Keep the I 6 or go V8?

Ok guys,
Its time to decide on what to do with the Sprint. I have a numbers matching car. Everything is original. I can rebuild the 250 (Turn the crank Magna the head hone the cylinders and all that) for around 950 or so. I can buy a 302 reman motor for 1080.00. What would you guys do. I have everything I would need to convert to V8 except a radiator. I need one of those any way so it really isn't a consideration. The sprint is going to be my "show Car" and my grabber wil be my for the fun of it car! (God I love the Grabber). At any rate what would you guys do? Just give me your opinion and reasons why. Do you think the car will show better with the v8 or do I keep it all stock with the 6. Help me guys I can't make up my mind. The car is really in good shape with litte work to be done on the body. I do not intend on racing the sprint at all. So lets hear it! What would you guys and girls do?
Thanks
Jerryfow2

 

i would keep the sprint original, especially if it's matching numbers...and besides that, you have a grabber for fun...i'd re-build it

 

f*ck it 302 heh

 

Well, There really isn't such a thing as a "numbers matching" Ford because Ford doesn't use serial numbers on their parts. They just use part numbers. While there is a date code in the part number it doesn't necessarily have to match the car's year or class. The part numbers only change when they are modified. Your block ID# might be D2 - 72 in a 73 or 77 car. Your VIN will call out the size of engine and type of tranny.
Having pointed that out, if you want the in the original condition then do it! You have your hotrods so having a virgin might be a very special thing. I guess I like modifying cars more than having a perfectly original car - I would put the biggest engine that fits nicely and change the suspension, get rid of as much weight as I could and ---- you get the idea. It's your car man, do what you enjoy doing.

 

Build The 6 Cyl And Leave It Original.

 

i say to a sprint.. keep it factory original

 

i'd keep it original since it is a sprint and not just a base model. theres no shame in a 6 cyl anyway and with the growing aftermarket of speed parts you dont have to settle for the stock 80hp. 302's are boring to look at anyway, there like the 350 chevy v8 over at the GM camp, go to a car show and 90% of the fords there will have a 5.0/302 in 'em.

 

well, my plans for my sprint are to use it for a street car. i want it to look good and retain the characteristics of the sprint but i want to have fun with it. to me that means it needs a little pep.

 

i'd keep it original myself, Jerry.....

and i dunno about the I6 engines, but the 302 in Mavericks and such actually have the VIN stamped into them, located right behind the intake where the top of the bellhousings bolts up

 

Rebuild the 250, it fits and you don't have to adapt anything. For a little pep, add a 2bbl, bigger valves, direct mount, add 255 pistons, header, petronix ignition, and a good cam. This engine will supprise you with a great flat torque and power curve. I'm just saying, that's what I would do. Then at the car shows, a v-8 is a common power plant, but a good running I-6, that's unheard of.
JMO, Ken

 

yep....they sure do. Found my VIN stamped there. Also found the VIN stamped into the top of the tranny.

I would keep it original Jerry.

 

V-8, v-8, v-8 !!
Original Mavericks are boring, which is the main reason they got so little respect in the '70s and '80s...

 

Wow
I did not expect all the love for 6 cylinder! I must say I have been really struggling with the choice. I think the 6 might just stay put! If so we will be moving up to a dura spark ignition. Perhaps a header would make it sound a little more intersting. Would the AOD be good with a 250? I would think it would not have enough hp. The Trans in it is shot so I have to buy one or get it rebuilt anyway. I'll have to think about that one. Thanks for helping me out everyone. Sometimes you just need to hear what the right thing to di is.
Thanks
Jerryfow2

 

I'd like to know what's so great about it. It weighs almost as much as a 302, makes less power, and doesn't sound as good. By today's standards, the gas mileage isn't really all that great either. Could someone explain the appeal of a I-6 to me?...

 

Some people like I6s just like some people like pintos with side pipes