Folding trailers are something to think about. You won't have the greater front surface area acting as extra wind resistance, that a travel trailer will have as...being folded down...won't rise above the height of your wagon.
Maybe all you will need is bigger rad, front disc brakes, heavier springs to replace those that are tired., trannie cooler, new tires if not already new. Still a few bucks.
Once you start looking at switching powertrains, it get's expensive, unless you are a do it yourself home mechanic.
As an aside, my FIL back in '66-67 had a '66 Meteor (Cdn. Mercury) with a 428...345 bhp engine..C6 transmission...powerful engine.
One thing that will give you a few more ponies , might be a used 4 bbl carb and manifold and a true dual exhaust system...but still with little cubes (289) it won't increase your torque a bunch.
I think the '67 289 with 4 bbl was 225 hp gross (using Jaraxle's formula..prob. be a true 180-185 hp.)...not sure if there was a different cam, higher comp. or other changes...I have a feeling no.
Just some ideas.
I understand your desire, it would be nice to have something different and a big Ford wagon from the '60's will bring back lot's of pleasant memories for many folks.
BTW, like your Superbird.
* This post was
edited 11/09/09 03:51pm by lesmore49 *
Yes, the A-code (2bbl was C-code) 4bbl 289 was 225HP (gross)--it's not as simple as a carb & intake swap, though: I think the cam was different, and maybe more compression. Even the legendary 289 Hi-Po (K-code), with a big Holley carb, high compression, high compression, and solid lifters only had 271HP (gross). Realistically, the 1987-92 Mustang's 5.0 HO (225HP net) had about the same power as the Hi-Po...general rule, net to gross is about a 15-20% power drop. I still say the best route is transplanting a built 302...maybe even a 331 or 347 stroker.
And it's Jarlaxle, please.
John
1984 Ford B-700 school bus conversion, Thomas body
A bunch of other vehicles
3 nutty cats (Maya, Vierna, Briza)
One lazy dog (Marmaduke)
One wife (Liz)
"A wasted youth is better by far than a wise and productive old age"
-Jim Steinman
Jarlaxle wrote: Yes, the A-code (2bbl was C-code) 4bbl 289 was 225HP (gross)--it's not as simple as a carb & intake swap, though: I think the cam was different, and maybe more compression. Even the legendary 289 Hi-Po (K-code), with a big Holley carb, high compression, high compression, and solid lifters only had 271HP (gross). Realistically, the 1987-92 Mustang's 5.0 HO (225HP net) had about the same power as the Hi-Po...general rule, net to gross is about a 15-20% power drop. I still say the best route is transplanting a built 302...maybe even a 331 or 347 stroker.
And it's Jarlaxle, please.
Sorry about the name screwup Jarlaxle. I like the idea of a 347 stroker..maybe one with a RV cam, etc...to emphasize strong low and mid range torque. But then I've always been very good at spending someone else's money .
* This post was
edited 11/09/09 08:18pm by lesmore49 *
Winged One wrote: Ok, but this is getting away from my question regarding the WAGON. LOL
OMG!! Would you adopt me??
I know, I know, off topic. Sorry about that, but that Superbird of yours is a car I have fantasized about since my teen years!! Still to this day those make me drool!
And, the Ford wagon is nice as well!
Swap in some towing gears, upgrade the brakes, and the cooling if necessary, and I wouldn't be afraid to tow a 5,000 lb aero-friendly lightweight TT locally with the Ford. Good luck and keep us posted!
* This post was
edited 11/09/09 09:49pm by surveyorjp *
That's a beautiful car. If it's any help at all, I still remember the owner's manual from my high school car, a '72 Dodge Coronet with a 318 V8. This car was similar to yours in terms of power and weight, and the owner's manual said it could tow 4000 pounds, with no mention of frontal area or GCWR.
1998 Gulfstream Ultra B/H Ford E450 V10
2005 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 w/ Maxidump insert
6x12 Interstate enclosed trailer
7x16 Bulldog flatbed hauling a 2006 Kioti CK20 TLB
NEW (to us) 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid (not toad-ready just yet)
1998 Saturn SL2 toad
If the Ford won't pull it just use the Superbird. I understand that most of them came with gears more appropriate for drag racing (or towing) than for speedway racing. It certainly has the engine, transmission and brakes needed. My father used to pull a 6000 pound boat with his Chrysler Newport that was mechanically very similar, just a weaker engine. One of those teardrop trailers or a classic Airstream would look great behind the 'Bird.
Winged One wrote: Ok, but this is getting away from my question regarding the WAGON. LOL
OMG!! Would you adopt me??
I know, I know, off topic. Sorry about that, but that Superbird of yours is a car I have fantasized about since my teen years!! Still to this day those make me drool!
And, the Ford wagon is nice as well!
Swap in some towing gears, upgrade the brakes, and the cooling if necessary, and I wouldn't be afraid to tow a 5,000 lb aero-friendly lightweight TT locally with it. Good luck and keep us posted!
That is a beautiful true all American muscle car. NICE!!!!!
2002 Chevrolet 1500 4x4 Ext.Cab 5.3 3.73 rear
Putnam Class V XDR
Prodigy
2008 Jayco Jayflight G2 29BHS
MAXX AIR
Tornado
Reese Strait Line Dual Cam 1,200 lb Trunnion bars
Groover wrote: If the Ford won't pull it just use the Superbird. I understand that most of them came with gears more appropriate for drag racing (or towing) than for speedway racing. It certainly has the engine, transmission and brakes needed. My father used to pull a 6000 pound boat with his Chrysler Newport that was mechanically very similar, just a weaker engine. One of those teardrop trailers or a classic Airstream would look great behind the 'Bird.
The only potential issue I see towing with a Superbird is the fact that those cars had issues with the cooling systems due to airflow issues with the unique nose cone. They stayed cool at high speeds, but low speeds and traffic situations were an issue I believe. I would think towing would also be a challenge for the cooling system, unless tweaked somehow.
This is all based on what I've heard and read though. I have never been fortunate enough to sit behind the wheel of one of those iconic automobiles, much less drive one.
Groover wrote: If the Ford won't pull it just use the Superbird. I understand that most of them came with gears more appropriate for drag racing (or towing) than for speedway racing. It certainly has the engine, transmission and brakes needed. My father used to pull a 6000 pound boat with his Chrysler Newport that was mechanically very similar, just a weaker engine. One of those teardrop trailers or a classic Airstream would look great behind the 'Bird.
The only potential issue I see towing with a Superbird is the fact that those cars had issues with the cooling systems due to airflow issues with the unique nose cone. They stayed cool at high speeds, but low speeds and traffic situations were an issue I believe. I would think towing would also be a challenge for the cooling system, unless tweaked somehow.
This is all based on what I've heard and read though. I have never been fortunate enough to sit behind the wheel of one of those iconic automobiles, much less drive one.
Now that you mention it, I've heard the same thing r: Superbird cooling.
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Would you adopt me?? 
