Beach Bum wrote:But in 1963 Ford also put the K-code 289 in the Galaxie, with its curb weight of around 3800 pounds, which is very close to what my T-bird will weigh with the 289/manual trans installed. And no one considered the Galaxie a dog with that drive train. The T-bird did not really 'need' all the 300 hp and 450 pounds of torque the 390 provided -- that was just part of Detroit's big power marketing competition of the time (when gas was 19 cents a gallon).
Since my 63 HT came with no engine, I'm just looking to use one of the existing motors I already own and have a Bird that will drive down the road nicely and not cost anymore than necessary to do it. Besides, I didn't buy my Bullet Bird to engage in off the line punch-outs at the intersection. I bought it because I've always loved the superb styling and roomy cockpit. If I wanted a street screamer I'd just stick with my Mustangs and Camaros.
I'm not familiar with Ford putting the K code engine in a Galaxie. I'm sure it could have been done but I am not sure why anyone would do it. Anyone wanting a higher performance engine for their big Ford would go with a 390/406/427 which had a higher rated base horsepower and torque. The K code was a high winding engine and Ford wouldn't even warranty it for longer than a month after purchase. I'm not saying that it wasn't done, it just wouldn't have been that practical in a car like the Galaxie. Why opt for 271 HP and the inherent risk of the engine failing when you can pull 400 with a stock top oiler 427. Not many of those were made either though.
Thomas Cofield
1962 Hardtop, 'Thumper' Red/Black
1962 Hardtop, 'The Survivor' White/Red
VTCI-PNW
RSSVTCI
Okay....I'm not an engine expert, and I know these pics and question should probably go in the 64-66 mod forum, but.... since you guys are into this whole engine discussion . . . .
I was at the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville this last weekend and took pics of a slammed and nicely done 64 T-bird. The owner wasn't around so I couldn't ask questions. What is this supercharged engine they stuffed in there? Any ideas?
Last edited by Jim Patterson on Wed Aug 12, 2015 10:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I put a 06 4.6 into mine, it runs a LOT better than the old cast iron machine. Also gets way better fuel milage and loosing all that fat up front made the car much lighter and fun to drive. Mine is the 3v. We didn't stop there though, we cut the old springs out, removed all the old worn and dated stuff and put in a crown vic front end. Now it handles perfect, runs perfect and stops perfect. My car was not perfect when I started so I had nothing to loose really. you can see a lot more of it on my website www.BigDogRides.com. look for the tbird named Matilda.
I've seen it done, I have done it. its wonderful. trying to get an image uploaded to this. how does that work? I can send picts or upload if I can figure it out.
Hey Mister, this is my first time in and I am desperately trying to find a better front and rear suspension for my sons 63' bird. I have checked all the popular sites (TCI,Scots, Fatman, etc) and NOBODY makes a bolt on IFS kit for these cars! I saw the comment about he 03 crown vic and I saw the link for the Heidts SuperRide II from a fairlane, but both sound like heavy mods to the frame. Any ideas or suggestions on how to get an IFS into my sons 63' without hacking up the frame? Any help would be great, thanks!