Major change to my plans, sort of.
My father in-law has decided to gift me a very nice 302 with about $5k into it. No miles, balanced, blueprinted, ported, and lots more. Kinda hard to pass that up, though far more horsepower than I need. I must tread carefully.
Now i plan to sell my fox-body Mustang and fully fund a V8 swap for the Falcon! Same goals though, reliability and safety.
I have priced out most of the steering and suspension parts for this new off FalconParts.com Here is what i have so far:
-‘65 V8 Left and Right Spindles....................................$400 (ouch!)
-‘63 Adjustable Strut Rods 2ea.....................................$118 (optional, UCA Kit)
-‘63 Strut Rod Bushings.......................................... .....$50
-‘65 V8 Under Engine Brace..........................................$70
-‘65 V8 Manual Steering Center Link.............................$140
-‘65 V8 Inner & Outer Tie Rod Ends 2ea.........................$102
-‘65 V8 Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeves 2ea.............................$19
-‘65 V8 Idler Arm............................................... ..........$48
-‘65 V8 Idler Arm Bracket........................................... ...$35
-‘65 V8 Pitman Arm............................................... .......$68
-‘65 V8 Front Axle Nut Kits 2ea......................................$22
-‘65 V8 Right & Left Engine Mount Rubber........................$32
-‘65 V8 Intermediate Mount Brackets..............................$50
-65 V8 Aluminum Frame Mounts...................................$140
-Front Coil Spring Insulators (mine are absolutely shot)....$10
The Scarebird setup will be upgraded to the 15” wheel disc brakes to go on the V8 hubs:
-Scarebird PNY M30 Kit............................................... .$177
-‘68 Mustang Rotors............................................ ........$206
-‘68 Mustang Bearings Inner & Outer..............................$54
-‘68 Mustang Front Wheel Seals 2ea...............................$15
-‘79 Eldorado Left & Right Brake Hoses...........................$40
-‘90 Celebrity Left & Right Calipers.................................$60
-‘90 Celebrity Brake Pads.............................................. $30
-‘90 Celebrity Banjo Bolts Front 2ea...............................$15
-‘74 Maverick Master Cylinder........................................$7 9
Optional (sketchy things I’m not sure of):
-‘65 V8 Monte Carlo Bar............................................... ..$60
I may need to see after the motor swap if this will fit.
-SPC Performance Adjustable Upper Control Arm 94215 w/Adjustable Strut Rod 2ea.........................................$590
These are listed as fitting a ‘65 Falcon, I believe this is only because of the strut rods and should work with the rest of the ‘65 steering components on a ‘63. I cant find any reviews or evidence of these parts on a Falcon, seems like a roll of the dice.
I would like to think this is a nice upgrade if I replace the control arms.
Which brings me to my new quandary, should I replace my control arms? The cost of new bushings and ball joints seem to make new but cheap control arms the more cost effective method. It also seems pointless to have all these new components and not refresh them. However, I am concerned about the quality of these affordable control arms. Anyone have some experiences with the new (likely Chinese made) stuff? Should I just buy the expensive name-brand stuff or purchase some adjustable units for roughly the same price?
I’m joining this group to hear the advice of my peers, so please, let me hear all criticism and recommendations. Thanks guys! (Once I get my national club membership confirmed you all will have a very annoying little bro as a new paid member):)