[Stang66]

[size=12][size=18]

Hi folks,

I am new to the forum thing and joined because I just purchased a 1966 mustang coupe as a family (yes, enthusiastic wife included) restoration project. I have the original 289/200hp V8 in it and was wondering if someone could answer a couple of questions for me.

1. What was the top speed of a mustang equipped with my engine that year? I can't seem to find that info anywhere

2. I'm pretty sure I have the Cruise-O-matic auto transmission with the car and am pretty sure it is the original. I plan to replace the engine with a 302/350hp engine and don't know if the transmission I have will hold up to the increase in hp, even after being rebuilt. The car will be a street cruiser, however at least once a week it will see stop and go traffic and once a month see 1/4 mile runs at the strip. Do I need to upgrade the transmission? If so, which one will be the easiest to install (no modifications) and still meet my durability requirements?

3. Finally, will 3.73 gears give me a very good off the line time and still allow my car to be a cruiser? Also, will it affect top speed very much? I haven't researched my car's stock gear ratio yet.

Thanks in advance for all the info. It will help me detail the budget/time a little better.

[OldSchool]

The top speed will depend on the tire size, rear end gear ratio and how many rpm's you want to motor to turn.

On my stock 65 with 2.80 rear end gears, the motor would turn at 4500 prm at 120 miles a hour. real highway cruiser, but not much off the line.
I have only got it up to 100 so far.

In the late '70s I cruised my "K" code coupe at 80-90 mph all the way across the country a couple of times.

You can get all sorts of beefed up parts for the c4 tranny, at a price.

The 3.73's should be fine, in my opinion.

[OldSchool]

Check out these links

http://www.4lo.com/4LoCalc.htm

http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm

[Steamboat 16]

you must have one of the coolest wifes ever

[Stang66]

Thanks for the info Old School and I'll check out the links. I wanted to make sure the 3:73 gears wouldn't keep it from haulin on the open road, but at the same time, I didn't want my mustang launching from the line like a garbage truck.

My wife was pretty cool about the car. She knew I wanted one and the specs I was looking for and found it on the net for me. Then told me to jump on it cause of the price. I figured restoring it would make for great family time. She's excited about the project, so for now I think my marriage is safe during the restoration

[B Mad]

You may have a problem with that kind of power and that transmission holding up. I bought a B&M shift kit, changed the fluid and had the bands adjusted. I thought I "rebuilt the trans" The first thing that happened when had a hard launch was blow the seccond gear band. I did have slicks on though. When you rebuild the trans. don't skimp. Also... while you're in there try to match up your stall converter with your cam lift. I know of a lot of guys who slap a crate engine in their cars (which there is nothing wrong with) and can't get their car to launch.

[Stang66]

Thanks B Mad I will keep that in mind.