Engine recommendations

[Nathan289]

hello everyone,
ok, I decided to go with a 6 over a v-8. I have a 351W if anyone is interested...
but back to my problem.
I have a 63 falcon futura. it was origanally a 170 with a Fordo matic tranny. It now has neither. I got it that way.
I cant decide what 6 to run. right now Im looking at a 200ci 6.
I want to know what size 6 to look for and what years are better than others.
I have found two 200ci one is a 68 and the other is from a 64 1/2 mustang. the mustang one was just pulled and was a running motor and is complete. the 68 engine is missing the exhaust manifold. and some other parts.
I was hoping to get an aussie head maybe next year.
I want performance from the 6
Thanx,
Nathan

 

[PutPut6]

How much are you looking for the 351 and what kind of condition is it in?
Thanks

Andrew

 

[Nathan289]

its a 71 351W.
I dont know what the miles are. as for condition its an unmolested 351.
Everything is standard. its all apart in pieces. I took it apart to send it out to have work done to it. but I changed my mind.
I paid 300 for it. thats what i would like to get it for.
Unfortunately shipping would cost a fortune. the only way I can get further from Florida was if I was in Alsaka.
Nathan

 

[Asa]

How much are you looking for the 351 and what kind of condition is it in?
Thanks

Andrew

i have a '78 351W from a truck that i'd be willing to sell, Havana Florida
$300 would be what i'd let it go for
there was someone else interested in buying it, but i haven't heard anything from them about buying it

as for what engine, get one with the 7 main bearings, the '68 would have that, not sure about the '64
the 250ci I6 has 50 more inches on it, but depending on what you're going to do with the six, it would be pointless to fab up everything necessary to drop it in your car

 

[Nathan289]

asa_67
Thanks, I knew about the 7 mains. though I thought all 200 had 7 mains.
Do you know where I can find that info??
Did a 64 1/2 even orginally come with a 200? I thought they were still 170.
the 250 would be cool but I heard they wont fit in a 63 falcon with out alot of mods probably something like engine mounts.
So I'm thinking a 200 with an aussie head as soon as I can afford it.
but while i'm recycling my aluminum cans i can atleast build the block and get that ready for the head.
Nathan

 

[mustang6]

Any interest in trading a 200 for the 351 W? I have a '65 200 (standard, early bellhousing type- includes flywheel, clutch, bellhousing) that needs a rebuild and a '78 200 (standard, late bellhousing style- includes automatic flywheel) that might have a lot of miles left in it. Both blocks are complete with heads removed- your choice of a '65 small-log head or a '69 large-log head with either engine. I live near Tacoma, WA.

 

[Nathan289]

I might be willing to work a deal for my 351W.
I do need a 6 I also need the tranny.
I'd be interested in the later engine.
I'm waiting to hear from a guy here local with a complete running 200
from a mustang. he didnt want much for it.
So I'll get back to you,
Nathan

 

[falcon fanatic]

Since you are starting from scratch, you may also want to take a serious look at your transmission choice. This might be a good time to acquire and fit a t-5. that will allow you to squeeze much more performance out of your 200.

I'm not so sure a 250 would be that hard to adapt, btw. Have you seen what the falcon handbook has to say about that? With an aussie head you could get some serious power and gobs of torque from a 250.

 

[Nathan289]

I'd love to do a t-5. but the car was an auto car.
meaning Id have to get the clutch pedal assymbly. which really isnt that hard. then cut the floor for a shifter.
I dont have the bank to get a modern driveline s-10 tail shaft t-5.
To go the t-5 route i'd more or less have to go with a 250 woulnd't
I?
I guess I need to buy that book.
Thanx,
Nathan

 

[John McManus]

The 64-1/2 mustang had the falcon 170ci engine. The True 65 started the 200ci through late 68-early69. The 200ci would be the best choice of the two.

 

[TheDude]

The 64-1/2 mustang had the falcon 170ci engine. The True 65 started the 200ci through late 68-early69. The 200ci would be the best choice of the two.

