COMET CENTRAL

Hey guys, can anyone tell me what the biggest cube Ford motor is that will swap into a 65 comet without modifying the engine bay or shock towers? Thanks for the info!

Matt

351Windsor, C4 if you want an automatic.
A 351W has about 1 1/2” higher deck height over a 289/302. The Heads interchange.

What kind of hp can you squeeze out of a 351?

How fat is your wallet?

Skinny

You can have fun on a budget w/o getting crazy with it.
What do you have now for starters?

Joe

Well my 65 is completely done painted and nice. It’s got a good running 289 with an auto in it. I would like to have something with more hp and maybe a 4 speed that’s reliable. I don’t really want to cut the car up because it’s a really nice rust free clean car but just want more power.

All stock?
Four speed is out if you don't want to cut on her.

Joe

It’s all stock at this point other than suspension work.

JMO, if you're operating on a tight budget, chip away @ it a little @ a time.
Swapping the gear is a good place to start if you're running 3.00:1 open diff, then install a looser converter (2.5K) & mild valve body mod.

Joe

first thing i would do is put a lower gear in the rear.keep the 289 in it,then i would get stuff like headers 4bbl intake,aftermarket heads if you can afford a set, better cam and ignition,shift kit and convertor makes an auto more fun.i fix them up a little at a time and notice the performance increase as i go. its fun. p.s.you can make what they call a screamer out of that 289!

fryedaddy wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 17, 2022 3:16 am

first thing i would do is put a lower gear in the rear.keep the 289 in it,then i would get stuff like headers 4bbl intake,aftermarket heads if you can afford a set, better cam and ignition,shift kit and convertor makes an auto more fun.i fix them up a little at a time and notice the performance increase as i go. its fun. p.s.you can make what they call a screamer out of that 289!

Right on!

Dumping money into the engine when the gear won't take it is a big disappointment. Spongy performance, at best.
Been there, done that long, long time ago.

Joe

when my 66 had a near stock 390 in it i took it to the drag strip with a 3.00 rear and it ran mid 10s in the 1/8 mile,then all i did was put a 3.89 rear in it and got it into the 9s with no engine mods.just the gear swap alone picked up a couple seconds.then i put headers holley 4 bbl and a mild cam in it and knocked another second off.i like to lighten them up too.alu heads and intake,battery moved to trunk,every little bit helps. thats what i would do if i had a nice 64-65

Im all about hotrodding and modifying.
Exhaust note! If it don't sound right what's the point. Headers, xpipe dual turbo style mufflers.
Sbf can sound stunning!
But I agree, gears are probably the best bang for the buck.
It's a slippery slope you want to take that beautiful cruiser on.
Small budget and reliable is what you have.
Any changes will blow the budget and probably make it less reliable.

all that stuff could blow your budget if you do them all at once.my 390 i souped up lasted 18 years with no problems,as long as you dont get too radical its still close to stock. jmo p.s. my 428 thats in it now is way more rad than the 390 was and the 428 has been in it for 6 years no problems,i consider it still new.BUT,i agree with Sassy,if you start modifying everything sometimes the cars stock components dont get along with some modifications and the result is questionable reliability.