Another new combo question

[Fairlanes4ever]

Originally Posted by FireSail

It looks like 64 was the last year for the 260, so you can't do much with that block in terms of building up in classes. If you switch to the 289 you have a wide range of options in engine builds within the GT section of Super Stock. Any engine ford ever built could be used in that 63 body of yours. You could build the 271 HP 289 shipped in the 67 Mustang and run aftermarket heads. Lots of options out there.

Dale

GT section with 289 is a good suggestion. I've looked into the GT classes before. Car has a 429 now installed with Crites mounts and shock towers cut back, but rules specifically state no cutting of shock towers to allow engine installation. So maybe a 289/271 GT class would be best option. Plus towers cut back would make it a lot easier to service.

[FireSale]

Originally Posted by Fairlanes4ever

GT section with 289 is a good suggestion. I've looked into the GT classes before. Car has a 429 now installed with Crites mounts and shock towers cut back, but rules specifically state no cutting of shock towers to allow engine installation. So maybe a 289/271 GT class would be best option. Plus towers cut back would make it a lot easier to service.

The cut shock towers will probably be an issue. I don't know if they will let you rebuild them or not. finding replacements on line can be done for Mustangs, but I don't know about a 63 Fairlane. This is why I wound up abandoning running stock with a Fairlane. Everything I found that was in one piece had an engine mod of some sort that disqualified it for NHRA stock or super stock. Strokers and stuff like that.

Dale

[Stephen & Horace Johnson]

Originally Posted by FireSail

The cut shock towers will probably be an issue. I don't know if they will let you rebuild them or not. finding replacements on line can be done for Mustangs, but I don't know about a 63 Fairlane. This is why I wound up abandoning running stock with a Fairlane. Everything I found that was in one piece had an engine mod of some sort that disqualified it for NHRA stock or super stock. Strokers and stuff like that.

Dale

I can answer that question for ya.....uummm no you cant cut the shock towers back. ..been asking for that for years!!

[Fairlanes4ever]

Originally Posted by Stephen & Horace Johnson

I can answer that question for ya.....uummm no you cant cut the shock towers back. ..been asking for that for years!!

That's what I expected too. Think I'll just continue to bracket race and leave class racing to the turbo mini vans for now while I look for a better combo. Thanks for the replies! Very helpful!

[rick lester]

Are you set on a Fairlane? I would suggest the 65 combo. Mustang and Comet also same motors. Where do you live? If close to alot of IHRA races, you could build a Fox body with a 289 and race stock/gt.

[Robert Swartz]

Originally Posted by Fairlanes4ever

That's what I expected too. Think I'll just continue to bracket race and leave class racing to the turbo mini vans for now while I look for a better combo. Thanks for the replies! Very helpful!

Welcome to the sanatorium. I personally think it would be great to see your Fairlane in stock. Methinks you do have a couple serious problems. Sounds like your car has already been cut up too much to return to stock form. Then finding parts for a 50 year old engine, the 260 Ford. As you have already stated, core parts for the 289 are hard enough to come by and in saying that, those parts are still plentiful. Usable ones are the issue. Parts for 260's, those are rare as hens teeth today.

For those of us with the "POS Mustang II's, turd 305's and the turbo minivans", stock class is a challenge. I hope you find a car and can come out and play. Good luck, hope I get to pull up beside you in my "POS Mustang II" someday.

[Fairlanes4ever]

Originally Posted by Robert Swartz

Welcome to the sanatorium. I personally think it would be great to see your Fairlane in stock. Methinks you do have a couple serious problems. Sounds like your car has already been cut up too much to return to stock form. Then finding parts for a 50 year old engine, the 260 Ford. As you have already stated, core parts for the 289 are hard enough to come by and in saying that, those parts are still plentiful. Usable ones are the issue. Parts for 260's, those are rare as hens teeth today.

For those of us with the "POS Mustang II's, turd 305's and the turbo minivans", stock class is a challenge. I hope you find a car and can come out and play. Good luck, hope I get to pull up beside you in my "POS Mustang II" someday.

I'd love to pull up next to your Mustang II convince NHRA to let me! Every time I read the rule book I get pissed.

[Everett Hill]

The shock towers could be repaired or replaced. The 63, 260 or 289hp would not be a dime rocket in stock. It would take a lot of time & $$$ to make it just run index. If you are set on the 63 fairlane ss/gt would be the best way to go.
I have run both the 260 & 63 289hp I know, Ran 63 289hp fairlane & 260 falcon & 221 falcon All stock

[Tod Lane]

Originally Posted by Fairlanes4ever

I'd love to pull up next to your Mustang II convince NHRA to let me! Every time I read the rule book I get pissed.

Some combos are good in NHRA stock, some aren't. Sometimes what you have isn't practicable.

Robert and I searched for a viable combo,then I ran across the Mustang II on craigslist. We finally have discovered that trying to make what you have fit is not the best way to go.

Hard won knowledge having done /been exactly where you are, ask Robert lol
I have a decent trans am I would love to run NHRA , we have a 66 nova that has been modified to the point we can't use it either.

That's part of the challenge, finding a combo that is competitive. Trust me a "pos Mustang II" would not have been our first choice, lol .

NHRA stock is not necessarily about the "coolest" car, but who finds the car that fits best. I love that you want to run the old car, it just may not be practical.

Also some would argue stock has wondered far enough from "stock"
Stock is about competition within those rules