MUSTANG AND FORD SMALL-BLOCK V-8

“When we finally got a good look at Bob Mannel’s book, Mustang & Ford Small Block V8, we saw it as a new benchmark reference for both the enthusiast and scholar.

“This exacting study traces the evolution of the Windsor V-8 from its inception in 1962 until 1969, the end of the production run; but the 351 is not examined. The two-volume book is divided into nine chapters in the first volume, each looking at the engine’s incarnations during a specific year. Included is a detailed look at the High Performance 289, later known as the K-Code engine. Volume two consists of 12 appendices—each devoted to specific categories of information; for example, Appendix C discusses carburetors, while Appendix D is devoted to distributors and ignition. This arrangement makes it easy to find the information you want quickly. The text is written in plain English—easily understood by both the layman and expert. The beauty of this work lies in its extensive coverage of detail, and it is user-friendly and fun to read. There are lots of excellent photos, so we are constantly learning something new and how to recognize it. Trust us when we tell you this book has earned a permanent spot on the reference shelves here at Mustang & Fords.”

By Wayne Cook, Associate Editor of Mustang & Fords magazine

IT’S IN THE BOOK

“Is your favorite Mustanger contemplating rebuilding that Ford small-block in the family ponycar? Then the RPM Press Mustang & Ford Small Block V8, 1962-1969  book is an absolute must for Christmas. Author Bob Mannel covers the subject like no other. It documents the specific parts which made up Ford’s famous 221, 260, 289, 289 HiPo, and 302 small-block V-8 engines during the 1960s. Designed as a restoration guide, it allows restorers to faithfully reproduce the appearance of these engines in not only classic ponycars, but Cougars, Comets, Fairlanes and Galaxies.”

By staff of Mustang Illustrated magazine

MANNEL’S MANUAL

“It is thick and heavy enough to be used as a lethal weapon. Outside of that, if you are nuts about the 221-302 V-8, then this is the book for you. Bob Mannel has taken the time to go into exhaustive research on the favored small-block from Ford. The engine is dissected and scrutinized to the nth degree, including part numbers for all components, photos of the rare (smog setups) to the common (breather cap) and Technical Service Bulletins from 1962 to 1969. The only regret we have is that some components are not shown in color. This is understandable due to the size of the book and cost of color printing on such mammoth scale. It you are planning to restore a 260, 289 or 302 in your Mustang, this book is a must have and will complement your other tomes of Mustang knowledge. The book is available through RPM Press.”

By staff of Mustang Monthly magazine

EDITORIAL

“If you have not already purchased a copy of Bob Mannel’s book Mustang & Ford Small Block V8, 1962-1969,  I would encourage you to do so. This book is a ‘must have’ for every Falcon lover. The quality of both the text and photos is first class. The book covers both the engine and accessories. Anyone who has restored a Falcon knows how difficult it is to identify the correct brackets and pulleys. Using this book I have been able to identity everything on my Falcons. I cannot imagine completing a restoration of a small block Falcon without this publication. It answered all of my questions.”

By Steve Springer, President of the Falcon Club of America

AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PIX & DATA FOR THE RESTORATION CROWD

“If, like me, you find yourself involved in the performance restoration of a ’60s-era Ford engine compartment, and lament the fact that you didn’t have the opportunity to squirrel away all the original factory shop manuals, Technical Service Bulletins, parts catalogs, shop tips, master cross-reference lists, showroom catalogs, and/or magazine articles about Ford’s small block V8 then Bob Mannel’s book is the answer to your dreams.

“Ever offer to help your friend with getting their showroom-fresh ponycar to run like new… and then raise the hood and look in dismay at 30+ years of accumulated band-aids, temporary fixes, and well-intentioned but incorrect part substitutions… and wonder where will you ever find the hard data needed to get the engine bay looking & running the way that the original engineers intended?

“Even if you have yet to get back into the car of your youth, but are seriously thinking of buying someone else’s restoration, then this book could save you a lot of money. With it you can ensure that the ‘HiPo 289’ under the hood is the real thing, and you aren’t spending your hard-earned money on a sheep in wolf’s clothing.

