Ford

I have a 1959 ford fairlane that i am planning to restore. i was wondering if i should go with the original 292 or boost it up to a 302 police interceptor. i would like to kee it mainly all original, but i would gladly sacrifice something for a little more performance. any suggestions about any aspect of it would be appreciated.

The engine bay will fit almost any engine with the correct exhaust blokeifolds or header made to fit. the steering box is in the way of blokey header sets. the 312 is an interesting appearing motor but does not offer much more power. 1959 was the last year of the 292-312 and the beginning of a 332-428 (fe) series. the older (before 66) 390, 428, 427 will bolt in with the correct exhaust and give a large boost in power. a 352 might be an adequate compromise. i had a 1959 edsel with a 427 that was fun to drive, but when you add power to one of these older cars, you must also think of stopping it with bigger brakes (the station wagon (3 in) drums and shoes are the same as the police interceptor and bolt right on (front and back). with quality shoes (graylock or carbon) they work very well