StevenCCrowder
New member
Hello everyone, I am looking for specific info on a topic that has been in a way beaten to death, however I am new to the inter working of cars even though I have done much research. I am just a person who likes to have every detail planned out ahead of time before I start so I do not have to backtrack or worry that I have incompatible parts. I have a stock 1964 ½ Mustang with the following: 200 I6, C4 Automatic, power steering, and 4 lug. I plan on keeping a 6 cylinder for the better gas mileage but want something that is quick and fun to drive around daily, but not overkill for use on a drag strip which I will not be doing. I am always looking towards the most sensible affordable choices that is balanced with reliability, enjoyment, and comfortability as I do not want cheap short cuts that will give issues.
-Is my 200 I6 a good choice of engine to keep or should I swap it out for an engine that is more efficient as well easier to work with because of aftermarket parts? Keeping in mind I do not want to sacrifice too much mpg just for HP gains as I will be driving it often.
-If I do keep the 200 I6 I plan on having the engine rebuilt with the addition of either an Aussie/Aluminum head, so far my eye is on the aluminum head and headers from ClassicInlines, and a small turbo like a T4. Which then would bring up the question of should I use a 2 BBl or 4 BBL Carb to accommodate?
-What automatic transmission, as I use to drive a manual and just find automatic more convenient for city driving, should I be looking to swap? Would an AOD be my best choice as I know they have adapters to assist with the swap?
-Would a 9” or 8” rear end be best with, assuming 31 would be unnecessary, a set of 28 spline axels? Also, around which gear ratio should I be looking at for my 3rd member?
-For rear suspension is buying a new pair of leaf springs the best and easiest go to? Or is there another type that is applicable without much fabrication?
-Lastly, but not least since this is probably where I will be starting, I am most confused on what I should do for my cars suspension. I have read too much to where I am in a state of overload, for instance as some forums say Granada are good and others say they are bad. What front suspension is compatible while I change it to 5 lug, specific car/s to use as donors, and are there any that have a better type of suspension like coilover that I could salvage/buy used. The brakes are not as much of an issue as I plan on buy new disk brakes for reliability/longevity.
-I plan on doing the modification in the order of:
1. Front suspension/5 lug/sway bar/pinion etc.
2. Rear end/5 lug/suspension/differential
3. Engine rebuilt/Transmission
4. Head/Intake/Exhaust
5. Slapping on a turbo
Thank you for your time reading this all and for any help you can give me on suggestions of what to use and even the order in which I should do my conversion, it is greatly appreciated. And no need to remind me of how much better the deep exhilarating rumble a V8 will sound or the massive gain in HP... as I hope to at least be around 20 mpg and not half of that. If only there was a way to have both!
-Is my 200 I6 a good choice of engine to keep or should I swap it out for an engine that is more efficient as well easier to work with because of aftermarket parts? Keeping in mind I do not want to sacrifice too much mpg just for HP gains as I will be driving it often.
-If I do keep the 200 I6 I plan on having the engine rebuilt with the addition of either an Aussie/Aluminum head, so far my eye is on the aluminum head and headers from ClassicInlines, and a small turbo like a T4. Which then would bring up the question of should I use a 2 BBl or 4 BBL Carb to accommodate?
-What automatic transmission, as I use to drive a manual and just find automatic more convenient for city driving, should I be looking to swap? Would an AOD be my best choice as I know they have adapters to assist with the swap?
-Would a 9” or 8” rear end be best with, assuming 31 would be unnecessary, a set of 28 spline axels? Also, around which gear ratio should I be looking at for my 3rd member?
-For rear suspension is buying a new pair of leaf springs the best and easiest go to? Or is there another type that is applicable without much fabrication?
-Lastly, but not least since this is probably where I will be starting, I am most confused on what I should do for my cars suspension. I have read too much to where I am in a state of overload, for instance as some forums say Granada are good and others say they are bad. What front suspension is compatible while I change it to 5 lug, specific car/s to use as donors, and are there any that have a better type of suspension like coilover that I could salvage/buy used. The brakes are not as much of an issue as I plan on buy new disk brakes for reliability/longevity.
-I plan on doing the modification in the order of:
1. Front suspension/5 lug/sway bar/pinion etc.
2. Rear end/5 lug/suspension/differential
3. Engine rebuilt/Transmission
4. Head/Intake/Exhaust
5. Slapping on a turbo
Thank you for your time reading this all and for any help you can give me on suggestions of what to use and even the order in which I should do my conversion, it is greatly appreciated. And no need to remind me of how much better the deep exhilarating rumble a V8 will sound or the massive gain in HP... as I hope to at least be around 20 mpg and not half of that. If only there was a way to have both!