The Shape
Founding Member
Good luck with it man. I had a friend with this engine in a Fairmont. I never drove it so I have no idea how they feel, he did install an a set of stock 5.0 headers on it that I had lying around.
4.2L 255 from 81 Mustang
- Thread starter ³à³
- Start date
dvs bullet
New Member
I did that conversion my self a long time ago, it was a good learning experience. It was a sled, I popped the motor in 2 weeks, then went and bought a gt 5.0, the only saving grace was that it was geared really steep. good luck but I don't think it'll be what you think it will. Like I said it's good experience though. 
OK we worked late on getting the thing running. It runs and sounds crisp with the cam in it. Not sure of the exact specs but it sounds good.
Went down the road in it and its ALOT different than the 2.3L. I know I know it isnt a beast or anything and will prolly lose to 5.0s and all but it sounds so awesome. I hate to have to install exhaust on it today
It pulls evenly and will bark the tires in 2nd pretty easily. Id guess it will run in the 15s and with that I am happy
Went down the road in it and its ALOT different than the 2.3L. I know I know it isnt a beast or anything and will prolly lose to 5.0s and all but it sounds so awesome. I hate to have to install exhaust on it today
It pulls evenly and will bark the tires in 2nd pretty easily. Id guess it will run in the 15s and with that I am happy
NeVeRLiFt
Founding Member
Get the heads ported and polished by someone that knows what they are doing and get a good valve job. Get some roller rockers if you can also 
this will help you pickup 15-45hp depending on the cam and intake. I highly recommend a set of long tube headers.
Goodluck and hope it lasts you.
this will help you pickup 15-45hp depending on the cam and intake. I highly recommend a set of long tube headers.Goodluck and hope it lasts you.
jwzg
Member
What kind of exhaust did you go with? My hope is that you went with something you can grow into (2 1/4" or greater). I agree with the dastang2. Get the engine running well and take it easy until you can get enough money to get your drivetrain where you want it. BTW, don't worry about times too much. I take it you are still pretty young, so you'll be better off just learning how to drive the thing smooth and safe for now.
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
It looks just like any other carb'd small block Ford in a Stang. Except it's appears smaller because of it's inferiority complex.
Nice job on moving forward with what you wanted to do --- enjoy your handiwork.
Nice job on moving forward with what you wanted to do --- enjoy your handiwork.
The Shape
Founding Member
jwzg
Member
Congrats from here as well. Remember, whatever you do from now on, make sure you buy parts that will help you grow into a larger motor.
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
No doubt the radiator will need to be upgraded, but running warm at low speed usually just means you're not moving enough air across the radiator - usually a fan/shroud issue.
4-bangers without A/C got 1-core radiators
4-bangers w/ A/C and 5.0's got 2-cores
The hard parts done. I would worry less about modding the motor and more about getting everything else up to snuff in terms of drivetrain, rear end, brakes and so on.
Keep your eye open for a good deal on a 302 or 351. Get one, toss it on a stand and build it to the hilt. Then switch motors and you are all set to go.
Can prob snag a good 302 HO out of a Mark 7 around here for 200-300. Hell, even town cars and thunderbirds have the same bottom end.
4-bangers w/ A/C and 5.0's got 2-cores
The hard parts done. I would worry less about modding the motor and more about getting everything else up to snuff in terms of drivetrain, rear end, brakes and so on.
Keep your eye open for a good deal on a 302 or 351. Get one, toss it on a stand and build it to the hilt. Then switch motors and you are all set to go.
Can prob snag a good 302 HO out of a Mark 7 around here for 200-300. Hell, even town cars and thunderbirds have the same bottom end.
CarlsV6
Founding Member
Similar threads
