'65 I6 to 289 swap questions

gold65

New Member
Feb 8, 2011
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First of all, I have always been a Mopar guy. However, I have a great appreciation for all old cars. Anyway, my wife always wanted a Mustang. I finally found a decent '65 car. 6 3 spd manual. I am feeling terribly lost here on what parts I need to convert the car to a 289 4 speed. I have already gotten a '65 289 and a T10 4 speed with shifter and linkage. Forgive my ignorance here, but I am confused on certain things. I heard or a 4 bolt and 5 bolt block for the bellhousing. This denotes what flywheel you need etc. Is this true first of all? secondly, the block is a 5 bolt block. I need a flywheel, and bellhousing and bottom cover. Is the trans crossmember or mount different for the 4 speed?
Also, what about front suspension and a rear end? I figure an 8 inch is fine. What an I looking at as a donor car for front suspension and rear besides a 65-66 mustang?

I run Passon Performance which is a Mopar specific 4 speed shop. Therefore, we are capable of the work, its just what parts to rob from what. HELP, I want to learn, but I am finding it difficult to get info on line.
Thanks for your time.
Jamie
 
I finally found a decent '65 car. 6 3 spd manual. I am feeling terribly lost here on what parts I need to convert the car to a 289 4 speed. I have already gotten a '65 289 and a T10 4 speed with shifter and linkage.
OK, you'll need motor mounts and brackets.

Forgive my ignorance here, but I am confused on certain things. I heard or a 4 bolt and 5 bolt block for the bellhousing.
If it's a 65 engine, it's a 6-bolt.

This denotes what flywheel you need etc. Is this true first of all? secondly, the block is a 5 bolt block.
OK, then it's a 64.

I need a flywheel,
New, no problem.

and bellhousing
Used only.

and bottom cover.
New, no problem.

Is the trans crossmember or mount different for the 4 speed?
64-66 all the same.

Also, what about front suspension and a rear end?
You need to replace all of both, except the upper and lower control arms.

I figure an 8 inch is fine. What an I looking at as a donor car for front suspension and rear besides a 65-66 mustang?
The full list of donors would be 64-65-66 Mustang.

While you have the front end apart, you need to do this:

Arning/Shelby Suspension Drop
 
2+2,
Thanks for the reply. As for the block, Maybe I have the 4 or 5 messed up and it is 5 or 6. Either way, I believe it is the higher number. I will confirm that tonight and get back to you. I thought I remember seeing somewhere that granada front end and rear was the same. This was a good way to get front discs. Ever hear of this?
 
I thought I remember seeing somewhere that granada front end and rear was the same. This was a good way to get front discs. Ever hear of this?

Kinda-sorta. Granada spindles are useful for converting I6 to V8, but they are not really right. There are kits that include spindles that are right, and they aren't even expensive. The Granada rear requires modification to make it work in an early Mustang, even then the width is not right. It's not that hard to find a 64-66 8" rear. Of course, it'll probably have the 2.8:1 ratio, so at some point you'll probably want to put different gears in it.
 
Here is a quick shopping list I gathered when I started on mine: Engine with appropritae pulleys and water pump, transmission with bellhousing, pilot bushingh, shifter, clutch, etc, rear axle, front spindles with backing plates, front springs, complete brake system including all wheel cylinders, rear brake lines, fuel line, radiator, all 3 motor mounts, wheels, driveshaft, complete exhaust, speedometer cable, all steering linkage starting with the pitman arm. I'm sure as pointed out above, there is always something to add.