Topic: 1967 GTA engine recommendations?

[rbrownsb]

All, I am building a '67 GTA Convertible for my wife, starting at the shell and up.  I have the original trans and 8" posi rear end, but no motor.  Since I am starting with basically a blank slate, what would you all recommend?  It is an A code, so it came with a 289 4 barrel, should I just put one back in, should I go larger, newer, EFI, etc...?  The car won't get driven a lot, of course once it's built, that thought may change.  I do want reliability, but fun, I'm not too worried about keeping it original either, I just want some fun but also want to do what makes sense.  Let me know your thoughts.

[Soaring]

First of all, welcome to the site.  You are fortunate it is a 67 and not a 65-66 because you have more room under the hood which adds to the options for an engine.  Tell us what you want the car to do after you build it.  Is it going to be a week-end cruiser, a track car, a light to light racer, or just a classic that looks and sounds like a classic?  There are several ways we can go here to determine which engine is right for you and your wife. 

[rbrownsb]

Thank Soaring!  She won't be doing any racing of any kind, and knowing her, it's doubtful that I will either :-).  I want reliability, but also want to be able to get on it when I want.  I'm not one to stay in the right hand lane if you know what I mean.  I definately want it to be able to jump and run when I want it to, but will also likely remain more for weekends and short trips.  I want it to sound like a classic muscle car with out being obnoxious, which I know can be determined with the manifold/header/pipes that I put on whatever engine.  I'm more concerned about safety and reliability than gas mileage with a performance balance somewhere in between.

I thought about a late model 4.6L, but from the research I've done, even thouth the '67 could accomidate a big block, I would still have to at least notch the shock towers, not sure that's really necessary.  Then I thought about a late model 5.0 with fuel injection, but I'm not sure I want to tackle all the additional requirements for the FI, meaning would it be worth it over just a carburated older 302...?

[Soaring]

Well the "A" code  came with a four barrel 289 in 67, so start there with your thinking.  Then if you can't locate an A code 289 to rebuild, go the the 302's which are much more plentiful because Ford used them for more than 3 years like the 289.  My suggestion though, is that you try to find a 351 Windsor.  They are plentiful in junk yards and you can mod them to whatever power you desire, and they will plop right into that '67.  The EFI's require a ton of mods to make them work, but guys have done it so that is an option still open.  I have two carbureted cars that are older than dirt, and they are extremely reliable, so don't think that reliability is linked to carburetion. 

[rbrownsb]

Will any 351w work from about any year?  I haven't researched them much, but know they are plentiful.  I had one in a '92 Bronco a few years back and loved it, I'm not worried about period correctness, so would basically any carburated 351w work for me? (assuming it's rebuilt with correct cam, etc... for a car vs a truck)

[Soaring]

Yeah, I have a 351W in my '81 F-150
Ranger, and it is a dog.  Pulls like hell, but is a dog.    All of the 351 blocks are the same configuration, so any will plop right in.  You might even get lucky and find a 351 Cleveland during your research.  Now, that will set your wife back in the seat of that 67.  They are rare too, just like the A code  and especially the K code 289's. 

[rbrownsb]

Thanks, a buddy of mine may have a '64 289 Hipo for me for only $800, I don't know the condition or completeness yet, but from what I researched that year block was only 5 versus 6 bolt and causes some tranny mating issues, not sure if it would be worth shipping it across the country or not.