Project Ideas For Drivetrain

[68coupe390]

I have a 68 coupe had 200 straight 6 but i want something bigger more powerful...

any good ideas for engine and trans
please include what they came in originally and hp rating please

[Kybar]

c6 tranny mounted to a 351c big block. 290ish hp stock.. found alot in 68-71 mustangs torinos ad cougers.

[MrPbody]

351 Cleveland is technically a "small block" Ford. That is, it has the same bellhousing pattern as 289/302/351W. The 4-bbl. Clevelands were thought to be the ultimate in olden times. We've learned over the years, using 2-bbl. heads properly ported and prepared make more USABLE power in a street car. The best 4-bbl. heads we've done had the intake floor "filled" 1/2"... Lots of "myth" surrounding the Cleveland.

The 351M ("Modified" or "Midland", depending on where you're "from") and 400 blocks DO use the "big block" bellhousing pattern (same as Lima, 370, 429, 460). They're generally not considered good performance engines, though they certain CAN be built for power.

The "utimate" Fords these days have something based on the Lima (or "385 Series") blocks. 460s are pretty easy to find and make 500 CID without buying a new crankshaft (offset-grinding the rod journals for more stroke). Tough and readily available, makes them a very good candidate. Not hard at all, to make 600 HP on 93 octane gas.

I wouldn't worry too much about "original power ratings". Virtually all the old stuff gets changed anyway.

Agreed, C-6 is the best 3-speed automatic from Ford. When they started putting them in vans and pickups behind 351W in the '80s, they're not near as "rare" as they once were . They're nicknamed "baby C-6".

The '68 DID come with a 428, you know... (:- But FE parts are getting tougher to find. Not the engine parts, but the stuff to "make it fit". Maybe someone more familiar with Mustang restoration can provide better detail.

Jim