I am currently a high school student and my dad and I are fixing up a 1966 Mustang. It has a 351w in it right now, but my dad wants to exchange it for a 289 because he thinks that the 351 will have a little to much horsepower. Any opinions? I'm also trying to decide what size tires/rims to put on it. Thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Also would like opinions on interior and exterior colors. Thanks! Also check out shifters galore, because thats where we get all our parts for the car.

 

What kind of build are you going for, original restomod or custom. I've never been an original guy, I always say build it how you want it. And if your not going original I would definitely leave the 351. It's a Windsor correct.

 

yes its a windsor and we are going custom, it would just take a lot longer to make it all original

 

Wont the 289 have a bit more acceleration than the 351?

 

Yea then just build it exactly how you would image it. And 351s are monsters, put a set of gt40 heads it

 

Tell Dad that horsepower isn't the issue. A 200 Sprint Six will still break the tires loose on the car, I know. Had one. And it will still lose traction in the wet because the cars are nose heavy, especially if you 'level' the car out by lifting the back... Mustangs point 'up' for a reason in those years.

But, if it's a done deal, the 351 is coming out, the just put a roller cam 302 in there from a 86 up to 95 Mustang. It'll get good mileage, always be ready to run, and it bolts right in, just wire up the computer, for which harnesses and instructions are readily available.

In other words, restomod the engine, restore the rest of the car. That's my suggestion.

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Far as what I'd do? Well... this:
http://web.wt.net/~houtex/muskrat.htm

Only with a v8, and I'd probably lose the antenna totally, smooth the fender. Oh, and I'd probably get different wheels this time.

I totally miss that car. I was stupid. This car, and my being stupid, is why Awesome is never leaving my side, as long as I have the ability to make that statement stick. While she's not Muskrat, she is Awesome, and I love her to death. Love. If only I could have Muskrat and my Orange Bomb '78 Mustang II V6 4sp hatchback, I'd be pretty happy. I dunno where I'd put 'em all, though, with only a 2 car garage... Storage somewhere would suck.

Andyway, I will live vicariously through your project, just KEEP POSTING.

/Please do whatever colors you choose. I liked mine. But if you want Raven Black Pearl with Bronze and Parchment interior, well, that's your choice.
//Just don't get 20s on it, k? Thanks.

 

^ +1 on what Houtex said.

 

Looks like you have a good starting point for your project. Take your time and build it how you want it. Appears that someone has done some things to the motor. Add some headers if it doesnt have any yet and get a C-4 built for performance. Shelby hood, shave the emblems, black with some 15" magnums...

 

Don't go EFI, just a big waste of money with these old cars. The wiring harness itself is $500+ and that is not counting the fuel system that you have to get which is another $500+.

I would just go ahead and keep that 351W, you already have it so you don't have to spend more money and then try to sell the engine.

 

I retract my original post, as I don't want to get in an argument/discussion/debate/?

Suffice it to say I simply don't agree with BA above, but... it's not important.

Do the car how you'd want to. That's all that matters. Make >you< happy, and it will be worth it.

 

No argument/debate, just giving out my opinion on the topic. We all have one