• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-

1973 Mach 1 missing engine and transmission, help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter MI6Agent007
  • Start date Start date Jun 30, 2024
M

MI6Agent007

Member
Apr 3, 2024
10
1
13
Ontario
Jun 30, 2024
#1
  • Jun 30, 2024
  • #1
Hi ya’ll,

My uncle original owner of a 1973 Mach 1; gave me his Mach 1; unfortunately, squatters stole the factory 351 Cleveland engine and factory transmission, so now I don’t know what to do. Initially I wanted to keep it all original since it was all original, but now I’m at a loss since motor and trans are gone. What can I do for replacement motor and transmission? I doubt I can find another 351 Cleveland and factory trans, what would be the tactical approach to solve this issue? Cost wise, what am I looking at? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
 

horse sence

15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
12,200
8,033
233
Wile Coyote's stunt double
Jun 30, 2024
#2
  • Jun 30, 2024
  • #2
A cleveland isnt to hard to come by ,the transmission depends on the code ,could be an FMX or a C6 . Just dont fall for a 400 motor though ,that is a truck motor and a boat anchor
 
Reactions: Realmongo and MI6Agent007
M

MI6Agent007

Member
Apr 3, 2024
10
1
13
Ontario
Jun 30, 2024
#3
  • Jun 30, 2024
  • #3
horse sence said:
A cleveland isnt to hard to come by ,the transmission depends on the code ,could be an FMX or a C6 . Just dont fall for a 400 motor though ,that is a truck motor and a boat anchor
Click to expand...
Thank you for that info, I really do appreciate the insight. This is my first attempt to restore/rebuild a car, and I am new to all this. Where can I find a Cleveland motor, how much are they running? How do I know what to look for to avoid a 400 motor? How do I tell what tranny code I need? What do I look for on the car or transmission itself? I know I’m asking a lot of questions, but again, this is all new to me, so I want to avoid buying the wrong stuff since I’m not rolling in the dough. Thank you once again for all your help, I really appreciate it.
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,826
3,960
183
Claremore, OK
Jul 1, 2024
#4
  • Jul 1, 2024
  • #4
If you are building it back to stock for sentimental reasons I get it but if you are doing it in hopes of selling for $$$ you need to see what a 73 Mach 1 sells for as it’s not what a 69/70 will bring.
 
Reactions: Mcmahst and MI6Agent007
M

MI6Agent007

Member
Apr 3, 2024
10
1
13
Ontario
Jul 1, 2024
#5
  • Jul 1, 2024
  • #5
AeroCoupe said:
If you are building it back to stock for sentimental reasons I get it but if you are doing it in hopes of selling for $$$ you need to see what a 73 Mach 1 sells for as it’s not what a 69/70 will bring.
Click to expand...
Yes, I’m building it back to stock for sentimental reasons, I have no intentions of selling whatsoever. With the said, where can I find a Cleveland motor, how much are they running? How do I know what to look for to avoid a 400 motor? How do I tell what tranny code I need? What do I look for on the car or transmission itself? I know I’m asking a lot of questions, but again, this is all new to me, so I want to avoid buying the wrong stuff since I’m not rolling in the dough. Thank you once again for all your help, I really appreciate it.
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,826
3,960
183
Claremore, OK
Jul 1, 2024
#6
  • Jul 1, 2024
  • #6
I believe there should be a “buck tag” on the driver door just below the latching mechanism. From that you should be able to use various decoders to figure out which trans it came with.

Good site for the 71-73’s

'71 - '73 Vintage Ford Mustang Forum

7173Mustangs.com is a community forum designed especially for fans & owners of the 1971, 1972 and 1973 Ford Mustang! Forums for all aspects of vintage Ford Mustangs.
7173mustangs.com
 
Reactions: MI6Agent007
M

MI6Agent007

Member
Apr 3, 2024
10
1
13
Ontario
Jul 1, 2024
#7
  • Jul 1, 2024
  • #7
AeroCoupe said:
I believe there should be a “buck tag” on the driver door just below the latching mechanism. From that you should be able to use various decoders to figure out which trans it came with.

