I currently own a 1969 mustang grande, with a 351w. This is my project with my father, btw I'm 17. So far we have gone with all the of the safety necesities: suspension, brakes, etc. and installed an electronic ignition. Its currently sitting with an automatic, and a near stock engine. Now I am looking to increase the power of the car. I was just about to buy an exhaust kit, headers, muff, pipes and what not to install, but was just wondering if this is the right direction to go? And what else could I do to increase horsepower, and speed in general, since I pay for half and my father pays for half, I am looking for upgrades that arent too expensive.

thanks

 

Exhaust/headers are always a good move. I prefer the ceramic coated headers because they last longer. A nice dual 2.5" exhaust with an h-pipe will last you for a long time. As far as engine upgrades, new heads, cam, intake and carb are a good place to start, butall that can get expensive. I would justtackle a little at a time. Edelbrock makes a nice airgap intake that I like. AFR heads are really nice.Compcams, Crane, and Ford Racing Parts make good cams.TheHolley 4150 or 4160 carb is killer and super adjustable.

To increase horsepower, you need two things...Air andFuel. New heads, intake, and cam will get you more air. You can then upgrade your carb to get moregas to match your new increase in air. Really pretty simple if you think about it like that.

 

id recommend changing your ring and pinion set up, if its stock you may have around a 2:79 ratio, ok for fuel economy but not performance, change it to around a 3:50 ratio, the seat of the pants factor will put a smile on your face, or go even further with a shift kit and a mild torque converter change even with a stock motor these changes will really wake that windsor up. and still have the reliability of a stock engine.

 

I'd probably get gears 1st. Then try to save up for a HCI kit from edelbrock. For 17-1800 bucks you can get heads, cam, intake, lifters ect. That will get you in the 400/400 area. Im not sure what you have for a carb, but you might as well get an edelbrock if you get the entire top end kit.

 

+1 on gearing first. That will give you much more of a lift than an exhaust on a stock engine. Mind you, a car that sounds great is always faster...isnt it

I just had the discussion last night with my engine builder about upgrading old engines. All you are really doing is putting extra pressure on the parts that havent been upgraded. I have done it twice and its ended in tears both times. Slow learner, but i wont make that mistake again. Right now I have an ok engine running in the car and another good block that I am starting to save the $ to rebuild.

 

I would recommend the smiley face items below. You will also need a cam- comp cams makes excellent stuff, but don't use my grind- its too hairy for street use. A Holly or edelbrock carb around 700 CFM with vacuum secondary will be good. Gears, trans rebuild with a shift kit. subframe connectors. Don't forget cooling.

The following motor in my 70 is downright scary. Runs about 170 degrees in traffic. But we did it right from top to bottom!


FORD 351W CID TO 410 PUMP GAS STROKER ENGINE -490+ HP

1969 Date FORD 351 CNC MACHINED & CLEARANCED BLOCK 4 BOLT Main with Crank Girdle- Bored .40 over
· 4.000" Holman Moody STROKER CRANKSHAFT
· FORGED 5140 6.200" I BEAM CONNECTING RODS
· Probe Forged FLAT TOP PISTONS
· 10.5 Compression Ratio ( 210 PSI)
· JE MOLY RING SET Gapless
· CLEVITE ROD AND MAIN BEARINGS
· BALANCED TO 1/2 GRAM
[ul][*]Edelbrock Aluminum RPM HEADS, 2.02/1.74 VALVES 200cc INT. RUNNERS[*]ARP HEAD BOLTS, FEL PRO GASKETS[*]COMP CAMS PUSHRODS[*]STAINLESS STEEL ROLLER ROCKER ARMS 1.6[*]SPEED PRO HYD. TAPPETS[*]S.A. GEAR DOUBLE ROLLER TIMING SET [/ul]
[ul][*]COMP. CAMS HYD. FLAT TAPPET CAM, .544/543" LIFT, 254/252 DUR @ 50, 110 LC -CUSTOM GRIND [/ul]Edelbrock Air Gap ALUMINUM 4BBL INTAKE MANIFOLD AND FEL PRO GASKETS
[ul][*]Fabricated Aluminum TALL VALVE COVERS, TIMING TAB[*]NEW Mildon 8 Qt STEEL OIL PAN[*]NEW ALUMINUM TIMING COVER[*]HIGH VOLUME OIL PUMP, PICK UP, STEEL SHAFT, ARP STUD, NUT AND WASHER [/ul]HOLLEY 750cfm, Street HP, Mech SECONDARIES CARB FUEL LINE AND FILTER
[ul][*]HIGH FLOW THERMOSTAT & CHROME THERMOSTAT HOUSING, FUEL PUMP BLOCK OFF PLATE[*]Protonix, 6AL IGN BOX, 8.5mm SILICONE PLUG WIRES, [*]Tri-Y Headers[/ul]

 

slo, that engine sounds great but IMHO teasing a 17yo guy on a budget who hopefully has a responsible father as a $ partner in this thing is bordering on cruelty.

you put that in the hands of 98% of 17yo male drivers and you might as well put a cannon upside his earhole and blow his head clean off. At least that way the Mustang will survive.

 

Easiest way to go faster for cheap is to change the rear end gears. only a few hundred bucks and it will totally change your car.

Next best cheap stuff is exhaust, which is a good investment. then go for a 4bbl carb if you dont have one already.

just be glad your dad is splitting the cost!!! im 17 and have to pay for most of the stuff.

 

Thats why I suggested the Smiley items- it will give him good horsepower and not be too expensive.

I would not suggest duplicating my engine for most folks but it went in this car so it had to be something special.
/ http://flickr.com/photos/7415085@N07/2251271550/
http://flickr.com/photos/7415085@N07/2250476271/

 

I fully understand Slo and your car is automotive **** (my favorite kind)...I'm just advocating caution around our younger members

I am not 17 anymore but I look back and wonder how I survived my teens the way we used to drive. I still push the limits from time to time but the where and when are much better thought out.

So for all the whipper snappers from all the whipper farts and old farts...put your brain in gear first and be as safe as you can. Here endeth the sermon.