Torque machine...

[lahti35]

So I got me this '61 falcon awhile back and drove it around with a bad rod until the little 144 finally gave up the ghost, 10k miles later!

I was thinking V8 swap but then I came to my senses and want to keep it a six. What I really want is a torque machine so I'm debating engines and transmissions to use...

Things in the realm of possibility... 200 inline with '80 big log head or a 250 with Aussie 2v head. Not sure what tranny to use yet... depends on the engine choice I guess. Basically I have no problem replacing the engine, tranny and rear axle to get the job done. The 144 was a tough reliable little guy but man did I get up to speed slow!

Since the demise of Classic Inlines I'm sure i'll have to work harder to make it all come together but where there is a will there is a way!

 

[bubba22349]

No doubt about it any 200 is a huge improvement over the little 144's and is also just a simple bolt in job. Now talking about torque though and providing you don't mind all the extra time, the fabrication work needed, adding a bigger better trans and a rear axle then a 250's long stroke will really give you some torque semular to that of a 302 V8. And with that kind of torque in such a light weight car its lots of fun. Good luck

 

[chad]

Welcome to the Site and (best) forum!

"...give you some torque…"
2X - esp w/a newer/modern cam - lill tractor motor!
To me the 200 is a good race motor (nearer to the 'square' design, no?).
Nice 'big block' bell in the 250 (for transmis. choices if u wanem)…

BTW: CI is still there (not sales tho) - a world of info 4 U to digest on-line!
also make sure U got the "Performance Handbook"
(hard copy many of us have / still do peruse).

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Lahti:

And welcome to The Forum. First off, I'm in agreement with Bubba that a move to a 200 after a tired 144 is significant. And with torque the goal from a small displacement, short stroke engine here's a thought. Since you are already thinking of the total package I'd suggest finding a good running stock 80s 200, and adapt it to a V8 T5 transmission along with a change to the rear end gearing on around 3.25 to 3.50:1. Hold off on the engine build until you assess this combo. I think you'll find a very enjoyable and torquey driver. If you're willing to live with an rpm range of peaking at around 4,500 you may be done.

This combo of a stock 80's 200 with optimizing gearing could be further enhanced with a modified advance tailored to this combo. The Stock OEM Dura Spark II ignition system is a keeper regardless of what else you decide to do.

The limits of an 80s 200 will be a very low end torque stock cam. Also very lazy at revving. The next torque limiter of a stock 80s 200 is low compression ratio of around 8:1. The 80s Holly #1946 carb is also a limiter because of its EPA crutching, and poor adaptability and not very tuner friendly. And finally, the stock OEM exhaust manifold does help to build low end torque but at the expense of any thing above an idle. So, building torque, Raise CR to the 9:1 neighborhood, consider changing to a torque/RV type cam, a more tunable carb and a better exhaust.

This combo in a light weight '60 Falcon would be a rest head turner. Be sure to keep us posted on what you decide.

Adios, David

 

[rbohm]

i agree with the others, adding 56ci by way of swapping to a 200 is a big improvement, and thus no need to go to the 250. the nie thing about using the 200 is that you have more options overall. for instance if you are short on cash and want to keep the car on the road while you plan other improvements, you can bolt a stock 200 to your current trans. that way the car stay on the road and it keeps your enthusiasm level up.

if you want to use a manual trans then i also recommend going with the T5, and using a 3.50 rear gear. that seems to be the best combination for a daily driver.

 

[bmbm40]

Start looking around now because the 200/250 is getting a little harder to find. Buy a couple of each when you can find them. Seriously. That way no matter which engine combo you want now or in the future you are good. It took me about three months of looking to find my first 250 several years ago and in some parts of the country they are harder to find from what I have heard. Make a list of parts that you want or might need and always be looking for them like the t5 you can find those at good prices often. Ask these guys if the 4 cylinder or 8 cylinder t5 is what you need. Start looking into the dual res mc, if the 200 had a larger radiator, alternator conversion and so on, pic n pulls can be productive. If you want a long tube header it will be a Hooker or Pacemaker from Australia.
I learned to drive in the family early Falcon they are great cars.
A good running 200 and t5 in that lightweight Falcon will probably go pretty good.
Get a copy of the Falcon Performance Manual.

 

[Econoline]

They are definitely getting harder to find, esp 250's. Still kicking myself for not going over to salvage a couple that came up in Mavericks in Sedro Woolley a couple years ago I could have got for next to nothing.

 

[lahti35]

Great ideas folks!

I do have a nice 200 engine already, std bore that's never been rebuilt I picked up a few years ago. I've been poking around craigs list and local wrecking yards for 250's. I found an '80 Fairmont with a 250 in it that's a rust bucket but the dude won't just sell the engine out of it and the car is too bad to dolly home. It may still be an option if I can borrow a trailer.

 

[rocklord]

Great ideas folks!

I do have a nice 200 engine already, std bore that's never been rebuilt I picked up a few years ago. I've been poking around craigs list and local wrecking yards for 250's. I found an '80 Fairmont with a 250 in it that's a rust bucket but the dude won't just sell the engine out of it and the car is too bad to dolly home. It may still be an option if I can borrow a trailer.

The 80 Fairmont did not come stock with a 250, only a 200.
Unless someone replaced the original engine with a 250, it could be one of the low mount starter 200 engines.

Check the water pump and count the bolts holding it to the block.
Three bolts - 200, four bolts - 250.

 

[JackFish]

The 250 did come in Granadas and Monarchs so keep an eye out for one of those.
No fox-bodies came with a 250 I think.

 

[lahti35]

The 250 did come in Granadas and Monarchs so keep an eye out for one of those.
No fox-bodies came with a 250 I think.

Good to know... saved me some trouble! I am also looking at one out of a Granada so i'll head in that direction!

 

[rocklord]

Check http://www.car-part.com
Look for 1978 Ford Granada Engine 4.1L
You may find something in your area.

 

[lahti35]

Check http://www.car-part.com
Look for 1978 Ford Granada Engine 4.1L
You may find something in your area.

Yup, that's a great site... I always check it when looking for used parts!

 

[bmbm40]

If the Fairmount is that rusty tell the dude he is going to be lucky to sell any of it and then offer a 100 for the motor. He can sell the rest for scrap .

 

[rbohm]

If the Fairmount is that rusty tell the dude he is going to be lucky to sell any of it and then offer a 100 for the motor. He can sell the rest for scrap .

better would be to offer $100 for the whole car, take everything you can off it, then sell the rest for scrap to offset at least partially the cost of buying everything.

 

[Econoline]

+1