Challenge: build up a 255 ci engine

[Dean_T]

That Capri has the 255? It must also have an auto trans.

Dean T

[mustangpro]

That Capri has the 255? It must also have an auto trans.

Dean T

Nope, it's a 302. I talked to the owners brother today. He said it's either an 81 or 82 and that it had a 302 in it. Did they offer a 255 in 82?

[FoxChassis]

There were two V8s available in '82.

If you ordered an automatic transmission (C5) in '82, the only V8 you could get was the 255/4.2L.

If you ordered a manual transmission (SROD) in '82, the only V8 you could get was the 302/5.0L.

[mustangpro]

There were two V8s available in '82.

If you ordered an automatic transmission (C5) in '82, the only V8 you could get was the 255/4.2L.

If you ordered a manual transmission (SROD) in '82, the only V8 you could get was the 302/5.0L.

Thanks for the info. This is indeed a SROD/5.0 combo.

[donutbandit]

When I had my Pinto Cruising wagon, I entertained the idea of building a 260 for it. I thought it would be so cool to drive a small, gas sipping V-8 that could produce a nice exhaust note, that almost all 302 parts would fit, and that could propel that little car as fast as I would ever want to go. I then ran into the 5 bolt as opposed to the 6 bolt bell housing problem. So, I explored the 255 option. From what I learned about the 255, I'd have been way better off putting a Chevy 265 in there, and just close my eyes when the hood was open.

I still think the idea of a turbocharged 221 is cool.

[theuglystang]

short stroke (260) and tiny bore (255)

someone do it

[MurPHy]

short stroke (260) and tiny bore (255)

someone do it

The 221, 260, and 289 all share the same stroke.

221 has a bore of 3.5"
260 has a bore of 3.8"
289 has a bore of 4"

221-260-289 all have a stroke of 2.87"

255 has a bore of 3.68", and a stroke of 3"



If you REALLY want short stroke and short bore, get a 221. Be warned that only 221 heads will work and they're pretty rare beasts. Parts are plentiful, since all 289 and 302 parts will fit, besides cylinder heads (must keep stock valve size, since bigger 260 or 289 valves won't clear cylinder walls).

[WTmark]

Why not just get a 221 or 260, throw 10+ psi of turbo fun at it, and call it a day? It'd be cool if you used stock valvecovers too, they're friggin TINY!


Boat engine, I know, but it's the only image I could find.

221's and 260's had a 5 bolt bellhousing as did early 289's............won't bolt up

[Mustang Marty]

The 221, 260, and 289 all share the same stroke.

221 has a bore of 3.5"
260 has a bore of 3.8"
289 has a bore of 4"

221-260-289 all have a stroke of 2.87"

255 has a bore of 3.68", and a stroke of 3"

So a 255 block with a 260/289 crank would yeild about 244ci/4.0l. Bored out .030 over would yeild 248ci.

[killrfords]

221's and 260's had a 5 bolt bellhousing as did early 289's............won't bolt up

I keep seeing you say this but what about a lakewood bellhousing, If it doesn't work directly I don't see what a little machine work wouldn't get you

[81 Capri]

Anyone built up that 255 yet?

[Drivunn]

Earlier someone mentioned an article in Hot Rod but this is the one in Car and Driver that I remember from back in the day when i built my 302 Capri.

http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...history-lesson