In the process of installing a 250 Offy tri-power 6-cylinder backed by a T-5 into my 1966 Ranchero that currently sports a 200 w/ 2.77 3-speed. If I'm not mistaken, the 1969 Rancheros came with a 250 cu in motor. The motor mounts are the same on the 200/250s, but I think the 200 motor mount brackets might be too tall for the slightly larger 250. Anybody have any or know where I might find a pair? Anyone done a V8 upgrade and still have the 6-banger motor mounts laying around?
I'm in the process of gathering all the possible parts before I do a test fit to see where the shifter lines up, tranny mount, headers clearance, etc. Has anybody done this? I know of a few round body Falcons, Comets and Rancheros, but not a 66. A '66 Ranchero is the last of the Falcons, but the engine compartment and cowl sheetmetal looks identical up to the 70's when the Rancheros joined the ranks of the Torinos.
So far so good. I lowered the engine/tranny with a less than half an inch to spare between the crossmember and oil pan by using the bottom hole on the motor bracket bolting to the upper mounting boss on the engine thus lowering it by two inches over the stock mounts. Never did find a '69 motor brackets; still using the old 200 cu in brackets. The stock 289 bellhousing bolts right up the the 250 inline six as well as stock flywheel, but you have use one with removable weights because the inline sixes are zero balanced.
Now the real cool news: The Borg Warner T5 tranny from '79 to '93 Mustang practically bolts up using a stock cross member from a big block 1966 C6 or top loader. This should work for any T5 conversion for 1966 and 1967 Ranchero, Fairlane, Comet or Falcon straight six or V8. Other years probably work too.
Once I got the carbs dialed-in, everything is working smoothly except the idle. The idle leveled off a bit when I cracked open the idle circuits on the outboard carberutors, but it's still a shaker.
By increasing the accelerator pump shot on the center carb and removing the powervalves on the outer ones, I removed all hesitation and it has some serious low-end torque, but lacking in the upper rpm range. That could have to do with cam timing. Until an adjustable timing set comes available...
I used a World Class T5, V8 tranny and the clutch cable worked out great! I used pedals from '66\67 Fairlane or Comet Cyclone big block 4-speed car. The cable kit came from Ron Morris Performance and the pedals can be had from Perogie Enteprises. The shifter location was perfect for me because I'm tall and the seat goes all the way back for me.
Even though I'm running a six cylinder, it's the exact same deal for a small block V8 Ranchero, Falcon, Fairlane or Comet 66 thru 69 - not sure beyond that.
Hey guys! I'm looking for any and all advice I can get on this 1979 Ranchero that I have the opportunity to buy. It's been sitting for a few years, started up once or twice. Original owner passed away and wife or daughter know nothing about it. I would really like to keep this car close to home as I know it still holds a sentimental value to them. They even told me that the only reason they're even considering it is because it's me and the know I'm not gonna try to flip it. Please help me!!!
thanks for posting , i am seriously considering a T5 swap in my 69 w 351w
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