[bluliner27]

I have a 260 2v with only 46K miles on it in my 63 Fairlane. Its now running well (with help from this foum!). Is it worth keeping it, and adding the usual mods (new intake manifold, 4v carb, mild cam, ported/polished heads) or dumping it for a 289/302 and building that up? My plans are for a dependable cruiser w/ decent power (not a drag car or road racer). My biggest concern is the 5 bolt bell housing and limited options for any tranny upgrades (the car has a 2 spd Fordamatic and I'd prefer a C4). What do guys think?

 

[Mr.Ed]

You can find the 5 bolt C4 bellhousing on e-bay from time to time. Expect to pay about $125.00 without the block plate or inspection cover. You can fabricate a plate from a six bolt plate which is readily available. I did the same C4 modification to my '63 Fairlane and the only real problem I had was shift linkage but my car was a three speed. Your linkage should work with a shift detent change. That is the plate in the column that holds the shift arm in the correct position.

The 260 was a powerful little engine and was hopped up by Ford to race at Indy. On alcohol it cranked out 400 horses. A friend of mine cammed his 260 with headers and a Holley manifold and four barrel and his '64 Falcon screamed!

Later!
Mr. Ed

 

[Tracer64]

I ran my 260 in my '64 merc for a long time and she would run a consistant 14 flat with stock rear gearing, reworked 289 heads, mild cam, 600 holley and a performer manifold.

 

[bluliner27]

Thanks for the responses. My question has a lot to do with the fact that my first '63 (which i owned from '68 - '72) had a 260. It was originally a 3 speed Sports Coupe. I ditched the 3 spd and coupled it up to a 4 spd that I pulled out of a Comet. She had 4:11s and an after market manifold with a small Holley carb (600CFM ??). Anyhow she was plenty fast.

I'll keep my eye pealed for a C4 bellhousing on eBay. There was one that I bid on just last week. I stopped bidding after the price cleared $100, and I think that the winning bid was around $500! By the way, also thanks for the advise on the 6 bolt C4 bell housing modification.

 

[64 TBOLT]

if i had the extra $$$ i would buy it.But i dont need two of them


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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 64TBOLT2 on 2/23/06 6:44am ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 64TBOLT2 on 2/23/06 4:45pm ]</font>

 

[bluliner27]

Just won a 5 bolt bellhousing on ebay for about $50 plus shipping (it inlcudes the backer plate too. That was quick! Thanks again all for the help. Anyone have any further suggestions on a good carb, intake manifold and cam combo for a 260 that would be set up for street cruising?