“If you can identify with the above (or even just know someone in this predicament) then I strongly encourage you to also purchase this book.

“There are over 700 pages filled with almost 3,000 separate pictures documenting how the engineers made running changes to all aspects of the engine & engine-driven accessories on the small V8s, from its debut in 1962 through the end of the decade.

“In addition, there are hundreds of tables, graphs, & drawings, covering everything from all the different radiator fans used in production to graphs covering distributor curves to listing what size main jets belong where in the original carburetor(s).

“All the above may sound like trivial pursuit for motorheads, but to me there is nothing as satisfying as helping a friend to get their old pony car to run as good as/or better than new. (Don’t forget about those TSBs covering cooling, carburetion, vibration, and other common problems that were figured out and fixes developed *after* these cars left the production line—you would be surprised how many of these vintage cars never had the updates installed because the mechanics of the day would explain the quirky behavior with the infamous phrase: “That can’t be fixed—They ALL do that!”

“Last but not least, I met the author at a recent Ford@Carlisle show, and after thumbing through his book I was incredulous—it has the look & feel of the T.O.s I used to use when working on USAF fighters. If you have ever been frustrated by blurry pictures, vague writing at the conceptual level, or a complete lack of reference to real part numbers, then you will be just as pleasantly surprised by this book as I was.

“The author purportedly spent 17 years gathering data & writing this book, and it shows. Simply incredible.”

By Derry of New Hampshire on Amazon.com

MUSTANG & FORD SMALL-BLOCK V8 1962-1969, Volumes I & II

“Have you often wandered the rows of used parts at a swap meet, eyeballing what look like good candidates to become the next replacement part on your most current Ford project, only to hesitate on the buy just because you’re not sure that the part is exactly what you want? Or, have you ever wondered if all the parts on that supposedly all-original Mustang you paid top dollar for are actually correct? If you answered yes to either question, or if you just want to have a single resource that lists all the known casting and part numbers for Ford’s venerable small-blocks of the ’60s, then Bob Mannel’s latest compilation is right up your alley. Mannel spent 17 years doing copious research in order to offer the most comprehensive review and listing of how the 221, 260, 289 and 302 cubic inch small blocks were developed by Ford through the 1960s.

“Mannel’s restoration and reference guide is broken down into nine chapters in Volume I and twelve appendices in Volume II. Combined, the two-volume compilation covers every aspect of the Ford small-blocks for the 1960s like never before.

“Chapter 1 is an instructional overview on how to use the compilation. Chapter 2 covers the 1962 221/260 V8s, chapter 3, the 1963 221/260/289 V8s. The remaining chapters follow the chronological development of the 260/289 and 302 V8s, with the ’69 302s as the final chapter in Volume I. Each chapter has ten separate sections addressing engine core, valve train, induction, exhaust, lubrication, ventilation, cooling, ignition, alternator and accessories. The chapters open with a brief description of the engine’s development and application, then launch into much highly detailed black-and-white macro photography of the bare components. Casting numbers, part numbers, correct hardware and all the minor differences among the various applications are thoroughly shown and discussed.

“Volume II’s appendices aren’t as photo heavy as the first volume, but rather delve into the various component specifications with elaborate detail. From cylinder heads to high performance options, technical service bulletins, engineering/casting numbers and accessories, Mannel has the ’60s small-block covered completely.

“If you’re about to undertake a Ford small block project and either want to know more about what you have or want to create a period-correct engine, this is the best guide we’ve seen yet. By combining both volumes into one massive 1.5-inch thick tome, Mannel is offering the guide for a reduced price and will provide annual updates to those who purchase it. Even if you’re not currently working on a project, this is an absolute gem for the Ford enthusiast. It settles some long-standing controversies and contains enough new information to be well worth the price even if you just want it to increase your own personal knowledge of Ford’s little V8. Even if there isn’t much room left on your shelves where you store your assembly and service manuals, make a spot for this and you won’t be disappointed.”

By Jim Dietzler, Editor of Mustang Illustrated magazine