Graham, there are generally two questions you have to answer. First, do
you want the traditional 260, 289 and top loader, or do you want 5.0L
and T-5.
Second, how much money do you want to spend.
I went with a 5.0L and T-5, and really like it. The hp and torque are
there with the newer engines, and with 88-91 you get forged pistons,
double chain, one piece rear crank seal, and roller cam. T-5 has plenty
of grunt, and OD 5th for highway cruising, with higher gears.
You can buy a 5.0L, bell housing, clutch and T-5 for $1200-$1500 in very
good shape. You add metal work for T-5, , cost depends on who does it,
and hydraulic through out bearing for $300, and you are ready to roll.
If you want a crate 5.0L, you can buy a 345 hp new engine from Ford for
$3000. It is hard to build a 345 hp engine for $3000.
How much money do you have.
There is also too much made about the T-5 breaking. You break a trans
by really abusing it, and when you have slicks that really stick,
causing the trans to transmit more of the torque then the trans can
take, and break it after those 5000-6000 rpm burnout's. Well the Tiger
has such small tires, as opposed to the Mustang, that trackson is the
problem, not the trans.
Does anyone know a Tiger owner with a T-5, who has broken their T-5?, I
don't. If you do, let me know, as I will contact the owner for details.
Now is the time to put a budget together, for either a traditional or
mod engine/trans. Be real with your budget, as you can get over your
head very quickly. Machine work can get expensive very quickly.
Larry
gharlowe@comcast.net wrote:
> The last post got me wondering how many folks installed 6-bolt 289s or 302s,
>but kept their 5-bolt 4 speed. I'm close to pulling my 260 as part of the
>resto teardown. I would rebuild it, but the devil has me thinking that if the
>money's going to be spent, should it really be spent on a 140 hp 260? From
>the cyl head id discussion, it sounds like tweaks to the 260 are limited other
>than going the F4B/4bbl and header route. Pls correct me if I'm wrong.
>
> I'm SURE this has been covered, but can the list describe some of the
>challenges to a 289/302 conversion? Adapter plates are available (cost?
>sources?)...but if you install the adapter plate, what else needs to be
>modified? How rare are 5-bolt 289s?
>
> Is that same devil going to be whispering, "Get a T5"?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts...
>
> - Graham
>
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