Another new combo question
 

Hi, new to forum and was curious. I have a '63 Ford Fairlane that I was considering running in stock eliminator. Was available with a 260 or 289 Hipo . Both with 4 speed. 260 would put it in T/S and 289 in H/S. Was kinda interested in the 260 combo just because it seems so off the wall. Is this a viable combo? If I run the 289 combo will I need '63 specific block and heads because those are impossible to find. Been a bracket racer for many years and ready to do something different.

Re: Another new combo question
 

I have a 63 falcon sprint with the 260 that my dad bought new in 63. The problem with the 260 is the hp rating of 164. Nhra has reduced it to 158. It needs to be at 138. IHRA has reduced it to 145. The 63 260 has smaller valves than the 64, but has the same hp rating. With the 289, I am not sure if you have to run the 5 bolt block or not. I think ihra has reduced the 289 hipo rating for pure stock. You might want to contact Alex Denysenko, I think he was the one who got ihra to defactor the 289.

Re: Another new combo question
 

I'd thought about the smaller valves in the '63 260 heads. 5 bolt block would probably be a deal killer. Very hard to find even as a standard 289 let alone a Hipo.

Re: Another new combo question
 

If you already have a 63 Fairlane, go with the 289/271 motor, but if you a haven't gotten that 63 yet, let me suggest a 65 Fairlane, Mustang or Comet. With either, you can run 3 different 289 motors, 1 2 bbl or 2 4 bbl combo. If NHRA requires the correct block, ie 5 or 6 bolt, 65 combos will keep you safe with 6 bolts, but I don't think they care which you use for stock. I think there is a 64 hipo Fairlane running on the West Coast, so that combo is doable as a 63. Unless you're running IHRA, a stick combo only.

Re: Another new combo question
 

I've been told by tech that they aren't as picky about blocks as heads. The heads have to match the year of the car. Aftermarket blocks are OK in Stock as long as they are on the NHRA Approved list. That consists of the Ford Racing BOSS 302 block and nothing else for small block Ford.

I wanted to start in Stock and build up to SS, but finding parts was such a hassle that I went for GT just to be able to use good stuff and stay in the rules.

That stocker I wanted to start with was a 66 Fairlane. Great car, but real hard to find one clean enough to run in Stock without years of work. They are either rust buckets or street rods.

Dale

Re: Another new combo question
 

Already have the '63 that's why I started the thread. Response is what I pretty much suspected. Probably just continue to bracket race and build it however I want. Crazy how a car like this isn't really a good option but a turd 305 Camaro, a POS Mustang II, or a powerhouse Chrysler K car is. Thanks for your replies.

Re: Another new combo question
 

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

Re: Another new combo question
 

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.

Re: Another new combo question
 

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

Re: Another new combo question
 

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

Re: Another new combo question
 

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!

Re: Another new combo question
 

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.

Re: Another new combo question
 

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.

Re: Another new combo question
 

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. :(

Re: Another new combo question
 

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

Re: Another new combo question
 

I have to say that the shock towers being cut make things soooo much easier that there's no way I'd go back. Honestly there's no performance advantage whatsoever to the altered towers with a small block so I don't see the issue considering the car came with a.small block. Rules are rules regardless. Yes I'm set on the set on the car because its what I have. Been a great project for many years and will continue to be mainly because there aren't many out there. Not a problem though, many other options. NMCA/NMRA, UMTR, or just plain old bracket car.

Re: Another new combo question
 

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

Re: Another new combo question
 

how would you feel about a 66-67 fairlane wagon?
I spotted one sitting alongside a shed in Northern Colorado...