New from NJ

[Billett]

Hey guys, long time lurker here finally getting a username and thread going. I've been around a few other forums for a while, but recently picked up a new car and need some opinions from you guys before I really dig into this project.

My brothers and I recently purchased a 1961 Ford Falcon 4 door. We got it for pretty darn cheap and it runs and drives. At the time we were looking for a light autocross car to tool around in and not worry about the appearance. I realize a 4 door isn't what most people think of when they hear autocross, but I've been racing with my c10 longbed for a little while and we have a bit of a flair for trying to get vehicles to do things they aren't supposed to.

Original plan was to yank out the old inline 6 and trans, drop in whatever swap we felt like, disc brakes, drop springs, drive. We don't need it to be super competitive we just wanted it to be cheap and fun and not another miata. Problem is, I checked out the VIN number and it turns out that this thing, while beat to hell, is all original. Engine, trans, interior is all from the factory. 144 CI I6, 2 speed fordomatic. Paint has been done over and looks like heck.

My question to you guys is: what would you do in this situation? Clean it up a bit and try to flip it because it's all original, or yank out all that old junk because no one likes 4 doors anyway.

I realize getting it to be a corner carver is going to be a bit of work, Mustang II suspension is probably the easiest route, and we have no idea about the powerplant. We've considered turbo i6, sr20, modular ford, LSx.... Doesn't really matter to us, but just like the car we like it to be just a little odd haha

Here are some pics to get you interested.

[BMR Sales]

Welcome!

T.C.

[BonzoHansen]

Another jerseyite!

[Billett]

Yessir, not too far from you either. I'm down in the Elmer/Millville area about 20 mins from NJMP.

[67gtonut]

Welcome from NW Nj!!!

[blainemeyer]

Welcome...transplanted from Jersey to North Carolina about 14 years ago. Off to see the "Boss" tomorrow night in good old Raleigh.

[aps63]

Welcome,
I like that it's odd. I say go for what's differant. Make a monster road course car out of it.
This way you can take all your new NJ friends for a ride in it when it's done.
By the way I'm in north Jersey.

[rustomatic]

In other countries, they like 4-doors. Just make it haul booty, sit right, and act right, and it will be cool. It's up to you, not the car.

[rustomatic]

Ah, I noticed you have the drift beeotch car. I actually studied those Datsun motors for a minute, as the turbo versions can be pretty cool. The iron block versions, however, weigh nearly as much as a 289 small block--not good value...

I even considered trying to get one of those Honda S2000 motors, but dorks seem to think they're made of gold...

You could make a cool Ford-san, like in Tokyo Drift. Seriously.

[Billett]

Been a while since I've been on here but I had to login and post when I saw your post Rust.

That pretty much is the plan now haha.

That drift beeotch has enough spare parts that all we need is a block and crank to build another sr20 turbo 4 banger. Here's the engine in the 240 right now.



The thing is an absolute beast. Puts out about 400hp on 18 psi with a bottom mount turbo. VVL is a beautiful thing.

The thing is, even the four door falcon weighs less than that nissan. The sr20 will get 30mpg if you drive it nicely, and it weighs less and is dimensionally smaller than the stock iron 6 in there right now. I don't see a downside to this at all besides some custom crossmember and suspension work.

[rustomatic]

Do it! It's funny how some people automatically think older cars are heavy... My Falcon makes my Civic feel heavy...