Help a Fox Fanatic

I admit to ignorance. I don't know what certain things mean like... 302, 5.0, 3.3, or 2 bbl. and the like. I have only learned certain things, and even at that I have only learned what I have had to deal with. I wish to fix this and what better way than to learn about my favorite wagons. The Fox Bodies.

Ultimately, one of these six foxes are what my wife and I would love to have over any other. I just don't know what to look for specifically. I want something that can pull so I need to know what engine(s)/transmission(s) are best for pulling trailers. The one I had (84 Marquis) was amazingly tough and got as good if not better mpg than my kia (18 city).

I helped a friend move with it and it had a full size couch, two recliners, a dinette set, and other things piled on top and in the bay and it didn't even seem to notice. Now I also know that when it comes time to move I will have to get a hitch put on and probably add the connection wires for the trailer, that's not a problem. I just need to be able to know and understand what specs I am looking for/at. Any help/suggestions would be beyond appreciated.

Thank You,

Keys -X

 

D'oh! I was going to add my two cents, but I see this thread is about the cars! I got nothin'. David

 

I'd have to recommend one with a V8 for towing, a 302, which is cubic inches displacement (cid).
5.0 liter is the same thing only in metric.

You can build it (the car, the motor, etc...) to your specification for your purposes.
But I'd look for one that's already had some work done to it, like a rear end axle from a Mustang. They have a limited slip differential, and a wider selection of gear ratios.
Like this one:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/2518365566.html
more:
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2502033388.html
http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/2505220814.html

 

http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=119486
http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=118516

 

What kind and size trailer are you planning to tow? If you're talking about a small-to-medium sized tent trailer, or a lightweight fiberglas-bodied travel trailer (like a 'Burro', etc.) you should be OK with a 6 cylinder. For any towing with these though, a V8 would be preferrable.

Throwing in my $.02, I really think for towing on a regular basis, you should be looking at a full-sized, full frame vehicle, like a big Ford or Mercury. They've got that same 302 (5.0) V8, but with the heavy frame, it's more suitable for towing. Plus, you can tow much bigger stuff.

Big Ford:

http://amarillo.craigslist.org/cto/2490492336.html

RUNS GREAT AND IS CLEAN,TAGGED AND STICKERED.302 V8 AND OVERDRIVE TRANS.POWER WINDOWS,LOCKS,AND SEAT.EXCELLENT TIRES.
GREAT CAR.THE THINGS THAT ARE WRONG WITH IS THE GAS GAUGE IS INOP.THE SEATS ARE ROUGH AND NO A/C ! GOOD FAMILY TRANSPORTATION ASKING $850.00
CALL 806-626-4065

 

I'd forget the Fox and go for the Panther if you're gonna tow, like Krash said. It's not built too much differently than a 2wd truck.

 

Well truthfully I only need something that I can trust to move from joplin to some place northern and in a different state... If we don't move out of missouri we will be going to KC. I don't plan on hauling heavy loads often, just the once... So... if that helps at all. As for trailers well that will be the most common moving trailer out there... u-haul. When we moved earlier this year we knew we had to down size. Going from a house with a full basement to... a bedroom and about a 3x10 storage area. When we move its all at once. We don't need much but I would like reliable. I love the Fords and Mercurys, mid and full size.

 

the 6 will tow...but the v8 will tow better

and truthfully...they get about the same gas milage

the only thing to watch for on them is RUST in the floors...anything else should be obvious !!
but the front floors rust !!

 

I caught this, Wix!

I have so MANY fans out there......

 

302, 5.0--This is the V-8 engine that was available in the Fox wagons. It's 302 cubic inches or 5.0 liters. It's the same motor.

3.3L--This is the 6 cylinder that was available in the Foxes. It's 200 cubic inches.

2bbl- This is referring to the carburetor and means it has two barrels, as opposed to a 4bbl, which means it's a 4 barrel.

 

Yeah, Keys....if you are just going to pull a small trailer one time, and the distance isn't cross country or something, you could get by with a 6 cylinder. I prefer a 302 in those wagons...well, I like a V8 in most wagons. They are more powerful and quicker performance wise which I like. I like the 302 engine. It's a good engine. I don't know much about the array of 6 cylinder engines that some of these cars came with but Ford's in-line 6 has always been a good engine IIRC. HandyAndy would know more about the 6 cylinder engines. If I was buying a Fox wagon....and I may someday....I would buy one with the 302 V8. If a really nice one popped up near me at a reasonable price I would buy it. However, they are going to be more difficult to find and if you find one in good condition it will cost more than the 6 cylinder cars. But, in my opinion, a lot more fun to drive!

 

In the long run parts for the 302 makes it a no-brainer.
There are a plethora of parts for the V8, nothing much really for the I6. So it requires a certain dedication, or infatuation, to maintain or hop up. The I6 is really an obscure little motor.

 

Or 1 barrel, as is the case with the I6.

 

Andy, not trying to start an argument, but I doubt he'd have trouble finding parts for the 300 in-line six. I'm on FTE (Ford Trucks Enthusiasts (http://www.ford-trucks.com) & A LOT of people there have it. They'd rather have that than the 302. Personally, I never liked 6 in a row. If you're talking about the V-6, I have no idea about those.

 

Well...andy will speak for himself if he is here, but, he has a Fairmont in-line 6 and so does his friend that lives down the road from him. They work on them all the time. Andy has built up his engine and has had it in and out a few times. Same with his friend Norm. No argument here at all, OFM, but these guys DO know those cars and those engines.