 

I think gimpys idea is great. (As usual) brother had a 66 mustang with a 200 and 3speed. Was pretty peppy- and you see people pulling them out for v8s all the time. I see them listed for sale for 3-400 complete. There's one on my local Craigslist right now.

 

I did a 200/C4 swap in a '64 Falcon some years back, cannot recall any issues along the way.

 

Hmmm, 62 Futura 63 Sprint
,
I'm sticken with this, the extra money would be worth it. Already done, IMHO. Had one and they are a fun ride.

 

I reiterate, A 250 WILL NOT FIT!

The water pump is bigger, and the deck height is taller. This causes both radiator and hood clearance issues.

 

This, exactly. A mid 60's 200 will be an all bolt-in, no fab required swap.

People are in such a hurry to put V8's in Mustangs that these can be had for practically free.

Remember V8 aficionados, the OP is using this as a commuter car. A V8, even up to a 302, will have the same torque and horsepower in the range that it will be most often used, for a whole lot more money, and a whole lot more fuel.

Back that 200 with a T5 from an S10, and you will have the best commuter car you could ever want, without sacrificing style, or spirited performance.

 

Had a 62 Futura years ago- really liked it- yours looks great- keep it- I found a 170 cu in when I blew up the 144- easy swap-

 

KILJOY!

 

My vote is also for a bigger six upgrade. It will give a big bang for the buck. The 200 and 144 are same dimensionally, the 250 a bit taller.

V8s are boring - the hopped up inline will draw crowds.

 

Going back to the Keep It Simple approach. This little Jewel is the devil you KNOW---You Like the car. It's YOUR car. Up grade what HAS to be done---keep your eyes open for a Good 200/c4 and when that time comes---drop that engine/trans in and SMILE----you'll love it. BILL RINALDI

 

Oops!

I guess I was assuming too much. Same principle though...

 

Gimpysrodshop has real world hop-up/driver improvements for these cars. Do not let the boys who do not like tattoos on women slow you down either. Keep it, gimpy upgrades. Research the parts & money likely needed for a major upgrade for a final decision.

 

I could easily live with the 144, but that 2-speed fordomatic would have to go.

 

The reason I like the 1968 up is you don't have to deal with the load-o-matic distributor

 

That is easily rectified, by a junkyard part.

 

Keep It Simple Stupid

Is that the one you were referring too? I hope so, because it is great advice for life in general!

 

I put a 200 in my '62...it just drops right in
The extra carbs...there lies the challenge

 

Yeah, it's on its way out anyways... So that will be the first thing I switch out for sure.

 

Purdy!

 

I've acyually been looking for an intro to car repair class at the local community college... So far it looks like you have to enroll in a whole auto mechanic certificate corse. I work long hora these days, just got a promotion at work. Hoping things will slow down soon and I can find a night class somewhere.

 

Like what?

 

If anyone is in the souther California area that knows of a cheap 200, please
Let me know. I'm thinking that might be the best fought to go. That with a c4 and some nice pipes and I think Ill be a happy camper!

 

I did just get promoted but I do live in one of the most outrageously expensive parts of SoCal... Money is sorta tight.

 

By the way, I love this forum. You guys are awesome. Thank you!

 

If the C4 swap would be the same for the 144 and the 200 I would start with the C4 swap you my find that you wont need the larger 200.

 

As long as it is not a late 200, the C4 from the 144 will bolt to it.

Up to about 1968 blocks, have the 144's 8-1/2" bell pattern, AND the 9" bell pattern.

At about 1968, they just have the 9" bell pattern.

One block, two patterns:

 

with some others - CrazySteve/Effie....look - there is a Mustang guy out there with a 66-67 up Stang that is looking to ditch the 6 and go to an 8....keep your ears and eyes out and you could pick up a good runner compo 200/6 and C4 for cheap.....it would be the best least money....we'll talk brakes later...