1965 351 swap for 289

[harrisonkjones]

1965 289 swap for 351

Hi,

I purchased a 1965 Mustang Coupe last summer and am wanting to swap out the 289 in it for a 351. It has the factory C4 transmission in it, which runs great. However, I have heard conflicting things with regards to this swap. I know that there are a few things that will need replaced with this swap, such as swap headers, radiator, 1966 motor mounts, and I'm sure there are a few other things that I don't know about. I have read conflicting reports on whether the c4 will bolt up to a 351 windsor, is there a certain year of blocks that will bolt up or not? Also forgive me because I am completely new to engine work, but am very eager to learn. I also have a good friend that will help with most of the work I will be doing unfortuantely he works primarily on Chevys. So I was just wondering the basics about the swap. Any and all help would greatly be appreciated, I'm not trying to build the car for the strip, just want a nice streetable engine putting out around 350 hp, and around that in torque if thats possible with the c4. Also I'm open to suggestions on whether to buy a crate engine or one thats for sale elsewhere that I can build up. I'm not trying to throw money away and would like to do it as affordable as possible.

p.s. I am looking at this engine as a possibility,
1973 Ford 351 Windsor 375 Hp
Is this a good deal if I can get receipts for the machine work? It doesn't come with a distributor or air filter, but it has a brand new alternator that will come with it.

Thanks

 

[woodsnake]

That motor looks like a solid buy, if you can get papers on it. I would get rid of the DP carb if you are keeping an automatic trans.
You covered most of the items for the swap. Use the search function, there are a lot of folks on here that have had the learning curve you are going to go through. As for ignition, there are several hours of reading on that topic here on the board here as well.
A solid system is a Ford duraspark distributor with MSD 6A or 6AL ignition module
and then some pretty blue Ford wires. Works very well, not too expensive, no maintenance.
Don't let Mr. chevy guy run the whole show, there are some important differences, like the way the distributor sits in the hole. A lot of chevy and mopar distributors only have a single spade end to them. The Ford can be installed off any number of teeth.
If you want to stick with the C4, make sure it is built to handle the extra power. Shift kit at a minimum, cooler good. Fresh clutches etc. best.