Thread: 1965 Galaxie and a 429 (new guy)

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Hello everyone,

I will start out by introducing myself. My name is Justin. I am an 18 year old employed college freshman. I own a 1965 Ford Mustang with a 200ci I6. I also have a 1953 Buick Super with a V8 (this is in my grandmother's garage, waiting for the garage to be built at my house). I have moderate mechanical ability so far. On my Mustang, I have installed a port divider, a performance header, electronic ignition, and I have adapted a 2bbl carburetor on the engine. I know what I am doing to a point...when I first got my Mustang two years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. Somehow I managed to install a new starter motor (with the help of my father), and then on my own, replace the battery, solenoid, battery cables, and the solenoid to starter cable. After that, I had the Mustang running well.

Today, I checked out a 1965 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible. It originally came with a 352 cubic inch engine. A 390ci replacement was put in. The owner of the car also has a 429ci engine (with transmission) that he is willing to sell for $150.00. The engine is complete; it even has air conditioning parts. I do not know what year and what model car it came out of though. I am going back tomorrow so I intend to find out.

My questions:

How well will a 429ci fit in the engine compartment of a '65 Galaxie?

How will the suspension handle the weight? This car will not be on the road for some time, so drivability is not important right now.

What changes must I make when putting a 429 in place of a (originally) 352?

Thanks so much,

Justin

Thanks for the info Richard, but now I must ask what is a Lima engine? I have heard "FE" before but never Lima. What constitutes a Lima engine?

Was the 429 not a performance engine? Is that why it would not look right? I just want to make sure I understand this new (to me) Lima concept.

Thank you for your help Richard. I really appreciate it.

Hey Dude, welcome to CHR. Sounds like you have a nice fleet started. As far as the Galaxie, I gotta go with Richard on the FE for a motor choice. Just my opinion, but I don't think the "look" would be right with the 429. But hey, it's your car and your decision. Lots of performance upgrades are available for either motor.

Welcome aboard. Sounds like a neat project what ever way you go.

If you don't mind let me give you a little food for thought while your deciding what to do. Besides the effects on the value of the car as Richard and Dave point out there the work and money issues involved.

Both engines and tranny will cost about the same $$$ to build, and while an acceptable upgrade to the Galaxie would be a C6 in place of the FMX the car probably has FE C6s are not that hard to pick up. BOth engines have the capability to be built to similar power levels.

AC seems to be an upgrade you want to add, and the parts to put it on the 390 are also readily available usually at any wrecking yard (don't limit yourself to 65 Galaxies anything with a 390 and the options you want will work including PU trucks), just get all the brackets and pullies.

THe 390 will bolt right back in , but with any swap to a different style motor that was not available from the factory a lot of little problems may crop up that will need to be addressed to make it a sucessful swap. Things like exhaust, cooling, some wiring issues, throttle linkage, motor mounts, oil pan clearance etc etc. This usually results in time and $$$ issues.

Whatever way you decide to go plan out exactly what you want when you get done and do your research first.

Welcome and good luck.

Thanks everyone. Here is an overwiew of the car:

Body

Original, faded, red paint,
It has some surface rust,
Quarter panel rust (just around the wheel well openings),
The bottom edge of the driver side door is rusty (might just need a new door skin)
The passenger side door skin is somewhat better,
The driver side frame rail is rusted (about 6-8" from the beginning of the rail) You cannot see into the car through the frame rail,
The hood and trunk are fine
All the chrome trim is there (most in the trunk)

The car is complete (many parts in the trunk)
The floor pans look solid,

Mechanics

The original 352 is gone, as well as the transmission,
In its place is a 390 with a rebuilt auto. trans with a stage seven shift kit. It was running before but it is slightly apart (fan, belts, battery)
The gas tank is in the trunk as well

Interior

It has bucket seats and a console,
New carpet,
Needs a headliner,
The rear seat has tears
It is mostly complete in the interior (emblems, door handles, trim)

The owner is also including six mag wheels and some extra parts (don't know what parts though)

The price is $1500.00.

Opinions? Does this sound like a good deal?

Does this sound like a good deal?

yes

It will sound even better now. My father and I just bought the convertible and the 429 along with mag wheels. The guy also threw in a complete 1962 Econoline truck for free! They are also going to build a stand for the engine and haul the cars to my house at no charge.

1965 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible (with a 390) and Mag wheels: $1500.00
429ci engine: $125.00
1962 Econoline truck, complete: Free

I believe that was a very good deal.

Thanks for all your help,

Justin

welcome to CHR

Sounds like a deal to me!!! Got us some pics of your newest finds yet?? Too bad you're so far from me, I have a '67 Galaxie parts car (nice car, no title) that might be the same frame??? Not sure on that. Now, in my warped and twisted Blue Oval mind, I can see that '62 Econoline with a 429 in it !!!!!!! Have fun, Dude.