6 cylinder to V-8?

[truedog]

I am considering buying a 66 Mustang with a six cylinder and three speed.

I would like to replace it with a 5.0 and T-5.

Does anyone offer any complete suspension upgrade kits to replace the six cylinder front end parts with the V-8 parts. I don't know if I want to do the Mustang II suspension upgrade or not.

Also, will a later 8.8 rear end fit easily in place of the stocker?

Any other considerations for a 6 - V8 swap?

 

[GNN60GT500]

I did what you are thinking of doing-

The 8.8 rear end went in relatively easily-

 

[steel1212]

Welcome to the ranks of the few who have decided to do this. Just make sure you plan, plan, plan! Don't end up like me buying several diffrent parts just to change your mind and go bigger. I don't know how much research you've done so if I say something in the following that you already know I apologize. As far as complete suspension kits I got mine from Mustang depot. Go ahead and get lower control arms with ball joints if you don't plan on going aftermarket and get new upper ball joints as well. If you plan on useing headers you'll need a v-8 pitman arm and steering linkage. If you really like the 8.8 thats fine but I prefer the changeability of the 9 inch and if you can find a 57-59 for big car with a 9 inch that will fit, try ebay. If getting a T-5 ebay is a good place but beware I got 2 junkers before I got a good one, I would suggest new or a known good rebuild. I would also look into prothane or similar higher quality than stock motor mounts. I ripped mine in half the first trip to the track. You'll need a new radiator as the sixer won't work. I would also look into the gas tank with a flash light and see if you can see any rust. If so get a new gas system, lines and all, its not that expensive. If you have the funds disk brakes, I still have drums but I"m constanly retightening them ( doesn't help that I use a line lock on the front )

If you have anymore questions feel free to email me. I'm finishing up my drive train and will be starting body soon. It only took me about 8 months of work to switch everything over and drive.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Welcome and good luck, it is a big swap you are taking on. I recommend you just start with a V8 car, much cheaper and easier. If not, steel1212 is the guy to talk to.

 

[rbohm]

i also would find a V8 car instead of swapping the six out. as far as the rear end goes, with a V8 car you get the 8" rear, and that rear will handle around 400hp, 350 with slicks, so there is no need to upgrade to the 8.8 or 9" unless you are planning more power. the front spindles on the six cylinder car if you swap in a V8. 65-69 V8 spindles are getting rather hard to find, as are granada spindles. and the granada spindles have a geometry problem in that they increase bump steer.

 

[truedog]

Can't you buy new spindles from the aftermarket? It seems like you can get control arms, etc, new. Are the control arms the same on an I6 and V8?

 

[LMan]

Yes, there are aftermarket spindles available.


BTW, a search on 6-to-8 swaps will benefit you greatly.

 

[steel1212]

ahem.....Lman where is it?!?!