1966 Convertible Engine\Tranny Swap

[rdnkjdi]

I've recently purchased a 1966 Mustang Convertible with the 200 engine. There are two things I don't like about it. A.) It doesn't have any power. B.) It has an automatic transmission. I've read that it isn't too terribly difficult to stick a v8, (302?) in with a t5 tranny.

I have several questions. Is taking out the original engine & transmission going to decrease the value of the car?
Where is a good place to get a 302 engine? I want to put a carburetor back in, don't really wanna go with fuel injection. Would it be best to go find a junkyard, yank an engine and rebuild it? Buy it off eBay...something like, this or this

I'm NOT a car guy, never have been, but I think I can learn fast. Any recommendations on resources for an engine\tranny swap? Anything else I need to consider when doing the swap? Frame\suspension mods, ect?

 

[StangDreamin']

Is taking out the original engine & transmission going to decrease the value of the car?
Depends on whether you want it to be a "collector" (keep it original) or a driver (Start Swapping!)

Where is a good place to get a 302 engine? I want to put a carburetor back in, don't really wanna go with fuel injection.
'88-'93 Mustang - you'll get a roller cam motor. You can always put on a "regular" intake and carb and standalone ignition

Would it be best to go find a junkyard, yank an engine and rebuild it? Buy it off eBay...something like, this or this
I'd try the "junkyard and rebuild"routine. You won't be looking at possible shipping charges; and you'd (hopefully) be in the same town if you needed more parts

I'm NOT a car guy, never have been, but I think I can learn fast. Any recommendations on resources for an engine\tranny swap? Anything else I need to consider when doing the swap? Frame\suspension mods, ect?

If you're gonna swap the tranny; the T5 is a good plan. There might even be one in the same Mustang You'll need a new crossmember and possibly do some modification (beating out and/or cutting on the tranny tunnel); best bet is to do a Forum Search on "transmission swap" to get a true picture.

You should upgrade to the 1966 "V8" suspension; although I've heard of people who didn't. Yes, the six cyl cars had different (lighter-duty) suspension back then. Oh, and you need to make sure the whole unibody is solid (rust-repair ahead!), because even a stock, carb'd 5.0 is gonna twist that body a whole bunch more than the inline six!

I think of early 'verts as "cruisers" rather than "little muscle-cars"; so, if it were me, I would stick with rebuilding the 200 and freshening up the C4 auto. But that's just me, YMMV

 

[66Runt]

Big difference just installing the T5

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