updating

[500sec]

Hello everybody.New member here and i am looking foward to the tips and expertise of all the members here.
I have a 1965 landau coupe with a 390cid and 3spd auto trans.I love this car it was my dads.My question is has anybody updated there cars to late model fuel inj with o/d trans.I have a 1991 5.0 ho mtr with trans in a good running orignal all together car.I am very interested in doing this conversion.Any input or ideas from the people who know?

thanks all
james

[CANNEDBAND]

I'D LEAVE THE 5.0 WHERE IT'S AT.CANNEDBAND

[Captain Mike]

Did your Dad keep the car pretty much stock over the years or had he modified it and tricked it up? If it's already been modded, then why not give it a try. However, if the car is bone-stock, then I'd rebuild the 390 and the tranny and keep it stock. These cars are pretty valuable when properly restored to original specs. Another thing to remember...the Tbird wasn't a muscle car, it was a luxury car. You don't get rubber coming off the line -- these cars are all about "floating" down the highway at 85 mph with power to spare! Good luck and have fun!

[500sec]

Car is pretty stock.Was in his garage for about 10 yrs.I am not concerned about originality either the car is mine and will be forever.I donot want to lay rubber either I like big luxurious cars.But i am concerned about reliabilty.I want to rebuild the car to my taste (would like to see dad smile when it is done)and really donot have a plan yet but would like to get the car in the shop soon so i can cruise this summer.give me some ideas guys voice ur opinions and ideas please all are welcome

thanks much
James

p.s i like to cruise at about 80 to 120mph so plenty of power is a must

[Joe Vandatta]

I would stick with what you have. The 390 and C-6 tranny are pretty much bullet proof.

[65tbirdconv]

I would stick with Orig. If it is redone to spec it will be as good as the 5.0 I think. You never know, you may have to part with it someday for some unforseen reason now and not get close to what you could have w/the orig set up. IF you go 5.0 I would hold on to all the orig stuff taken out!

[500sec]

Hey everbody.Was just at The Thunderbird Ranch site.I really liked the black bird he has created.Part of the reason I have been looking into updating and hot rod my bird a little bit is i am already in the car business.I do have a pretty extensive connection of contacts to work with,for most any thing auto related.I also am not very keen on the idea of spending 12 to 15k to beatifully restore a car that is only worth 12k.

[CANNEDBAND]

My 66 is 95% complete-95%stock.I still have to finish the bodywork and have her painted.I was just offered 5 grand for her,(I have OVER 8 grand in her.)I don't think this is much of a car to make much on if you're RESTORING her.Really restoring-not just a gallon of Armorall,6 cans of STP,and a set of plugs.I'm not going Concours or getting fanatical with the resto-she'll never see Pebble Beach-she was a rust-bucket when I rescued her.But I TOTALLY REBUILT all the mechanics by hand and I can pass anything but a gas station.I'd leave the 5.0 in place-thaty's a VERY sweet ride in it's own right.BJ,Cannedband DJ's :D

[500sec]

Hey CB ur ride sounds sweet would love to see pics.Decide to leave the FE in the car(really because i donot feel like going to all that trouble).I got lucky that dad did all the body work all ready just got to paint.Finally got around to looking at car last nite.So i ordered a new gas tank for it today now i just have to push the beast into the shop and onto the lift friday morning.Had it running on starter fluid and it made some pretty bad sounds.but i will asess the motor after it runs by itself.

p.s This forum seems a little quite come on guys lets hear about these old birds

[65tbirdconv]

Ya this area is DEAD. I don't know why it is nt more active. I belong to a mailing list for these, is active. I told them about this place and they didnt want to come. They rather use a old slow mailing list system then come here.