Ever think about the Granada conversion? YOu could do a Granada spindle and disk brake conversion, plus take the Granada rear as well. You can 5-lug pattern, with disk brakes and an 8" or 9" rear for around $500 if you plan it right, complete.
I grabbed an 8" rear for my '65 for $100 drum to drum. I also started collecting V8 frontt end parts and you can get them reasonably if you look around. It the steering system needs to be replaced/rebuilt, then buy V8 vs. I6 components won't break you.
I'm working on a hy-brid R&P front end for my car, so I'm going another route with the front disk brakes, but I can tell you that they only cost me $275 for everything.
As far as playing with the I6, I'm a HUGE Inline fanatic. Check out CLifford Performance, but don't buy anything from them. They are a HUGE rip-off for many MANY things. They boast big HP gains from a 2bbl Weber conversion that they refuse to back up with and ##'s. Not only that, they sell the carbs for $200 more than you can get them from other sources.
You didn't say what tranny you had? T-5 upgrades can be done easily on the I6 which helps pep up things and gives you 2 more gears over the 3spd.
Upgrade the dizzy with a Duraspark II unit from a late 70's early 80's 200 or 250. Fire it with either the stock box or an MSD or Crane and then you can open up the plugs to .060 or so and gains a huge powerful spark.
The best upgrades on carbs we've found so far come from taking the 1bbls from the 80's Ford 300's and adapting them to work on the intake log. Not only are the engines choked by the integral intakes, but the carbs restrict more power as well. A later head has larger intakes and valves and is a great upgrade to the motor.
To be completely honest, these little motors stock only had about 85 Hp. Ford advertised them for 120, but that was done be putting the motor under such conditions that they will never see in the real world.
I've got plenty of advice on I6 performance tips. If anyone wants to expand on them, start a new post and I'll see what I can help with.
One guy just finished a rebuild of his 200 going hog wild with it. We figure the HP to be around 175 or so. It doesn't seem impressive until you compared it to the stock HP of 85 HP. He has gob of torque, shifts at 5500RPM, and can't gain traction in 2nd gear. These motors will really run, and run strong. They have 7 mains on the bottom end and are indestructable.
Sorry for the rant.
Al
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