Confused with '66 motor mounts- what do I really need?

[2+2GT]

Don't even think about putting that together without the better-quality export brace, and you HAVE to do this while it's apart:

Arning/Shelby Suspension Drop

 

[NickR23]

Already have plans for the drop while it's apart, and I plan on making my own brace. I found one online that I really like the design on, and I will try to do one similar.

My current problem is figuring out my dipstick/oil pan/timing cover situation. I know I need an oil pan that will clear everything, and obviously a timing cover that accepts a dipstick. My problem here is that I would like to keep my short nose accessories, and the Explorer waterpump has a different mounting face then the older style timing covers. Is there a timing cover out there that will accept an Explorer water pump and front dipstick, or is there a waterpump that fits the old timing covers that is short nosed? Or is the short nose setup a bad idea in the first place, and I would be better off with normal length accessories?

I also came across a 289 with some cool goodies. It also has an oil pan I believe I can use, and a timing cover with the dipstick and fuel pump if it comes to needing it. Its also got a high rise intake I was told (I'm guessing an Edelbrock), and Edelbrock valve covers.

Also, I'm going to see how long it takes people to notice this.

 

[2+2GT]

My current problem is figuring out my dipstick/oil pan/timing cover situation. I know I need an oil pan that will clear everything, and obviously a timing cover that accepts a dipstick.
Just get the OE 66 type. It's not hard to find, and they are available new.

My problem here is that I would like to keep my short nose accessories,
Why? It's about the same as the OE 66.

and the Explorer waterpump has a different mounting face then the older style timing covers.
No kidding- the serpentine Explorer pump spins the other way. Another reason you need the 66 type timing cover.

Is there a timing cover out there that will accept an Explorer water pump and front dipstick, or is there a waterpump that fits the old timing covers that is short nosed? Or is the short nose setup a bad idea in the first place, and I would be better off with normal length accessories?
Way better off. Even if you buy everything new, it's not expensive, and you end up with something where if you need a belt or something you just walk up to the counter and ask for a belt for a 66, instead of spending a lot of time with the clerk playing "guess the part".

I also came across a 289 with some cool goodies. It also has an oil pan I believe I can use, and a timing cover with the dipstick and fuel pump if it comes to needing it. Its also got a high rise intake I was told (I'm guessing an Edelbrock), and Edelbrock valve covers.
Sounds like a possible player. Don't guess on the manifold. There are many such, Ford, Edelbrock, Weiand, Offenhauser…

 

[Pony66]

Also, I'm going to see how long it takes people to notice this.

It didnt take long. Why would someone do that? I wouldnt do it even If I had an old hotrod with a cheby engine. Its just wrong.

 

[NickR23]

Just get the OE 66 type. It's not hard to find, and they are available new.

No kidding- the serpentine Explorer pump spins the other way. Another reason you need the 66 type timing cover.

I would like to stick with a serpentine belt. On the other hand, if I used the 289/stock style cover, I could have a fuel pump and use a regular radiator instead of a 5.0L conversion one. I know I would need to redrill a pulley for the balancer. I have an idea to use both that I'm looking into.

Why? It's about the same as the OE 66.

Just for a little more clearance and room in the engine bay. Not necessary, but always nice to have.

Way better off. Even if you buy everything new, it's not expensive, and you end up with something where if you need a belt or something you just walk up to the counter and ask for a belt for a 66, instead of spending a lot of time with the clerk playing "guess the part".

Not really worried about that. I write everything down when I do conversions like this, and keep track of what came off what, and all the part numbers of wearable parts.

Sounds like a possible player. Don't guess on the manifold. There are many such, Ford, Edelbrock, Weiand, Offenhauser…

I seem to remember it being an Edelbrock when I pulled it out of the car originally, but I will find out for sure once I strip it down.

It didnt take long. Why would someone do that? I wouldnt do it even If I had an old hotrod with a cheby engine. Its just wrong.

The glass emblem was broken out and with all the chrome pitting and corrosion, it was junk anyway. Maybe I ought to ditch the 5.0 and drop in a 350/350 combo to match.

 

[NickR23]

Well, I have a little more info on the 289. It has a 2bbl aluminum intake, still not sure if it's a stock one or not. The front timing cover is supposedly off a 302 (it has a driver side exit water pump), but it has the dipstick and fuel pump mounts. Is it possible to use a 289 passenger side exit water pump on this timing cover and stick with an OEM style radiator? Or would it be better to use the driver's side one, and get a conversion radiator? I need a new radiator anyway, so it will depend on what water pump I choose.

Also, is there anything special I need to mount the fuel pump eccentric to my 5.0 timing gears? Some people say I need an older style set to mount them, others say the gears are the same all throughout the years. I've also come across something about 2 different bolt sizes?

 

[NickR23]

I got the body pulled off my Explorer today, so the engine is ready to pull out. I think I will wait until I get a front brake kit and get all the front end parts put on.

Sure will look a lot cleaner once all that fuel injection crap is gone!

Can anyone answer my water pump/timing cover question?