ford sleeper car?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by Indy_Gearhead71
Well, depending on just how far back in time you want to go, I'd suggest a mid 60's 4 door Falcon. They're an un-assuming car, simple to work on, full frame and pretty light in comparison. They'll also easily accept a V8 whether it's a small or big block.
Falcons and the Mustangs they spawned were never full frame cars.
I agree with a few others that the mid 80's LTD or maybe a Fairmont would be a cool sleeper.
They use the Fox chassis and nearly all '79-'04 Mustang parts can be made to fit.
The V8 and 4 cylinder K member are interchangable....in other words, if you find a lowly 4 cylinder Fairmont, a Windsor/Cleveland will bolt in.
The V6's and I6 used a different K member.
A rare but still reasonably priced LTD LX already has a 5.0 HO.....real neat car for sure.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Medina TN
I had a 1978 2dr Fairmont as my first car. It had a 300 6-cylinder in it with a c-4 behind it. It was a sleeper from the factory. Heck, I couldn't keep tires on it. A 302 would be nice in it but a 351 would rock!!!!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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Man I really thought the falcon was a full frame car,,,,, oh well I was wrong, but I'm glad someone caught it. Like they say, learn something new everyday.
I still think it would make a really nice sleeper though. lol
I still think it would make a really nice sleeper though. lol
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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To me a sleeper is a car that looks like a grocery getter 6 cyl but has a hugh high horsepower engine in it. I just don't see a big LTD with a 302 as a sleeper. A 67 Fairlane with a 427 cammer is more of my vision of a sleeper. If your going to use a 302, you gotta go small and light, like a pinto or falcon. just my 2cents
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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Well yeah, if you used an LTD you'ld want a 460 to off set the weight. The problem with a sleeper is there to boring to be seen in. Who are you going to surprise anyway, a ricer? A car that looks fast and is fast is a better choice in my opinion. Nomatter how fast you are, there's allways someone faster, so you might as well look good when getting feed your lunch.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
Originally Posted by cjben
thanks for all the ideas so far!! I kind of forgot about the 80's thunderbirds,I used to own an 86,I liked it a lot,would have liked it even more if it had the v-8 in it!! 
Grandpa-ish car with a 5.0 HO roller, posi, dual exhaust, 4wheel disc, fat sway bars and 16" wheels right from the factory. They're a Fox chassis so most of the Mustang "go fast" goodies bolt right on. A T-5 swaps right in on a Saturday and a 351W fits nicely under the hood. A nice one can be had for $2000 or less.
They made some in Red and Black that looked pretty mean, but if you get one of the more "fogey" colors like light blue or Champaigne their jaws will drop when you suck their doors off!
Here's a white one: http://www.murrayco.com/lincoln_mark_7_1989.html
