first post/need help

6

60falcon144

Well-known member
first post on here, just thought you guys may be able to help. i have a 1960 falcon 144 sitting at my farm and am going to start restoring it soon, just wondering if there are any mods i should do to make it more reliable? and maybe some performance mods? i was thinking headers and intake. thanks!
 
Let me be the first to welcome U....(name)...?
Welcome to the site and esp. this forum! Lotta good guys (don't recall ANY ladies) on here And some incredible knowledge/skill/experience...
We can offer some links for pretty deep research if requested.
Saw my 1st 144 several wks ago. Surprised how similar it looked to my motors (& rig - a bronk is just a 4WD falcon).

Where R U located?
What do U plan for ur end goal/final use?

There's 1 guy I C here often with a 144, just posted high 20s (may B some @ 30mpg too) on mileage, hopefully he'll be by soon...
 
so...yes to all of those. However, like this forum there are not just a huge variety of options, but a large variety of ways you can do each option.

your absolutely best bet is to get the falcon performance handbook:

http://www.classicinlines.com/proddetai ... SP-200-FSH

not only does it get into the full spectrum of options, but the easiest ways go do them. It also has a section on planning your upgrades; plan 1 cheap or free, plan 2 options with head still on, plan 3 head off upgrades, and plan 4 bottom end options.

one issue you will have, in my opinion, is everything you do will cost the same on your 144 as it will on a 170, 200, or 250, but won't get you quite as much bang for that buck. There's a couple sections in the handbook on upgrading your round body falcon to a 200 or a 250 six if they're available to you. If not, head swaps can increase breathing and make headers a better value, but you can add a larger carb to add power as well if you just want to bolt on parts. Adding a properly re-curved dizzy with a pertronix electronic ignition upgrade can add power and reliability too.

I guess I should ask, do you have restrictions on what you want or can do?
 
Ditto everything those guys have already said. I would add that the single largest improvement you can make for performance, fuel economy and reliability is to switch to electronic ignition. The cheapest is a salvage Duraspark system. Next cheapest is the Pertronix. Then come a new Duraspark and then the DUI sold here at Classics Inline. The Handbook will show you how. Everything else is a matter of choice.
 
"...cheapest is a salvage Duraspark..."

that (a Duraspark II) from a junk yrd and a recurved dizzy would B #1. These I6s do not breath very well so yer intake idea is tough (w/our integral log head).

Everything after the DSII depends on end goal/ur specific application (everything automotive to me is application - whadda ya want the rig for/to do). I'm a systems thinker (& employ) and believe that approach needs to be utilized here as well. Can't just slap some "tubes" on & get a hp kick. Also why I mention further research for ya. Come to know these I6s - I have (10 yrs research: 144, 170, 200, 250, 240, 300) & have... (searchin 4 wrds here) a special respect for them, know more of their ins & outs.. So - again:

want a restomod, period correct, show car, racer, daily driver, toy, etc?
Mine's the 1st plus last 2 and a money maker (wrks for income/it's keep).
 
Remember this is a '60 144 , so the salvage yard or standard rebuilt Duraspark stuff is a no go with the original engine . Classic Inlines has DS ll and DUI units with the right shaft size to fit but that involves some $$ . Of course a lot depends on the end goal . The Falcon Performance Manual is full of information and I highly recommend getting a copy of the factory repair manual . If the engine needs a lot of work , a replacement 170 would fit right in with a noticeable power difference and no real loss of MPGs .
 
"...restricted on what i can do on it since i am only 16..."
don't believe it, brother, or you will be
;^)
I would suggest a near stock restore for reliability and low MPGs then, no?
Again, where R U located, please? Just a 1/4 or 1/2 of what state ur in should suffice...
don't need to reveal any identifying info, please.
 
60falcon144":2kwb0i8a said:
Also the factory repair manual may still be in the car as it only had one owner
Click to expand...
You may be thinking of the owners manual which has a lot of useful information but is not a repair manual . A repair manual can keep you from doing repairs the wrong way which can cost you time , money , damage stuff , badly hurt or even kill you . I'm not trying to discourage or needlessly scare you . Most repairs risk no more than a scraped knuckle or smashed thumb . Just approach any automobile repair with care and information . And don't worry about asking questions ; I have lots of experience , former ASE certified mechanic , and I still sometimes go :hmmm: .
Now to the fun - if you know any of this it will help . How long has it been sitting , inside or out ? When did it last run ? Was it parked because it had a problem ? Pictures can help , the best way here is add links to an off site photo host site to your posts . Oh , and one more vote for location - just what part of what state will do .
 
What is the general condition of the drivetrain? If engine is in good running condition it is actually pretty reliable once you understand how the carb and distributor work together. Also what is your budget? Definately get the falcon performance manual. You could get a mild boost by using pertronix and a carb from a 170 probably. As already mentioned the cheapest performance upgrade is a 170 or 200 if you find a good one. That Falcon is a great car, that is what I learned to drive in. It had the 170 and column shift. Good luck.
 
The overall condition of the car is pretty good, it was parked because the owner passed away. It hasnt been ran on the streets probably since late 80s but its still been drove, i believe we had it out last summer. Also no pictures because i live 3 hours away from the farm, i live in saskatchewan.
 
any mods i should do to make it more reliable? and maybe some performance mods? i was thinking headers and intake.
... absolutely, after basic drivability is confidently reliable there many performance upgrade options. '60 144 should be made drive'able simply if it's been run recently and isn't totally shot. It's fortunate you are able to work and test it on farm. Brakes etc, usually need cleaning and maybe some simple repair or upgrades after sitting. - good tires are upgrade, , halogen lights, etc,. Interior, (any rodent/reptile friends? ). My "junkyard rescue" '61 had mice jumping out and bee swarm following it as I dragged it home, few years later it's favorite car... .

HAve Fun


pretty restricted on what i can do on it since i am only 16
isn't that an advantage.. being 16 8)
 
Ditto everything these guys have said. Put in the Pertronix for $80 or so. Get it going and then decide on the rest of the mods.
 
"...i live in Saskatchewan..."
Kinda focuses me on the choke operation (but U know what... need em in Florida too).
* Heater control valve...
* Blower motor & doors...
but these R 'all down the rd' after safety (frnt end prts, steering & breaks) and running condition.

Yeah, the age is an advantage (esp 1 that can B tempered by the experience here) as I see he has asked Qs!!!

(I thinki @ 25 posts U can show us some pic - 1) we love pic, 2) it helps in diagnosing "situations" ). So KEEP POSTING.
:wink:
 
60falcon144":rlwp7d6k said:
where would i get a Pertronix from?
Click to expand...

DSI is not compatible for him?
Anyway it's brand name of ignition prt.
Original, up dated (U wanted to spend $ and do a modification). find @ auto prts sales places.
Ordered by make model yr. motor.
 
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