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  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech

Swapping engines and Suspension Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter chaka
  • Start date Start date Feb 13, 2004

chaka

Founding Member
Mar 1, 2002
1,342
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0
Boston, MA
Feb 13, 2004
#1
  • Feb 13, 2004
  • #1
I am about to purchase a Mustang II. It currently has the V6 w/auto. Not sure on the year. I can't be picky anyway.

Does the 2.3 and V6 have the same bellhousing? Plan on swapping a 2.3 turbo in and was hoping to use the auto till I found a good manual tranny.

Has anyone used a T-5 or I am I better off finding a Rad4? Need to start searching the JY's closely now.

For the motor mounts I just need the mounts and then the frame stands? Do not know much about these cars so any info is great.

I want this car for the twisties. Have heard a lot of good things about the front suspension. What are some improvements that I can do to increase handling without lowering ride height.
 

Power Surge

Founding Member
Jul 20, 2002
1,516
4
38
Palm Coast, FL
Feb 13, 2004
#2
  • Feb 13, 2004
  • #2
chaka said:
I am about to purchase a Mustang II. It currently has the V6 w/auto. Not sure on the year. I can't be picky anyway.

Does the 2.3 and V6 have the same bellhousing? Plan on swapping a 2.3 turbo in and was hoping to use the auto till I found a good manual tranny.

Has anyone used a T-5 or I am I better off finding a Rad4? Need to start searching the JY's closely now.

For the motor mounts I just need the mounts and then the frame stands? Do not know much about these cars so any info is great.

I want this car for the twisties. Have heard a lot of good things about the front suspension. What are some improvements that I can do to increase handling without lowering ride height.
Click to expand...

I'm not 100% sure on the bellhousing pattern.

I'd suggest going with a T-5 for sure. They are easy to come by and since you're doing a custom install and don't care about originallity, there's not reason to use the RAD.

As for the suspension, call up Heidts and have them send you a catalog. They have a GREAT section in the front, that goes into vast detail on the Mustang II front suspension, and how difference changes have different affects. They talk about springs rates, bump steer, and different rack and control arm setups. VERY informative.
 

Turbo II

Founding Member
Nov 19, 2000
1,537
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0
Alberta, Canada
Feb 13, 2004
#3
  • Feb 13, 2004
  • #3
On my 2.3 car I installed a T-5 out of a '84 Turbo Coupe and used the original RAD bellhousing, clutch and pressure plate on the T-5 (direct bolt on). You will need to massage the shifter opening as it's about 1 1/2" further forward and you may have to slot the holes on the transmission mount crossmember (I didn't).

Francis

EDIT: Oh yeah, I am 99% sure the V6 bellhousing is different. Wished I knew you were looking, I had to clear some space and I threw a 2.3 RAD bell out last month.
 

chaka

Founding Member
Mar 1, 2002
1,342
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0
Boston, MA
Feb 14, 2004
#4
  • Feb 14, 2004
  • #4
No worries. So it goes. I will keep my eyes open.

I want to keep it so that I can return it to orginal. If that is possible. Have to do some more research.
 
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