1960 improving braking & fuel economy | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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1960 improving braking & fuel economy

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I want to but do you recommend how to do it and any specific parts and where to buy I want to improve fuel economy and stopping

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I have a 1960 here's what I have done to it.
Put Borgsonsteering ,replacing those old leaking hoses.
Replaced the so called 3 speed automatic with a GM 700R4 why, the 700R4 has a lower low gear and a higher Overdrive [ this gives you a 4 speed].
Then to bring the Gear ratio back up I put in a 3.50 gear in the rear [at 55 mph the engine is turning 1600 to 1800 RPM ] this gives me about 21 MPG on level ground @ 55 MPH.
Tech writer 60
 
I built a 54 Skyliner (glass top) car. I used a 312 engine with an AOD transmission. adapter kit on Ebay cost about 1200.00. I also got the Hi-torque starter.
 
I have a 1959 and as far as stopping power is concerned i added disc brakes to the front and changed to a dual master cylinder. It was a day and night difference. I originally planned to change the rear wheels to disc brakes too, but since the brakes are working great the time and expense isn't necessary. I have a 4 barrel Carter carburetor that gives me only about 9 miles to the gallon. I wish i could get more, but don't know how i could do that without sacrificing performance. So i live with it.
 
PaulB said:
I have a 1959 and as far as stopping power is concerned i added disc brakes to the front and changed to a dual master cylinder. It was a day and night difference. I originally planned to change the rear wheels to disc brakes too, but since the brakes are working great the time and expense isn't necessary. I have a 4 barrel Carter carburetor that gives me only about 9 miles to the gallon. I wish i could get more, but don't know how i could do that without sacrificing performance. So i live with it.
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PaulB, I have a 1960 that I would like to convert to dual circuit. I have the master cylinder, replaced the lines and wheel cylinders, but ran into some questions about how or if the shaft from pedal to MC needs to be modified. Can you direct me to any source of information on this? Thanks, Vern BTW, my 1960 is one of the 337 430 Golde top cars.
 
1st of all, you have an uphill battle. FE blocks were built 50's thru70's they were not built with fuel mileage in mine. Gas 30-80 cents a gal. Like the one gentleman said he used a overdrive trans to get better mileage.If I was building that car just to drive around and have fun, I would put a289- 302 engine in with an overdrive trans. AOD would be fine.
 
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