IM stuck on what direction to take....

[Tannerm]

I want to start on either the engine or tranny of my fairlane. It currently has a 289 with a 3 spd manual. I want to go bigger as far as engine, but dont know what direction to take it. i would like to stay windsor due to the easy install and more options. 302, 351, bored 302 etc. I figure I buy a seasoned long block and tear it down and clean it up before I bolt in. As for the tranny, I cant decide on whether to stay manual, or go auto. If I stay manual and step up to a 4 spd or T5, ill need to mod up a clutch cable (replace that linkage clutch junk). Then find a shifter that will fit around the bench seats. If I go auto, C4 or AOD. Ive been told swapping to an auto would be the most painless tranny swap just because your removing all the 3 spd's linkage, column shift, pedal, and adding tranny, shifter, and kick down. My goal is to have a quick classic. No dragster or stop light racer, just a quick 67 fairlane that has a respectable powertrain.
P.S. I appreciate yall that have helped me in the past on DFWS, and who have put up with my random and seemingly pointless bouts.

[UserX]

I know nothing about Fords, but I do know I have waaaay more fun driving a car with a manual tranny. No way I would go auto. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[80coupe]

h/c/i 351 with 5speed

[Josh.0]

408 tt with a 4 cyl t-5

[fordracer2]

Tanner do the trans first if your not doing them at the same time. That way you don't have to worry about the 3-speed giving out when you put the bigger motor in it. How is the tired 289 doing? They are down on power but those little motors are tough. The aod is a nice choice but a c-4 would be a lot cheaper to do! Good luck man and no you can't search my car sir. lol

[garycrist]

AODE with 4RW70 internals and a shift controller for the tranny. 351W based stroker with EFI. Make sure you put some GTA badges on the side!

[91CoupeMike]

408 tt with a 4 cyl t-5

This!

[Tannerm]

If it didnt sound like a bear to do, id put a T5 in it. But im worried about that clutch linkage (theres a kit for a cable clutch for falcons and mustangs that is $250, but they dont specifiy if it would work with a fairlane), crossmember, and where the shifter would have to be cut out. With bench seats i worry it would cause problems.

[fordracer2]

If it didnt sound like a bear to do, id put a T5 in it. But im worried about that clutch linkage (theres a kit for a cable clutch for falcons and mustangs that is $250, but they dont specifiy if it would work with a fairlane), crossmember, and where the shifter would have to be cut out. With bench seats i worry it would cause problems.

408ci TT=twin turbo and 4cyl t-5 is a joke Tanner.

[Baron Von Crowder]

If it didnt sound like a bear to do, id put a T5 in it. But im worried about that clutch linkage (theres a kit for a cable clutch for falcons and mustangs that is $250, but they dont specifiy if it would work with a fairlane), crossmember, and where the shifter would have to be cut out. With bench seats i worry it would cause problems.

We put the cable conversion in my car, it was super easy.

[2cammer97]

I'd do a budget 351 build. Since it sounds like you're just trying to build a fun street cruiser I don't see a reason to build a big horsepower 408.

Just do a basic 351 rebuild with some affordable Trickflow or Eddy heads and cam, intake, carb, exhaust to match. 350 rwhp should be no problem.

As much as I like manual tranny's an AOD would still be fun. If a T5 / Tremec swap isn't too hard that would be preferred.

Marcus

[Tannerm]

We put the cable conversion in my car, it was super easy.

How difficut was this? What did you put it in? Lastly, where did you get it?

[Tannerm]

408ci TT=twin turbo and 4cyl t-5 is a joke Tanner.

Lol i figured seeing how a 408 tt would be an ass load and that a 4 cyl t5 would be a terrible tranny even behind a mild 302 Dave, holler at me sometime. I tried callin ya a few weeks ago.

[Baron Von Crowder]

How difficut was this? What did you put it in? Lastly, where did you get it?

I bought a pedal set on ebay, took the pedals out of the assy on my car and the ebay set, bolted the adapter on the clutch pedal, and put them back in. Drill a hole above the master cyl, remove the master, put the adapter plate in, and reinstall the master. Route the cable to the trans.

I bought the kit from DM.

[FRider]

Tall deck small block 427 with 427 badges.