Engine......decision.....decided

[65straightsick]

I reached my conclusion today. I will never be happy with the performance of a 200 6 cyl. And to get the performance I want it would cost and arm and a leg. I would need nitrous or a TB charger which is too expensive. I might as as well have thrown a V8 in there by that time. Which I will do next summer. I plan to build the engine I have up and get it ready to go back and forth to school this year and next summer I will have built up a 302, let's hope...and drop it in there. So the meager reliable 6 cyl for now, and the beefy powerful 302 next summer...can't wait.

 

[93lx50conv]

Start upgrading your suspension right now if you already havent... try to pick up a rear end along the way too then all you will have to do is throw in the motor and go....dont forget a different bellhousing for your tranny or an upgrade on that too. good luck

 

[65straightsick]

Good point to bring up I am not a transmission guru so how do I find out what sort of transmission I have? It is an automatic and it was bolted up to the original 6 cyl engine. Another question is will the 302 bolt on directly to the auto tranny I have or will i need to buy an adaptor plate? All i can tell you about the transmission is the gears it has, P, R, N, D, and two other gears i never use. Anybody know? Thanks in advance.

 

[93lx50conv]

your tranny is a c4 but i was told by someone that the 6 cylinder c4s arent as strong as the v8 ones.... also all you should need is a 302 bellhousing for a c4.

 

[65straightsick]

So are you saying i need a V8 c4 or just a 302 bellhousing to attach to the V6 C4?

 

[Mstng67289]

whoa hey now, V6 C4??? that sir is one rare item you have on your hands there. I would put that baby in a display case if I were you.


....ok I'll end my smartass comment.

 

[TheWolf]

I think some six automatics were 2 speed, not sure on the years though. The starter location on the bellhousing is different for early 200s (high mount vs low mount for v8s) In 69, I belive, the sixs started using the v8 bellhousings. So the bellhousing must be changed. Generally, 4 and 6 cylinder cars had transmissions that were lighter and geared differently from v8s. Be sure to build up the 302, you'll likely be disappointed with a stock one.
Good luck on the project.

 

[66 BLAKE 96]

What are your plans for upgrading the suspension and brakes before the added power?

 

[65straightsick]

A beefier suspension. I am not sure what all it needs. My dad and I are already going to be doing a disc brake swap, most likely with a power booster. And i know i will need some V8 motor mounts. But other than that, what will I need?

 

[66 BLAKE 96]

what will I need?

Tons of good info here.

http://www.geocities.com/stangnetswapper/

 

[65straightsick]

Wow, i guess I need to find a donor car, maybe like a V8 car with no engine that I can borrow the brakes, motor mounts and heavy duty suspension from. I figure if I can find a V8 car but no engine and tranny for cheap then it can be a complete donor car. Thanks for the advice.

 

[66 BLAKE 96]

Wow, i guess I need to find a donor car, maybe like a V8 car with no engine that I can borrow the brakes, motor mounts and heavy duty suspension from. I figure if I can find a V8 car but no engine and tranny for cheap then it can be a complete donor car. Thanks for the advice.

No problemo.

The general concensus is that if money is a big priority, you are better off selling and buying an original V8 car (or one that has already been properly converted.

The only instances where it is worth while to convert are: a) sentimental value such as a car that has been in the family forever or b) you are performing the conversion because you see it as an opportunity to learn about cars and/or make it yours, and money is not much of an issue.

 

[my66coupe]

I was told by a tranny shop that The 6 cyl c-4 has one less clutch per drum, making it weaker than the v-8 c-4.

Mike