Good site for the 71-73’s

'71 - '73 Vintage Ford Mustang Forum

7173Mustangs.com is a community forum designed especially for fans & owners of the 1971, 1972 and 1973 Ford Mustang! Forums for all aspects of vintage Ford Mustangs.
7173mustangs.com
Click to expand...
Thank you so much, I appreciate the insight and will into it
 

2Blue2

will be trying this sex one when I can find it
Mod Dude
Mar 5, 2019
4,430
2,893
163
Oahu
Jul 6, 2024
#8
  • Jul 6, 2024
  • #8
MI6Agent007 said:
Yes, I’m building it back to stock for sentimental reasons,
Click to expand...


If numbers matching is important, a correct engine is hard to come by 50 yrs later.
Barrnet performance might be able to sell you a complete 351c engine but without correct part numbers.
Also go for the C6 trans, jus saying.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,964
21,139
234
Box behind Walmart
Jul 7, 2024
#9
  • Jul 7, 2024
  • #9
First thing is first:




...and if you're just building it to drive and enjoy then drop a budget crate motor into the thing and press on with pride!


Blamo:




and it makes 30 more HP than the Cobra Jet did, back in the day.

Ford SB Compatible 302 c.i. Engine - 361 HP - Base Dressed - Rear Sump - Carbureted

BluePrint Engines Ford small block compatible 302 c.i. crate engine - 361 HP - Base dressed - Rear sump - Carbureted. Includes 30 month/ 50,000 mile warranty and BluePrint Dyno Promise. Part #: BP302RCTC
blueprintengines.com
 
J

Jarhead67

5 Year Member
Nov 24, 2018
171
63
38
Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Jul 7, 2024
#10
  • Jul 7, 2024
  • #10
Check out this site:
https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/DF39/10002/-1.

All I did was google it.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,964
21,139
234
Box behind Walmart
Jul 7, 2024
#11
  • Jul 7, 2024
  • #11
Jarhead67 said:
Check out this site:
https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/DF39/10002/-1.

All I did was google it.
Click to expand...


That's a Windsor too.
 

Mcmahst

5 Year Member
Jan 19, 2021
672
262
83
Laguna Woods CA, fort Mohave AZ
Jul 11, 2024
#12
  • Jul 11, 2024
  • #12
Just FYI, many of the 71-73 owners report that the buck tag is located on the radiator support, close to the drivers side headlight. That’s where my was on both my 71 and 73.
 

Mcmahst

5 Year Member
Jan 19, 2021
672
262
83
Laguna Woods CA, fort Mohave AZ
Jul 11, 2024
#13
  • Jul 11, 2024
  • #13
So, tell us more about the 73, beside the Eng/trans, what else is missing? When you asked that question on the 7173mustangs.com site, you got some good recommendations. Have you found anything on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist? To determine the transmission, the sticker on the drivers door has a Trans code; it’s easy to Google that to find out. It’s likely a FMX if it’s an auto, unless it was a 4v 351. Good luck.
 

Mcmahst

5 Year Member
Jan 19, 2021
672
262
83
Laguna Woods CA, fort Mohave AZ
Jul 14, 2024
#14
  • Jul 14, 2024
  • #14
Here’s on in So Cal that might be a good start:

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/d/yucaipa-cleveland/7766108874.html

It’s not my ad.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

O
Manual to Auto Mach 1 Swap
  • Osnick
  • Mar 16, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
449
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 27, 2025
Osnick
O
Mustang II 4 cyl gear hunting and possibly messed up vacuum system
  • oesterreicher
  • May 31, 2026
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
11
Views
216
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Jun 14, 2026
manicmechanic007
S
Engine 2003 Mach 1 Automatic Upgrades assistance
  • SJK1417M1AT
  • Sep 25, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
280
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Dec 21, 2025
01SVTvertt
0
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
760
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
T
What's it Worth? 1970 Mach 1 Q code value
  • tkinak428
  • Apr 13, 2025
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
3
Views
837
What is it Worth?!?!? Apr 13, 2025
horse sence
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?