Help picking a Mustang(65-69)

Ford enthusiast · Apr 27, 2018

Hi guys,

I'm looking to buy a Mustang from the 65-69 year range but I need some advice as to which engine to pick (200,289,302) and what parts would compliment what I want I'm trying to make.The most important thing is going to be fuel economy, because I want to use the car to travel the country while keeping it simple (don't need all that tech stuff). Why a Mustang? Well why not it's a beautiful car and in my mind symbolizes American freedom. So What engine setup up is going to be the best and what mods/parts should I get to enhance it? I have no problem with increasing the power to and I am definitely mechanically enclined.

Thanks

WORTH · Apr 27, 2018

If the most important thing is fuel economy, then I would get a 65-68 with a 200 and a 4 speed, and 3.00 gears.

Ford enthusiast · Apr 28, 2018

Does the 200 have a lot of supporting mods like the 289 and 302 do?

rbohm · Apr 28, 2018

Ford enthusiast said:
Does the 200 have a lot of supporting mods like the 289 and 302 do?

it has a fair amount of support. vintageinlines.com sells small six parts, including performance parts. the intake log is cast integral with the head, and can limit performance, but there are ways around that restriction.

Ford enthusiast · Apr 29, 2018

Do they make a fuel injection kit?

WORTH · Apr 29, 2018

Ford enthusiast said:
Do they make a fuel injection kit?

You said you want to keep it simple, but you want a computer and fuel injection. You just passed Simple.

Ford enthusiast · Apr 29, 2018

WORTH said:
You said you want to keep it simple, but you want a computer and fuel injection. You just passed Simple.

Im referring to a simple car that doesn't have all the futures of today's vehicles (backup cam, lane departure, Bluetooth, traction control,etc). Thats what I meant by simple, sorry for the confusion.

WORTH · Apr 29, 2018

Well I'm out, I have no desire to learn F.I. , or anything computerized for my projects.

Ford enthusiast · Apr 29, 2018

WORTH said:
Well I'm out, I have no desire to learn F.I. , or anything computerized for my projects.

Your input for anything else would still be much appreciated. I'm just contemplating if you can make a carb setup run as fuel efficient as a f.i setup. I understand a lot has to do with the driver, but I still want max efficiency out of the engine and gear setup.

WORTH · Apr 30, 2018

My father had a 1960 falcon 4dr.144-6 with a 3 spd. standard. He was basically a Light House Mechanic for the Coast Guard so his car was over loaded with tools, held up by helper springs. They compensated him for fuel and mileage so he kept a pocket note pad with all his expenses. He consistently got 26mpg.
I think upgrading to a computer is just disrespecting a bunch of mechanics, rum runners and engineers that built these amazing cars. Part of the priviledge of driving these cars is learning how to maintain and drive them.

Just one old guys opinion.

Ford enthusiast · May 1, 2018

Sounds like mid 20s isn't out of the question for a well setup 200 using a carb. What rpm would a 4 speed with the 3.00 run at 70mph? I'm thinking a 5 speed might be better.

WORTH · May 1, 2018

depends, with a 26" tire you'll spin 2327@60, or 2900 @ 75 with the 4 speed, if you use a 5spd with OD you'll have to devide by the OD ratio.

Ford enthusiast · May 2, 2018

How hard would it be to put a 5 speed in? I doubt any of them will just bolt right in with the same 4 speed setup.

WORTH · May 3, 2018

Someone else will have to weigh in on OD's , I've never cared about MPG in my classics so haven't done any research. Start a thread in the Classic Tech forum, you'll get better responses.

DBegley · Mar 6, 2019

I am a small block fan, although the Ford 6 cylinder is a good motor. Yes, you can basically bolt up a newer 5 speed to the 289 for sure and probably the 6 cylinder. Parts are available to do that. That OD would make a big difference on the highway for gas mileage. Put disc brakes on it for sure, at least on the front. Those drums are a poor excuse for brakes by today's standards. I put the Wilwood classic kit on my 68 Fastback. Pretty simple bolt on although my 68 had front discs and we had to drill out for the larger kit bolts. The kits are for cars with drum brakes not disc brakes. Holley makes a FI "carb" for the small block. Not sure if it is available for the 6 cylinder, check with them.

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