Got my car back...

[Onewolf426]

351 Cleveland was another good Ford motor.

 

[papa]

428 ? They'll fit.

I've got a 428 and a Large Spline TopLoader 4-speed.

But I'd rather have a 427.

I don't how tight it'll be in a Fairlane, but in a Mustang it's almost impossibly tight. It's an all-day job to check sparkplugs. When they were new, in the shop the flat-rate was for 8.0 hrs.

Depends on what he wants it for and if stock configuration for collector's value is a consideration.
He's got the original engine, and if it's a daily driver a 302 will be fun. And simple.

While he's saving for the 428.

Yes it would be the same as a Mustang. Just like the 390 or any other FE style engine , 352 , 360 , 390 , 406 , 427 , or the 428.

The OP's car is a great looking ride.

 

[Captain O]

I'd like to see someone put a 5.2 (318) installed in the Dark Horse into a 1960 Ford Falcon (my first car). With a properly reinforced unibody coupe, the car would be a real speed demon.