BIG Ford Combos?
 

I have been gone awhile, and had to give up on racing for a few years, including my turbo Dodge project. But things are better and the itch remains, and so do a few Ford products in my immediate vicinity. I wanted an oddball, but a Ford, and out of what I could pick up right now, this is what I have on my mind:

1960 Ford Custom 300 4dr, 352 4bbl (300hp) - 12.02-12.11
1978 Ford T-Bird, 400, 17.00
1979 LTD 2dr, 302, 21.02

What do you guys think, good Ford stocker potential here?

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

The HP rating on the 352 is waaaay too high at 300. The other 2 are both 2 barrels. Years ago, my buddy talked about building a 74 Torino, Ranchero or Thunderbird Stocker with the 460 smogger engine. The 460 is factored to the same 300HPas the 1960 352 is. Instead of the Stocker, he ended up building a 85 Mustang with the 74 460 for SS/GTFA & GA, which worked quite well.

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

Rory knows his Ford's much better than I do but I don't think a 302 will work in a car that heavy as I doubt if you could get it down to 3400 plus lbs for U. Even if you could, you still have to deal with the 273 Dodges.

Jim Mantle U/V/SA 6632

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

None of the above.....

74 Torino , K/SA

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

60 is sold, how about a 71 Torino 500 wagon, 351C-2V? Also available from same spot is a 73 Galaxie 500, 351C-2V and a 64 Fairlane 4dr 260.

There is a 74 Torino 4dr available, though I'm guessing a 460-powered combo, like a 2dr or Ranchero is in mind? Though I would think traction with a Ranchero and a 460 would be sketchy?

There is also a 76 Elite in the bunch, 351W powered, but maybe worth going 460?

79 is granny fresh and given weight of 3406 per NHRA classification if I remember right?

As long as it's an oddball, and a 70's Ford, I'll be happy. I basically cleaned an estate stash of cars out of some older Fords, got the 70's stuff wrapped up but couldn't get the 60, or the 61 and 62 4drs he had...

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

Well, the 74 Torino 4 door would work too, although it could be tough to sell down the road, (not saying the 2 door would be a hot commodity either). I can`t imagine that traction with the Ranchero would be a big problem. But just picking a combo for Stock Eliminator based on what old Fords just happen to be laying around the neighbourhood doesn`t seem like the best plan.IF I was to consider a Ford V8 with a 2 barrel, I would only consider a small light car, like a Maverick/Comet, or Fairmont/Fox Mustang body. Actually, since NHRA dropped a bunch of HP from the small V8 2 barrels, a 82 Mustang GT 5.0 2V looks decent. However, Stick only if that bothers you.

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

No probs with stick, I was kinda looking at the best of what I had, but I want to build a bigger Ford regardless. I have virtually nothing into what's here, could sell/scrap them out fairly quickly.

So maybe the 460 in the 74 4dr Torino? I am a Torino fan anyways...

Sounds like I should be avoiding big 2bbl cars, and the 460 is a good start?

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

I heard THAT!

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

OK, 4dr Torino it is! Thanks guys!

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

actually as stocker material they all stink, although the 60 Ford would be interesting with some edelbrock heads

Re: BIG Ford Combos?
 

400 2bbl has low compression and huge piston tops....but...I think they have a lot of potential. Still, I think the 351M would be better than the 400 for the same reason a 302 is better than a 351W, same breathing (carb/heads) with smaller cubes.

2.05int and 1.72ex valves plus big ports in intake, the only issue is carb cfm which I think is 350cfm if I remember right. As long as you modify the oiling system (restrictors in the cam feeds) I think it would stay together. Of course the availability of aftermarket pistons/rods is a pain, but you know it won't spin up past 6000 so who cares?

Not a record holder but I think it would beat the index.

351 crank and pistons....now you've got a 351M instead of a 400.......