SBF 260 Mustang/Cobra build

[The Earl]

New member to the forum, looking for whatever hidsight and or advice I could aquire...

I'm building a "64 1/2" Mustang that I got from my Grandfather... Story alone could fill a couple pages here.

Just want to build up my stock 260 small block to a more high-revving fun to dirve version.

Ideally would like close to 300hp and closer to 7k rpm...

Thanks for any advice or ribbing you may have...

[Mark IV]

Pull the 260 and put it in storage. Buy a Ford Racing 340HP 302 and dress it to look like the 260.

The 260 can be tweaked but the heads really make it tough, a crate motor will cost less and you will preserve the original engine for any future collector.

[Frank Messina]

Excellent advice from Mark IV. Having to spin a wheezer to 7000 RPM to get moving is neither fun or a good plan, especially between stoplights. Think torque.

Frank

[The Earl]

I knew I'd get the "Crate motor" response... not a bad piece of advice if that is what I wanted to do with this car.

It has more sentimental value than you can imagine.

I wanted to have this car run with the original 260, figured a Cobra forum might have a few resto-purists with some tips for the 260...

I'm dropping a crate 347 and t5 in my 68 fastback, but Grampa's Mustang is the major priority.

I'm keeping the origina 3spd and rear end, however I have upgraded to the 2004 Cobra front and rear discs.

As far as "stoplight to stoplight" I live in a very rural area, and Highway driving is how it will be driven the most.

Thanks for the advice, don't get me wrong.... Just lookin for a little more info/insight on this particular powerplant.

[olddog]

The 260 has the same stroke as a 289, and a smaller bore. The 3.8" bore may well prevent you from using 289 heads or larger valves in the existing heads. With the small displacement, the factory heads may breath OK. I would port match the heads to the gaskets, same with the intake manifold. Do the same on the exhaust. Clean up any casting crap in the heads. Do a good valve job, and call the heads done.

If the block will easily convert to roller lifters, put a mild roller cam in it, and be done. I wouldn't try to go all out on this engine.

You might try reading up on what Shelby was doing with them in the AC Cobra. I do believe he raced a few of them.

[Rick Parker]

If you plan on increasing spring pressures or increasing RPM capability with cam etc, you will definately want to convert to screw in rocker studs.

[69boss429]

CSX 2026 Cobra Roadster


No Cobra better illustrates the changes that transformed the outdated Ace roadster into a Cobra capable of winning races against the best sports cars in the world than CSX 2026, the very first Cobra to win a race (Riverside in February, 1963) as well as a national championship. It is powered by a 260 cu-in 300 horsepower engine fitted with four Weber carburetors. Plus, it sports a myriad of rare and competition features including the Nassau-style headers, competition windshield kit, alloy brake calipers, and more.


Webers would wake up Grampa's car
But it would be expensive
Good luck with your project.Please post some pics of the final result

[blykins]

I actually encourage builds like this. It takes a lot of thinking to make something run that normally doesn't run very well....

Anyone can take a big inch engine and make a good bit of hp and torque, but it takes some brains to make non-common combinations perform.

Are you looking to reuse everything on the engine, or are you open to some aftermarket parts?

[The Earl]

As I said, I am open to some aftermarket parts for sure, (hence the discs all around.)
I will continue to research and consider all of your input.
69Boss429... Thats exactly the reason I'm on this forum.
blykins... Hit the nail right on the head with why I want to "build" this 260.

[blykins]

Some aftermarket heads and an appropriately sized solid cam will probably let you hit your goal.

I've never built a 260, but the same principles apply to making horsepower.