Would you rather - Ford project car edition

"Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger" (drbajones)
02/18/2014 at 12:26 • Filed to: None

1964 Ford Falcon

1968 Mercury Cougar XR7

Both need paint and minor metal work. Both have a 302 and C4. Price is same on both.

Which would Oppo do?

DISCUSSION (38)

Roundbadge > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 12:28

All else being equal, I'd rather have the Cougar XR7. I love the look of those beasts.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 12:31

Dropping straight into my wheelhouse. Giving I have a 68 Mercury with a 302 and C4 trans.

that being said I can without bias say to go with Cougar.

It'll be worth more in the long run, and frankly it's cooler. I like Falcon's but they have nothing on a Cougar, especially an XR-7. Make sure the numbers match on the XR-7 code. Let me know if u need info on finding a vin decoder for it.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 12:45

Kinja'd!!!

Falcon so I can build a thunderbolt replica.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 12:45

That's a difficult one... Street Rod II and the Falcon's lightweight, innocent looking body pose a strong argument for a good sleeper with misplaced nostalgia value, but if I were to go that route, I'd probably look for a nice Chevy II instead:

Kinja'd!!!

The Cougar looks to good to pass up though, imagine that one in yellow, red or black with slotted mags under those full cutout fenders... Yeah, I'd definitely go with the Mercury.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
02/18/2014 at 12:49

Or not since the thunderbolt is based on a fairlane... I need sleep

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 12:51

Wrong Falcon, and I already have the right one - hence Cougar.

camaroboy68ss > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 12:52

The falcon, I see a sweet A/FX car in that project. Shift the wheelbase forward and a blown 427 sohc and a top loader 4 speed.

lone_liberal > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 13:12

The Cougar. The Falcon might be a fun project, but the Cougar will always be the better looking car.

evil2win > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 13:27

The Cougar I grew up around both these cars and all things being equal I just like the looks of the Cougar.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/18/2014 at 13:30

I knew you'd weigh in! Post that VIN decoder if you don't mind.

The Cougar has all new seats. Plus flip up headlight doors!

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
02/18/2014 at 13:30

Eye of the beholder. I like the looks of the wedge better.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 13:43

This one should be good. Not very detailed, but there wasn't a ton of info apparently:

http://www.fordmercurycougarxr7.com/pages/VINDecod…

The Cougar pictured should have one of a few VIN codes:

8F93F500000

8F93J500000

8R93F500000

8R93J500000

F vs R is Dearborn vs San Jose build location

F vs J is 2 barrel carb vs 4 barrel carb from the factory.

This link has a lot of good info too, you should find these codes, maybe in the door panel? A nice cheat on the 4 vs 2 barrel carb from the factory is 2 barrel had single exhaust, and 4 had dual exhaust.

MORE PICS!

http://www.fordmercurycougarxr7.com/pages/VINDecod…

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/18/2014 at 14:20

Thanks for the info!

http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/4310143143…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/18/2014 at 14:29

Man that's NP.

Normally people post a muscle car/classic car and I jump on the Metro Detroit craigslist and find something better and/or cheaper.

I can't and that's a great sign. Also who wants to show up in a boring every day Mustang when you can be in a MERCURY!

Sorry, a tad excited there could be another Muscle Mercury guy on OPPO.

go buy that before I get a trailer ready and head south lol

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/19/2014 at 08:08

How is your 302 setup? Is it factory?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 09:38

LOL nope

Haha, it was when I got it, seriously the first time I popped off the valve covers I was like "Wow, this hasn't seen light since 1968, it's been 45 years."

I had a 2 barrel that was in need of a rebuild so I figured it was time for the planned 4 barrel upgrade. So I got a Holley 4 barrel off craigslist which also needed a rebuild. I brought it to SC with me and my dad being an ASE Master Mechanic rebuilt the carb for me for free! I also got an Edelbrock Performer RPM 289 Aluminum Intake off craigslist. One of the best parts about these old 302's is you can put 289, 302, 351W parts on them without any problems. It's bolt on for all 3 motors. You can even use modern mustang 5.0 parts (up until about 94-95). You just plug emissions ports and bolt right on.

So those two upgrades off craigslist cost a total of $85. Woke up the engine SO MUCH.

Then I put on true dual Flowmaster Super 44s at 2.5 inches. huge discount on mufflers from advance auto parts online, paid 120 for the pair (I think) and then $250 for fully welded exhaust built by local mechanic.

This thing is a monster now. I've had people at car shows ask me if it's a big block car.

I'll post some before after pics at the bottom of this and a video to what this 302 could sound like with only a couple little adjustments. Remember, the Cougar is going to weigh drastically less than the Montego (and probably handle better too...) so I can only imagine how fun this car could be. The Montego is a monster with just a couple adjustments.

