[SeaBud]

Looking at getting a 1966 mustang for my son and I to wrench on. Saw this one on-line (hope the picture shows up). I know it is a 6 inline and assume it is the 200 since I understand that is all they put in the '66. However, since it is 36 years old, could be a different engine.

Anybody out there certain that this is a 200 and want to make a guess if it is original?? Thanks

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/cto/3320298569.html

 

[a228380]

I thought the engines were blue and not orange

 

[George.Galo]

it's all orange including the intake manifold. my 66 200 is blue, but the manifold's not painted at all.(on that head the "manifold" is bulit into the head. I can't say from the pic if it's a 200, but whatever it is, it looks like it got painted along the way.

 

[Maxum96]

I thought the engines were blue and not orange

I can paint an engine any color you want.

 

[22GT]

I can paint an engine any color you want.

Sure, but the color is not the offense, the fact that it was painted is the worry. This means that it was probably rebuilt, repaired, or replaced. So, is it a carefully, if oddly painted, rebuild? Or used junkyard crap?

 

[Woodchuck]

IIRC, 65 six cylinders were Ford red, but I think the block was black.

 

[rayhicks1969]

Why don't you ask the owner?

 

[Lovies66]

Looking at getting a 1966 mustang for my son and I to wrench on. Saw this one on-line (hope the picture shows up). I know it is a 6 inline and assume it is the 200 since I understand that is all they put in the '66. However, since it is 36 years old, could be a different engine.

Anybody out there certain that this is a 200 and want to make a guess if it is original?? Thanks

1966 Ford Mustang

Hmmm... Engine red... Dash just painted red... Maybe just color coordinating..

 

[GT350R Klone]

I wouldn't be so conserned about the color or really if that s a 200 motor. 6cyl, coupes are not so collectible, so you are looking for a car to have fun with. I would be looking at rust, then rust, then rust. Then assess the drivetrain, electrical, suspension, brakes. Interior and exterior cosmetics can be fixed with $ and you kind of know where you are at.

I would say that if the rust is minimal and it is a good runner, could be a fun car to wrench on.

 

[Asm109]

Car is not an original pony interior. Just has pony seat covers and door panels.

Steering wheel not woodgrain.
instrument bezel and glove box are camera case not woodgrain.
Door handle is standard not pony
No carpet and metal trim on kickpanel.

 

[mustang656man]

probably not orig but is a 170 or 200 6cyl as using orig mounts 250 sits higher and not able to use orig air cleaner on 250. wes

 

[SeaBud]

I wouldn't be so conserned about the color or really if that s a 200 motor. 6cyl, coupes are not so collectible, so you are looking for a car to have fun with. I would be looking at rust, then rust, then rust. Then assess the drivetrain, electrical, suspension, brakes. Interior and exterior cosmetics can be fixed with $ and you kind of know where you are at.

I would say that if the rust is minimal and it is a good runner, could be a fun car to wrench on.

Thanks for the look guys. Above quote, I think, gets it about right. We are not looking for an original nor a car to show. We are looking at a car for my son to drive that we can work on together. I am not a mechanic so probably don't need to aim for the stars on this, just hit a single - maybe next one will be mine and a V8!

I will look at the freeze plugs to see if 200 (preferred) or 170. Owner drives it daily but says it takes "20 minutes to warm up" because of carburator issues" and said the temperature gauge "doesn't work". I know the sixes are "bulletproof" but are those red flags - thoughts on that? If I'm gonna have to completely overhaul (or replace) the engine, I will want a lower price. If it is just a new carb, putting a better manifold on, playing with the engine (timing, etc), a T5 and some pipes then it seems safer.

The thoughts you guys give are a huge help, thanks.

 

[Klutch]

Owner drives it daily but says it takes "20 minutes to warm up" because of carburator issues" and said the temperature gauge "doesn't work". I know the sixes are "bulletproof" but are those red flags - thoughts on that?

Could be the choke is not working. Could be engine has no thermostat. Could be both. If it has no thermstat, the engine could be quite gunked up from running cold. Check the oil and see if it smells like gasoline; you know, the regular stuff.

 

[tom991]

My Mustangs are in Vero Beach, one, my wife's is a 65 Conv. w/ a 200 I six. Her's took a while to warm up too. The PO removed the thermostat because it was overheating. Turned out it actually had a bad sending unit. Replaced that and it works well and is a fun car t drive.

Chances are that that is the original engine. If it doesn't smoke, knock, or lacks compression, I wouldn't consider rebuildling the motor.

 

[68preoccupation]

Looking at the pics, can't tell if it is a 170 or 200. But I did see the heater is bypassed, could mean heater core shot.

 

[GT350R Klone]

It sounds like a pre-purchase inspection might be a good idea for you. A compression test and a knowledgable mechanic could tell you if you need a thermostat, choke, carb or an entire engine rebuild. Nothing sours enthusiasm like buying something with unexpected and expensive repairs required.

 

[bwiencek]

Looks like a quickie paint job (white still left by the front bumper, passenger door overspray, pass. headlight bucket, etc.) and some minor refreshing of some parts - I would check that over REALLY well for rust and hidden 'hack' repairs.

The missing heater core/fan on the firewall is an indication of some unfinished repairs.

All that said - it's probably closer to a $2-2500 car vs a 4k IMHO with all the repairs needed. Although if you're looking for a car to tinker with and not hurt the value by non-oe repairs this one is a good candidate.. Just be prepared to spend about $500-1000 up front to get it into good safe driver condition...