351 Cleveland swapped MII

78 Mach1 · Aug 20, 2023

I have the pan completely welded up. I’ll be water testing it for leaks today and most likely painting it if all goes well. But I have to look at the wife’s truck as well. So hopefully I get it all done today. I don’t like my fresh motor sitting open any longer than it has too.

Noobz347 · Aug 20, 2023

78 Mach1 said:
Lol. I’m not sure what’s going on there. Some weird thing with the lighting and my phone. I promise the floor isn’t really green. Although it would look pretty cool.

Uhhu... Right

Keep a good record of your daily events just in case you start to miss a few.

78 Mach1 · Aug 22, 2023

Noobz347 said:
Keep a good record of your daily events just in case you start to miss a few.

That already happens. Here I’ve always blamed it on old age. There maybe something mysterious going on here. Lol

78 Mach1 · Aug 22, 2023

The pan is all done and ready to go back on.

It’s a bit of a Frankenstein since I had to Mig instead of Tig. But it passed the water test and will allow the motor to sit in the car completely for the first time. Hopefully I can get it bolted on and motor dropped in today.

LILCBRA · Aug 22, 2023

Form follows function. Besides, in this case, most would be hard pressed to notice it's modified.

Noobz347 · Aug 22, 2023

Have you leak-checked the pan? Discovering a pin hole after installation would suck balls.

LILCBRA · Aug 22, 2023

Noobz347 said:
Have you leak-checked the pan? Discovering a pin hole after installation would suck balls.

He did.

78 Mach1 said:
It’s a bit of a Frankenstein since I had to Mig instead of Tig. But it passed the water test and will allow the motor to sit in the car completely for the first time. Hopefully I can get it bolted on and motor dropped in today.

78 Mach1 · Aug 22, 2023

Noobz347 said:
Have you leak-checked the pan? Discovering a pin hole after installation would suck balls.

Yes sir. Not positive how good it was. I filled the pan with water and let it sit for 4 hours. Found a couple pin holes. Welded up those spots and retested. All was good after second repair.

I definitely agree, in the car is not when I want to find a leaky weld. Lol. I do appreciate the reminder though. That’s what this forum is for me. To have anyone help me from doing something stupid.

78 Mach1 · Aug 22, 2023

Pan is back on the motor. Giving it plenty of setup time before turning back over and refilling with the break-in oil. Then she will set in the car for the first time.

78 Mach1 · Aug 23, 2023

Finally. The engine is sitting in fully for the first time ever.

Actually looks to be right at home. Fits quite well with the exception of room for headers.

78 Mach1 · Aug 23, 2023

Now with that step complete. I’m looking at the next step of installing the transmission and starter. I have the factory original V8 C4 that came with the car as well as the torque converter. I did not get the flex plate with it when I bought it. Through my research, I believe the factory 302 was 28 oz balanced until around 1981. I also believe all 351 Cleveland’s were 28 oz balance. I have also read the 302 flex plate will bolt to the Cleveland crank. If all of this is true, I should be able to order a factory stock 1978 Mustang II flex plate and it will bolt right in for me. Also if this is true, I should be able to run the factory starter. I’m confirming my research and understanding with all of you to make sure I’m not missing something here. I’m so used to reinventing the wheel at every step on this car. It scares me when something goes easy. Am I missing or forgetting something? If not, I’ll get the flex plate on order.

Blackhawkxx · Aug 23, 2023

78 Mach1 said:
It scares me when something goes easy.

LOL!!! I know the feeling.

LILCBRA · Aug 23, 2023

Sometimes it does me too - I guess it depends on how much prep time or research I've done.

Yes, the 302 balance remained 28oz til sometime in the 80s although I don't recall exactly when, I think it was for the 82 GT HO engine, but maybe before that in other cars/trucks. I can't answer whether or not a 302 flex plate will bolt to a Cleveland crank. And I guess it depends on what you mean by ordering a factory II flexplate - I'm not sure that they're available in the aftermarket. They might be? I've not had a II with an auto since the early 90s, so I'm not all that informed about them any more. I'll bet you can get one from Phil Schmidt if all else fails. Looking at Classic Auto Reproductions website now, they offer flywheels but no flexplates.

78 Mach1 · Aug 23, 2023

LILCBRA said:
And I guess it depends on what you mean by ordering a factory II flexplate

I just meant not some overpriced race specific application. Just a plain Jane factory Mustang II flex plate.

After your reply, I remembered I had the Cleveland flex plate and a crank out of a 289 in my spare parts. I just went out and confirmed the Cleveland flex plate bolts right up to the 289/302 crank.

Rockauto claims to have flex plates for the 78 Mustang II. I assume in factory form. Nothing special. But then again, flex plates never are.

I’m going to order one from them and see how it turns out. Hopefully better than a flywheel I purchased for the 69 Mach 1. That stupid thing was out of balance and caused me all kinds of heart ache.

Bullitt347 · Aug 23, 2023

The Cleveland will look cool and get all kinds of love, but for less money a 351W would have been a better option.
Don't shoot the messenger.

Noobz347 · Aug 23, 2023

The cool factor is worth 50 HP. 75, if you have a Cleveland sticker of some sort.

I do see a 4bbl intake in the future. :fortunetellersmiley:

LILCBRA · Aug 23, 2023

Huh..... just looked at RockAuto AND did a Google search - I think I'm in shock!

1975-1978 Ford Mustang II Flex Plate - Pioneer Cables FRA-215 - - PartsGeek.com

Buy 1975-1978 Ford Mustang II Flex Plate Pioneer Cables for a low price of $92.97 at PartsGeek. FLAT RATE SHIPPING on most Pioneer Cables FRA-215 orders.

www.partsgeek.com

Now if someone would step up and recreate those BlackJack headers.....

Noobz347 · Aug 23, 2023

Side Exhaust!

78 Mach1 · Aug 24, 2023

Bullitt347 said:
The Cleveland will look cool and get all kinds of love, but for less money a 351W would have been a better option.

Your preaching to the choir on this one. I could have gotten more reliability and most likely more power for a lot less money and definitely a lot less hassle. I have built many small block Fords over the years and they were all Windsor based engines. I couldn’t agree with you more. But building a Cleveland powered Mustang II has been a dream of mine since I was 14 years old and my neighbor down the street from me had one. I’m finally going to be able to check that off my bucket list. Even if it is a fools errand.

But it will be unique. At least in modern times anyway. Most younger generations don’t even know what a Cleveland is. So that will be a good conversation starter with the younger hot rodders at shows or cruises.

78 Mach1 · Aug 24, 2023

LILCBRA said:
Now if someone would step up and recreate those BlackJack headers.....

That would be a Christmas miracle. I did email Phil Schmidt just to see if he happened to have a used set in his inventory. No luck.

Noobz347 said:
Side Exhaust!

That has been a consideration. Short headers straight out the fender wells into Supertrapp mufflers that peek out even with fender just behind the front tires.

But I’m trying to get that perfect balance of uniqueness without going overboard with good power, but still be very street friendly. I’m thinking any type of exhaust forward of the drivers window would quickly get annoying to me.

351 Cleveland swapped MII

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