i'm restoring my '71 convertible and i want to know what my best options for an engine are.

it currently has a 302 in it, but came stock with the v6 250 and was upgraded by the PO.

i was thinking of putting a 351w or maybe even a 429 if i can find one for a good price. i'm looking for a used engine to rebuild myself an put in and i wanted to get some advice on what to look for.

what engines will fit in this car? what kind of modifications will i need to do to put the 429 in and can i use an engine from a newer car or truck? it has the c4 tranny, will that work, or should i be upgrading that as well?

thanks for any help, i'm still pretty new to rebuilding cars (worked on motorcycles in the past) but i can't wait to get my hands dirty and i have all the time in the world.

 

Mr. Jason, there are all kinds engine options out there to choose from but a better way to solve your question would be what do you want out of the car when it's done? A nice weekend cruiser to just drive around? A daily driver? Or one you can tear up the track with?
Don't get a 351w, get a 351c or a 351wm (windsor modified) the cleaveland is much better in most aspects and would actually fit the car better considering the early 70's had C's not W's. But a W is more common and is still a good engine at that. To throw in a 429, I've heard all that's really needed to change for it to fit are the mounts. Our model mustangs where built to carry the big blocks so a 302 looks tiny in the engine bay and a big block looks cozy. Really any small block ford will fit up to early 90's without modification and most big blocks till then also i believe. You may have to build up the car though for the big block considering it 1) came stack as the 6cyl and 2) is a convertible, but don't quote me on that.
You can pretty much use any new engine but the newer it is the more difficult it gets. The newest "easiest" engines to use are those from the late 80's early 90's with EFI and TBI. I recommend the EFI for easy drivability year-round
The C4 can be built up to handle some real hp but really you can put in any trans you want from roughly 89 and back. Except for any that are electronically controlled in which while it's still possible, you'll need a computer to run it so it's not recommended.

Hope this helps.

 

You mean a 250 inline 6 not a v6.If you want a cruiser i would go 315w with efi if you was a torque monster get that 429 but you need a 9 inch and the big block front springs and front disc are a must to have.I would run a aod or 4r70w both will work with a small block the aod you can buy the cross member anywhere the 4r70w you gotta make one tho.