Thinkin about a 144 swap....ideas?

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Anonymous

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Hey all,

I have a 62 falcon 4dr with a 144 in it. The engine was recently rebuilt, but I have had problems with it ever since. I bought the car this way, and I think the rebuilders did a crappy job. The timing, carburetor, and valves, no matter how I set them, do not make any difference in the way the motor runs. It WILL NOT idle period, and it strongly hesitates at highway speeds, and doesn't do so hot around town either. Basically, it's un-driveable.

I have found on here some people that have successfully replaced 144/170's with later model 200's. My question is this:

What all is involved in this swap, and would I have to replace my stock 3spd tranny due to the increase in power/torque?? Some ideas and info would be nice.
 
Swapping out a 144 for a 170 or 200 should be straightforward with all changes simple bolt-on except for a late model ( 80's) "big bell" 200 from a Fairmont/Zephyr.
You could not easily upgrade an early 144, 170 or 200 (pre '66) to a later tranny but the earlier tranny/bell/flywheel should fit the later blocks except for previous exception noted.

This would be an excellent time to swap out the tranny as well but it would need research and slight modifications to linkage, tranny mount and driveshaft as well as other possible alteration.

The small six 250 engine is close to the others but requires more involved modifications

'71 Maverick 170 in '61 Comet with '71 3 speed manual (3.03) adapted to original 3 speed shifter on the column ("3OTT").
100_1290web.jpg

Powerband 8)
 
Yeah, as long as you dont swap with a later big bell 200 or 250 everything will bolt right over. Go with the 200
 
The 200 will swap right in, as long as you get a pre-1980 one with the high-mounted starter like yours. All the externals will transfer (water pump, generator/alternator, etc. Only thing to be aware of is the exhaust manifold outlet gaskets changed in '64 to a bigger outlet and better donut seal - I'd use the later manifold and have a muffler shop rework the head pipe to fit (oughta cost $10-20 bucks).

Your original '62 non-synchro 3-speed manual tranny is marginal for using behind a 200, especially if you do any engine upgrades.

Like powerband said, it's a good time to swap in a much-heavier-duty later-model 3.03 all-synchro gearbox - best thing is to look for an engine/tranny package deal from somebody who's swapping in a V8/5-speed and get all the parts at once, and cheap because they don't want them anyway (they're out there, look around on the Mustang forums).

The tranny is the "hardest" part, but it's nothing you can't overcome with some thought and a big hammer. I did it in my '62 Ranchero, you can too! Here's the link to my tale: http://fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31268
 
Ya' sure it's not just the carb?.. the discharge ball check? or diaphram spring?? .. let me guess.. ya stab the gas pedal and it goes.. ugg.. and you have to keep it choked to idle??

If the engine sounds ok while running.. but has a problem when the gas flow is changed.. well.. sounds like the carb ta' me.

Of course.. a bigger engine sounds like a fun deal.

Enjoy!

Dave
 
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