GibMax

I'm hoping to convert my 1966 I6 200 to a V8. What should I expect to spend for this? I'm really interested in a weekend cruiser with just a bit more pick-up. Not a racer. I see good crate engines for about $3,000. Some used engines of unknown quality and perhaps incomplete starting as low as $500. But what would it cost to have someone do the work? I know there is a longish list of other parts too. Suggestions? Getting a doner V8 was suggested but I'm afraid I'd be stuck with the shell afterward.

stangtjk

It would probably be better to sell your I6 mustang and then just go buy one with V8.

jcoby

just off the top of my head, you need: radiator, springs all 4 corners, rear axle, wheels (4), tie rod ends, throttle linkage, bell housing, engine, brakes, engine mounts, badging, probably more (spindles?). while it's all blown apart you mind as well replace the trans mount, shocks, any suspension pieces that are worn out, upgrade to disc brakes, add an export brace and mote carlo bar.

pre-67 are the most expensive to convert. it's definitely cheaper to buy another car or a donor car and sell what's left. as for labor, probably in the $2000 range.

TexasAxMan

Buy a parts car. I bought one for $400, took off everything I wanted (as a bonus, mine had brand new seats and such), and sold the hulk for $350ish (can't remember exactly).

Maybe I got off so cheap because I already had my engine and transmission on a stand. The guy that bought it wanted the 289, but it was pretty toasted. I'm pretty sure I got the better end of that deal.

2+2GT

This is exactly right. It's a lotta work, changing over the engine, trans, cooling system, electrical system, exhaust system, front steering and brakes, driveshaft, rear axle and brakes, and some other stuff. Plus when you sold it the buyer would kill you on the price because it has an I6 VIN.

Why do you want to change over? You could put headers, dual exhaust and aluminum wheels on your I6 for a fraction of the work and cost, and it would look and sound like a V8 car. Of course, it would get way better mileage than a V8 car…

tx65coupe

I have a 65 that I converted to from an I6 to a V8. I would do it again. It is some work, but since the car is not a daily driver we just worked on it when we had time.

I don't agree that a buyer would kill you on the price for a converted car that had an I6 VIN. The I6 cars are not really worth all that much to begin with unless they are convertible or maybe fastback.

As far as milage goes. My car was a daily driver for a few years and got about 16-18 mpg. Now it gets about 16-17. So, the milage really isn't any different. Of course I have a T5 now.

Also, It doesn't matter what exaust you put on a 200 it will sound like a 200 not a V8.

If you want to tackle the project then I say do it. If you are happy with your car and really just want a bit more pep, the you should probably stay with the I6. You could always swap out the 200 for a 250.

The cost of the conversion could be anywhere between 2k-10k depending on what you do.

tx65coupe

You could also find a wrecked 5.0 Mustang from 87-93 and take the drivetrain out of it and swap it over to your classic. Then you would have EFI and an AOD or T5 transmission with overdrive.

2+2GT

I don't agree that a buyer would kill you on the price for a converted car that had an I6 VIN. The I6 cars are not really worth all that much to begin with unless they are convertible or maybe fastback.
What I mean is, a guy buying a car will balk at paying V8 prices for a converted car with 6 cylinder VIN.

As far as mileage goes. My car was a daily driver for a few years and got about 16-18 mpg. Now it gets about 16-17. So, the mileage really isn't any different. Of course I have a T5 now.
Strange, I had a couple of 66 Sprints, and the auto convertible got 20-25, and the manual coupe got a few better than that.

Also, It doesn't matter what exhaust you put on a 200 it will sound like a 200 not a V8.
Wanna bet? Dual headers and GT dual exhaust sounds like a stock 289 GT, maybe a little better.

If you want to tackle the project then I say do it. If you are happy with your car and really just want a bit more pep, the you should probably stay with the I6. You could always swap out the 200 for a 250.
The 250 uses the same bellhousing as the 302 V8, so you'll still have to change the trans, minimum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyWqsoMDlwY

351viC

If you want to do the v8 swap to be different!, consider keeping the I6 with a turbo there is a lot of info on fordsix.com, i have a I6 that I'm going to megasquirt. What ever you do have fun with your project.

1slow67

I'm going to convert my 67 over to a 300 I6 when I get the funds. I can hook up a T5 to it. Only problem is you will have hood clearance issues. I already have 5 lug and an 8" rear end. Just need the engine, 4bbl carb, 4 bbl intake, exhaust, engine mounts, tranny mount, and V8 driveshaft.