a bit of engine swap advice...

[jedijef]

hi folks,

i just started doing some research, and your site was the first one i stumbled across, so forgive me if my questions sound a bit noobish...also, hopefully this is the right forum, if its not, i'm sure someone can correct me, heheh...

anyhow, i've got a 65 coupe that i'm just starting to restomod, and have basically no knowledge of how to proceed, other than a general listing of the performance i'm aiming for...

its got a 200 6cyl in it now, and i'm looking for 302 blocks, as i'm keen on building the engine myself and would like to get in the neighborhood of 320-350 horsepower...and, before everyone says just buy a v8 project car, i've had this mustang for years, and have always wanted to turn it into my dream car, and am now able to do so, so cost is really no object...i know i could get a fun-driving car cheaper, but that's not the point, i want it to be this particular car (sentimental value) and i want to do it myself...i have some experience maintaining engines, both auto and aircraft, but i don't have the knowledge specific to classic mustangs...

for example, what do i need to do about motor mounts? will the stock ones support a 302?...i'm sure the brakes will also need to be upgraded, but is there any other major consideration when doing the 6 to 8 swap?...i'm sure there is a lot of information that i need, and maybe someone could point me in the right direction as to where to find it...

thanks in advance...

 

[65fastback2+2]

everyone duck!

 

[jedijef]

ermm, ooooookay, anyone else?

 

[BrownPSU78]

You thinking 350 at the flywheel or the rear wheel.
--Brown

 

[ForceFed70]

Well, I still suggest you buy a V8 project car... but as a parts car.

Swapping to a V8 is going to require Engine, transmission, rear axle, and front suspension changes. To get all of the various parts you need.. a doner V8 car is by far the easiest.

 

[65racecoupe]

I think it is good to buy a good 6 cylinder car with a good body.

You will throw all the susp, engine,ect. parts away anyway if you want a restomod of your dreams.

I don't have anything left from my V8. New suspension, rear end, trans, engine, EVERYTHING is new, so don't worry.

As long as the body is sound, start ripping her apart and cleaning up and installing your new V8 suspension.

I say NEW because you said that money isn't really an object.

 

[geostang351]

Isn't there link to help him out? I remember there being one but I can't find it. Was it lost in the server crash?

 

[D Durden]

Cost is no object? Awesome.

First, forget a parts car. Lame. Plus that parts car in 5 years from now will be someone's restoration project . Why chop up someone else's dream to give you the opportunity of equipping your 300+ hp Mustang with a 40 year old questionable used/abused part.

Money no object (*sigh*) . . . I hear Global West makes some of the best all-around suspension components. I'll bet if you call them, they'll tell you what you need. INSIST on negative wedge components. On 65's and 66's, it's a must if you want to use the round control device in the cockpit much for more than a suggestion of direction to the car .

You'll also want to upgrade the spindles to 5 lug with some real brakes. You can spend what you like here, honestly. If you're not going to be chasing F1 cars through sewer pipes, you don't have to go all out. I'd get something that is easy to install AND easy to replace WHEN they wear out.

What kind of transmission you looking for?

Rear end should be something discish and 8.8 minimum.

There's a company that makes a side-by-side master cylinder that will fit your application. It's $400, and I hear it's worth it.

Question, though . . . why a 302? A Windsor fits fine and has lots more potential. You can make a fairly "lazy" 350hp/350 ft-lb Windsor that isn't "pushed" like a high-output 302. You'll get more torque and more miles on the motor.

I'd redo all the springs and shocks, naturally, too. Everyone has their favorite. I like progressives and KYB's, but I drive my car daily (80 minutes), too.

Oh, get a good radiator. 65's don't have a lot of airflow room, and you'll need something good.

 

[Hack]

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=403856

In the classic talk section there is a FAQ thread stickied. There's a link to it above.

In short, a 6 to 8 swap is more work than you might think, as the others have stated. If you have no shortage of money, just sell your car and buy a V8 car. Otherwise, changing things a bit at a time is a great way to "make payments" toward your ideal car while still having something fun to drive in the meantime.

Take one or two weekend projects a year as you can afford them. Start with the suspension and brakes. Then get the drivetrain ready, then the engine... Other than that basic order, you can fix things as you prefer.

Take your time and enjoy the project!

 

[Jester67]

so cost is really no object...

As stated above don’t get a donor car don’t chop up a car. the aftermarket has everything you could need and will be NEW parts. This is the Wild list but money is no object and if you put all this stuff on, this car will be a dream.
Give it some direction
http://randallsrack.com/
Make it Stop
http://www.baer.com/
Make it handle
http://www.globalwest.net/Mustang 64-73 handling packages.htm
Make It Go
http://www.proformanceunlimited.com/specs/396_450drop.html
Get the power to the ground
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/orderingonline.aspx

 

[jedijef]

thanks very much guys, all the advice is appreciated and i'll be sure and check out all the links...

 

[D Durden]

Jester . . . love the new Avatar!