65 stang performance????

[mikeyo]

Hello all,
Can't wait to see how many different answers come up on this one.
Little background, I been a sbc guy for years. Got the wife a 65 stang coupe, 200 six. Without going into all the little details I was wondering what kind of real world performance can be had with a 2800 lb daily driver if I build it up but keep it reasonable. Gonna have its org C-4 and 2.82 salsbury rear (and thanks for the advice on that, diff.post).
Anyone got a similiar setup with some quarter mile times, 0-60 times, etc.? P.S. Family car is a 99 Cadillac Deville with the Northstar 300hp v8.
Any chance my planned combo will have be able to keep up with that?
Sorry if this is dumb question, but I am still a little undecided on six or eight.

 

[MustangSix]

I have a Mazdaspeed Miata with 178 hp. It weighs about 2600 lbs and it is fairly quick and very nimble. The base Miata weighs about the same but has 142 hp. Within that range of power to weight ratio, you get pretty decent acceleration.

I think if you were to build toward the same range of power to weight, you would end up with a nice running, streetable 200. The engine would still build enough torque to pull that rear gear. An engine build of about 165-170 hp would be nimble, relatively quick, and still get decent economy.

 

[TheDude]

Keep up with the posts in this forum. You will learn much just by reading the posts. One very important thing I like to point out is that if you decide to build up the engine, make sure the exhaust system is upgraded. Otherwise, not much performance will be seen if the engine lacks breathability becasue of a restrictive exhaust system.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy back Michael:

Welcome to the journey. Since this is your DF's (Dominant Female) car It would be helpful to give her preferences some consideration in planning your projects. Most females are more into cosmetics and creature comforts than the subtleties of performance, or performance image. Reliability, safety and dependability are also valued by them. What shape is the Mustang in? Miles?

There is lots of reading and ideas on this forum to consider and to learn, so read deeply. Also, a Shop Manual is a valuable tool with this car.

Here are a few things to consider while planning:
*Do a complete tune up. While you're doing it assess the ignition system- vacuum advance system, plug wires, all connections and terminals. Also assess the carburetion system- choke and hot air stove from the exhaust manifold, accelerator pump system, filters, connections, fuel lines and fuel pump. Assess the cooling system- hoses, belts, heater, radiator and fluids.
Once you've completed the tune-up and assessments, review your new list of items you've discovered in your assessment that need attention. Begin to create a plan of what to do, when to do it and how.
*Make sure that the initial advance is set at least at the stock setting of 12 degrees BTDC. For a noticeable increase in performance, economy and driveability try setting the initial advance at 16 degrees BTDC.
*Probabily the biggest single change you could make to your wife's car to improve the "Fun Factor" would be to increase the rearend gear ratio from current 2.82 to at least a 3.00:1. This is still a very good highway/economy ratio.

Along the lines of safety-
*A three-way shoulder/seat belt.
*Assess the tires, brakes and suspension. Make sure all are tip-top.
*Upgrade the brake system with a dual bowl master cylinder to replace the OEM single bowl system. Replacing the original, 40 year old flex hoses is also a good idea.

This should get you well started. Remember, If this is truly your DFs car, consider her taste when planning and upgrading.

Most of all enjoy the journey.

Adios, David

Adios, David