I have a 61 falcon and contemplating upgrading the factory 144 to either a 289 or a bigger inline. What do you guys think???
I think you should put a Buick in it. Here's how http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427930&highlight=gasser
V8s are faster, period. But a proper Falcon V8 conversion includes the front suspension, brakes, steering, and rear end in addition to the engine and trans. The skinny four lug stuff is just not up to the abuse unless you drive it like a grandma on smooth streets. Figure all of this into the 289 swap. If you go with a 200 six, it'll bolt in and even with a few mods, it will be safe and fine with stock suspension/rear end. And a good 200 is a fun little motor to drive, torquey and more than enough to keep up with modern traffic. This is obviously the least expensive way to go. -KK
not sure if i will ever make up my mind. i just might get both. 200 first and then get the 289 and pick up everything as i go, then when i have everything for the 289 swap it again. your never finished anyway.
in high school my bud built a 200 6 with a 4brl nad it would out torque most small blocks he went up against. and you dont have to do the front end
just a side note to add in. Once upon a time, Dad's 63 comet had an oil delivery problem in his 200. Working at the local auto parts store, I discovered that the first year mustang 250 has the same bell housing pattern as the 140, 160, 200,220. So Dad's s-22 comet has a 250 in it with no mods. It keeps up with everything, and gets good mileage.
Do a late model big bellhousing 200 with a T5 and swap on the alloy Classic Inlines cylinder head. Great head and with a small 390 4bbl or a 500 2bbl, you'll be pushing 200hp from that little motor.
300 Ford six. Will make a 289 look sick. (or a 302 even) fun fast and furious. And no Bubbas It is not 20 feet long. Most sixes are with in an inch or so a a v8. (The V8 pump has extra length to fit in the 6 cyl hole. The difference often compensated for by the length of the water pump. Parts are plentiful , power is huge and it will bring crowds at every cruise in. DonD "The Peppermill" was a famous 60s Falcon with a 300 six.
What about a built 300 inch truck six, with a single 4-bbl or two-2-bbls and a T5 5 speed???? That could be cool! Mart3406 =================================
I am (unless I sell my Comet) going with an inline 6, small 4bbl, split header and true dual exhaust. Pretty much stock engine with maybe a cam and some mild head work depending on the cost vs. a new head. That is...unless I can sell it first. I battled with putting my mild 289 in my '61 and putting the 390 in the truck, but I like my 289 to much to put it in something I would rather sell.
Look for a V8 Maverick or Comet---you would end up using several pieces from it for your conversion, and it would be cheaper than buying everything you need piece by piece.
sylverxrs, sorry I have been meening to shoot you a PM for a few days now. I'm a friend of Cacey's and our buddy Drew told me to look up your post. I swapped out the 200 in my mustang for a 302 so I know how to do the swap and what needs to be changed as well at what you can keep (in a Mustang at least). If you have any questions shoot me a PM on here. Let me know what you need for parts too I have a bunch of Ford stuff at the shop. Later, Roger
I've heard you have to custom fit a later bigger six, (Like in the Giulmet/Bade Ranchero) and the 289 is a bolt-in.
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