Help with buildup

Hi guys, I ned a little help with future plans for my '64 Falcon Sprint. The car is a light blue automatic from Southern California, and has no rust. The car was completely stock when I bought it, even having the original California plates from Sep 1963 on it. The oil pump shaft broke, and I seized a bearing, and had the engine rebuilt, but have not run it since putting the engine back in the car 7 years ago. I'm interested in putting it back on the road, but presently drive a car running in the 11's on the street, and I would like something like this out of the Sprint. But, I am hesitant about modifying such an original car, as I would want to put a Toploader or Tremec manual tranny in the car, not to mention a 9" rear end. Think I should modify it and destroy its originality, or try to find something else to mess with? I'd keep all the pieces to restore it, just not sure if it is worth all the modifications. BTW, I have a '73 Cleveland 2V engine and a '76 302 engine in the garage to start a build up on, should I go that route. Prefer to use the 302 or a new Dart 8.7" block for a build up, as I heard a Cleveland is a tight fit in the engine bay. Please fel free to make any comments, and Thanks for the input. John.

I think a nice warmed up 302-351-W small block with traction would let you run 11s pretty easy?

Yes, the 351-C is a real tight fit and needs real $$$$$$$$ headers too so I think a small block with around 400-450 hp would not only be easy to fit in the car is would also meet your et goals.

A production block will handle 400-450 HP no problem so a Dart block will really not be needed either unless you plan on making 700 + hp.

Traction and tire size are limiting factors for the Falcon and a 4 speed will only make traction harder to get but,a 4 speed will be really cool in that car!

I think a Tremec 5 speed would be best for the car that way you can run a little steeper gear in the back because of the 5 speed trans.
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I would do what makes you happy. If you'd like to cruise in a 64 Sprint that runs 11's, do it. The car doesn't need to be hacked up. The 8.7 Dart is a good idea, because you can really get some displacement via bore size. With aluminium heads, the Dart will weigh about 100 lbs less than the C, but could have more CID. You might have to compromise in the manifold area some to keep the carb out of the hood, but the 8.7 deck helps there too. Do the 9" and just mini tub the rear wells to make room for a decent 10" set for the track. Section the tank and the rear mat and it'll look stock to most folks. Keep the stance near factory.

You should be able to end up with a fast car that, from the outside (and mostly the interior) looked pretty stock. If you REALLY wanted to get a little stealth going, you could get Stockton wheel to make you rear steels that mount wide tires and the regular wheel covers. Get a brown tweed jacket, tie and matching hat, put on some black 60's style horn rim glasses and go "eat some rice". [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img]
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Tom and Ckelly, thanks for the help. I plan on building the Falcon into what I like, and will try to keep it restorable. I've had this car for 13 years, and they are fun. I'll have an AFX in disguise. I feel better about modifying it, and can't wait to be turning 7500 rpms and hearing that small block sing. I'll keep you posted. But, first order of business is to find a manual tranny donor car, so wish me luck. Take care. John.