Before Engine:

Kinja'd!!!

Engine now:

Kinja'd!!!

You can hear the stock single exhaust and the Flowmaster Duals in this vid:

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/19/2014 at 10:39

Holy crap! That doesn't even sound like the same... anything!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 10:46

And I don't even have headers. Those are stock manifolds. Though it may get them in the future.

It's really hard to pick out a set of mufflers so I wanted to share what mine sounded like for you. Finding a 302 with the exact mufflers you want on it is a challenge on youtube lol, helps even more than it's a Mercury.

Have you decided? are you actually going to go get one/look at one?

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/19/2014 at 11:03

I can't get the guy with the Cougar to email me back. I want to see the engine bay before I drive over to look at it. It's about an hour and a half from where I live.

Plus I don't think it's road worthy. So I'd have to find someone with a trailer.

I heard back from the guy with the Falcon, but the interior needs more work and money than I want to dump into it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 11:05

He says the brakes are all new so if the engine runs it should be solid to drive....despite having to grab that silly replacement steering wheel.

Just imagine me up here in Michigan chanting "DOOOO IT, DOOO IT, DOOOO IT, DOOO IT!"

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/19/2014 at 11:10

LOL. Plus is that it has no A/C. I don't want the weight.

BTW, I'm originally from Saginaw. Fellow Michiganer says, hi.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 11:16

Forget the weight, it's the power drain I like to avoid.

I'm originally from NJ so transplanted Michigander says hi back. lol

BTW, i NADAGuide'ed your potential Cougar. I just assumed 2 barrel 302 and merc-o-matic trans. (thats what the C4 was branded as for Mercury)

http://nadaguide.com/Classic-Cars/1…

O_o

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/19/2014 at 11:32

Damn I wish this guy would email me back.

It's actually been on CL for a while.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 11:34

Yeah I like how it says "call or txt" but there's no number.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/19/2014 at 13:50

Just got an email from the seller. Rattle can paint on the block. You can see the over spray on the distributor shaft and vacuum line. I'm trying to go see it this weekend. Has PS which I'd rather not have.

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 13:51

OK this is what you have to do.

find out if it's a Cyclone GT handling package. That's how I ended up with power steering, rarity and value boost.

To the googles to find out how to learn this on a Cougar.

It appears he's upgraded the intake and air cleaner. I'm going to give a wild guess there's a 4 barrel under there.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 14:00

Kinja'd!!!

I can't find anything on details for the Cyclone Grand Touring Package for the Cougar, though NADA lists it as an option.

For the Montego (I have the original window sticker which lists it for my car) it was power steering and sway bars.

Just adds to the rarity is all. Doesn't do a TON for handling lol, didn't even get me power brakes.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/19/2014 at 14:39

Hmmmm, interesting. I've not heard of the Cyclone Pckg for the Cougar. But there it is listed.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/19/2014 at 15:52

I hadn't heard of it either, but I do know that power steering was part of it for my Cyclone package so it kind of makes sense...

you have to keep me updated!

And you may have to change your name to CougarMan so we can start an old Mercury Club!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/20/2014 at 13:07

So I was sending another friend of mine the Montego exhaust video and in the "related videos" this popped up.

It's a inspection guide for 67/68 Mercury Cougars. The one he inspects is a 67 and an XR-7 model. He's got a ton of videos on there. You may want to check these out before you go look at the car.

good luck!

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/20/2014 at 13:39

Yes!

I follow them on facebook and have watched this one. Great videos.

I heard back from the Cougar seller. He's got someone in line in front of me. If they don't buy it then he's going to let me come look at it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/20/2014 at 13:43

OK cool. I really recommend finding a cougar over the 64 Falcon...but if you only have that as an option I'm not gonna say don't buy it lol.

Maybe look for a Comet too! Good luck finding a cool Montego

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/20/2014 at 14:08

I do like a well done Comet Cyclone. I'm just not sure it will fit in my garage!

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/20/2014 at 14:11

OH YEAH

Should be shorter in length than my Montego fyi

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/20/2014 at 14:29

If you happen to like Gassers. I normally don't. But this one has a certain je ne sais quoi.

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/20/2014 at 14:36

Yeah it does. It's gota be the ... right ...gasser for me to be interested. This one might have what it takes though! I'm gonna say she may have swayed the vote a bit too....lol

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
02/24/2014 at 10:52

WELL?!?!

What happened?!

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/24/2014 at 11:16

Haha. I've not heard from the guy yet. He's supposed to let me know if the person that went yesterday bought it or not.

We'll see! I'll keep you posted.