Rebuild or replace engine in my 65 Mustang Fastback

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have a 65 Mustang Fastback with a 78 Fairmont 200 Inline Six.
It has the original transmission - 3 speed on the floor, manual steering and brakes, 4 lug 14" steel wheels. Would it be worth while having it rebuilt or should I look for a newer motor - 200 or 300? Did the 200 get any better after 78? In what year did production start for the 300? Is it a better engine than the 200? Would a 300 fit in a 65 Mustang Fastback? Would my original transmission connect to it? If so, what modifications would need to make the motor and transmission transition? I'm asking these questions because I don't want to go to the expense of changing out the drive line for a V8.
All opinions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Joe

 

[Anonymous]

Update to previous post.
I saw the tech info on the 250-300 swap.
So, please give me your feedback on the rebuild of the 78 200 Inline six or
pursue a newer 200 Inline. Which would be the better way to go?

Thanks.

Joe

 

[THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER]

Your question of which 200 would be better answered in the Small Six Forum, but my opinion is all 200s with a domestic log style head are about the same, and inferior to the 240 / 300. But way easier to do in a '65 fastback.

 

[Anonymous]

A 78 is about as good as it gets for 200's.
The big sixes (240/300)are a complete different beast and use different every thing. The 240/300 started in the mid to early 60's and the 300 was in production in the mid to late 90's. A good tourgy engine. A little heavy and not real economy minded, most of it's life was strictly a truck engine. There was a time i wouldn't get a pick up with any other motor.
--there are performance limitations on the small six(144/170/200/250) mostly due to the intake. Decent power can still be made however. Properly done and maintained the 200 is a tough little engine -short stroke/lower piston speed,quick to rev, 7 main bearings -unfortunitely they were often abused and neglected, but still lasting longer than most engines under similar abuse--except maybe the little Chry. slant6. Personally i would rebuild the 200 you have unless you can find a similar year that can be gotten for next to nothing, then rebuild that one and have very little down time. The 250 is another option if more power (easier fit than a 300) is a major factor--but the short stroke and lightweight characteristics of a 200 are big considerations.
Get a copy of "The Ford Falcon Performance Handbook"

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input!

Joe