I was doing some tinkering with my 1968 Torino GT...as some already know , somewhere in this cars history of ownership a 2V 351C was dropped in as a replacement for it's origional 302W.

I have noted a length of chain welded to a portion of the drivers side frame rail..and the opposite end of the chain is bolted to the lower portion of the 351C's Block.

Not being an expert on 351C's..but always eager to learn..is this something normal for either the car or the engine?..or is this someones odd ball addition for no apparent reason?

I have never seen such a set-up on other 1968/69 Torino's regardless of what powerplant is installed..so I have to ask if this is in relation to the hybrid installation of a non-optioned or available at the time 351C?

I fully intend to build the 351C into a nice little powerhouse...but if this Chain addition is nothing more than some hair-brained addition? I will opt to get the hell rid of it.

If anyone has any insight on this... would sure like to hear about it.

Regards,
Allen

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2000 Crown Victoria (Performance and Handling Package.

1994 SVT Ford F-150 Lightning

1988 Turbo Coupe Thunderbird (5-Speed)

1988 Crown Victoria Police Package (Modified to the max)

1968 Torino GT (Fastback) 351C 4V with B&M C6 Tranny

quote:

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Originally posted by Mark T 7724:
Sounds like a "HillBilly" torque strap LOL or was this car used as some sort of "Farm Implement"

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Mark,
You don't know the half of it...and I think HillBilly is an accurate assesment of things.

I bought the car in nice shape..other than a 351C that is "Bone Tired"

The previous owner had already worked over the interior...with the exception of doing a Column to Floor Shift conversion proper justice.

The floor shifter at present creates the allusion of the car being a 4-speed manual..and to cap it off , the shifter knob is a Black "Dice". Black dice also capped off the door lock pulls too.

What can be worse than a tasteless redneck with a JC Whitney catalog? (LOL)

Chaining the driver's side of the engine down is a good "mod". It'll save your motor mounts, fan, and hood. You could do it a little less hillbilly, but a torque strap is important once you start to make some power from that tired bullet.

You can see the chain beside the PS pump

Thanks for the replies. So as it stands..if the current 351C was living up to it's greater potential? This add-on would have a functional merit to it as you guys imply it does.

I cannot for the life of me , see where it did have a benefit before...as the stock 2V 351C was not all that...and I'm willing to bet the bank that it was installed as second hand goods too.

This car has been a quandry for me. I'm by nature a 351W fan...but I have always had a desire to work up a 351C project. I have obtained about 90% of my go fast items to rebuild this 351C...but the question remains , is this the engine for this car?

I have another 351W already torn down..and I have a Holman Moody Cam and Roush Heads still new in the box to build another 351W...but I have far more already obtained to re-build the 351C to a 351CJ.

I also have a few Big Block FE friends tugging at me about building a 428CJ...that I don't have a single item for. I also know a 428CJ is going to take more than just an engine purchase and re-build to accomodate it , as in spring upgrades and motor mount swaps too , just for starters.

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Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator

NHRA/IHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First SS/MA in the TENS!
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28

The Barry of BarrysGrrl

quote:

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Originally posted by Moneymaker:
Can I have the shifter knob?

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Alex,

Drop me an e-mail with you full name and address. I'm thinking your ET's will be better with this gearshift knob on "Money Maker"