John is correct. If it is really a 64 1/2 engine then it is a 170ci I6. A 200ci would be better. If I am not mistaken, the 200 should be a pretty direct bolt-in, in place of the 170.

 

[Nathan289]

i found out the guy was wrong it was a 200 from a 66 mustang not a 64 1/2.
I went and checked it out. too bad he was more interested in selling it than trading me for my vee-eight
Nathan

 

[ruckus68]

Hmmm to V8 or not to V8 - that is the question. I have thought many times about putting a V8 in my mustang. it is nice to have alot of power and parts availability, but the uniqueness of a built 6 is nice also. I can't decide.

why did you decide to put in a six if you already have the 8?

John

 

[Nathan289]

I just changed my mind.
I found a 351W awhile ago and bought it. because I wanted a vee-eight.
But I've come to realize that I dont need that much motor for what i plan on using this car for. Its just going to be a cruiser.
So I was hoping to sell the vee-eight and find a 6 to hop up.
I was hoping to better gas mileage from a 6 and still have enough get up and go. wouldnt want to get creamed while getting on the freeway.
later,
Nathan

 

[michael_cini]

Hi Nathan,

It is a harder install but if you are concerned about power then you should use a 250 I6. Find one out of a 77 or later Ford and it will have the more preferred head with larger valves and hardened valve seats for unleaded gas. Look for granadas, mavericks, etc. my 63 round body has a 250 and C4 out of a 75 maverick. It's no race car, but a real nice bump up from a 170. I highly recommend that you purchase the ford falcon six cylinder performance handbook, it's well worth it and has tons of information.

Best,

Michael

 

[Nathan289]

Michael,
i'll be buying that book. thats on my things to do list.
question how did you get the 250 to fit? did you have to make custom engine mounts.
i've been told that you can stick a 250 in a 63 but it isnt easy and the taller deck of the 250 causes clearence issues.
Now I only wish I could find a granada or maverick in a wrecking yard here. I might be able to find a Fairmont if its early 80's but anything older its pretty much a yeah right kinda thing.
So far I've settled on a 68 200 I6 because its priced right.
I'm not looking for race car I just want a quick and strong I6.
you know header with duals and maybe a 3X1 manifold or something.
a healthy cam. something I can cruise with get good Mpg and still do a burn out if i want too.:roll:
Nathan

 

[t-west]

On a related note, how about going with the 66 200 and a post 77 250 head? Sure you might have to mill the head a bit to maintain the compression ratio, but iIf you're modifying anyway, would that be a viable alternative?

 

[Nathan289]

T-west,
I'll probably do something like that. build my 68 200 and use a 250 head if i cant afford an ausie head.
I'd love to find an old Offy 3X1v manifold.
we'll see what happens. I dont expect to be road worthy for awhile.
probably along while
Nathan

 

[michael_cini]

hi nathan,

i did not put in the engine, the previous owner had it installed. i however do know the mechanic and he does great work. i believe he did have to make custom mounts, but you could always pattern some after mine! yes, there are issues, the air cleaner barely clears the hood, and a different water pump and fan blade had to be used, but it was done well and it is a beautiful thing!

the book discusses these issues and more, buy it.

best,

michael

Michael,
i'll be buying that book. thats on my things to do list.
question how did you get the 250 to fit? did you have to make custom engine mounts.
i've been told that you can stick a 250 in a 63 but it isnt easy and the taller deck of the 250 causes clearence issues.
Now I only wish I could find a granada or maverick in a wrecking yard here. I might be able to find a Fairmont if its early 80's but anything older its pretty much a yeah right kinda thing.
So far I've settled on a 68 200 I6 because its priced right.
I'm not looking for race car I just want a quick and strong I6.
you know header with duals and maybe a 3X1 manifold or something.
a healthy cam. something I can cruise with get good Mpg and still do a burn out if i want too.:roll:
Nathan