Yet another v8 swap

dulcimerbob · Saturday at 6:29 PM

I have been researching this swap for my 77 V6 to a 90 302 . I am getting mixed information . I have done one engine swap before inline 6 to v8, so I understand the basics of making parts match up etc. I have the list from Mustang 2 site . I would like to hear from folks that have done the swap on this forum . I dont need handholding just a little clarity. I get the car on Monday so no hurry . I'd like to plan it out based on good Intel. BTW it is a C4/ 8 " rear car. Thanks.

Noobz347 · Saturday at 8:21 PM

I am not an M2 expert but we do have some of those around.

From what I've seen, your toughest challenge is going to be exhaust headers.

Do you plan to run FI or carb?

dulcimerbob · Saturday at 9:05 PM

Blackhawkxx · Saturday at 10:59 PM

The oil pan for a V-8 Mustang II is unique.

LILCBRA · Saturday at 11:20 PM

Hi Bob! What clarification are you looking for? As @Blackhawkxx said, the oil pans are unique in order to clear the rack and pinion. Exhaust can be one of the most challenging parts of it all since it's so tight. Ford made a smaller flywheel/flexplate and corresponding bell housing specifically for the II and it's smaller transmission tunnel but there have been plenty of people who've used a standard bell housing with no problem. Just be aware that clearances will be tight and may need massaging. That's the big stuff that I can think of off the top of my head.....

welder4956 · Sunday at 9:55 AM

Off the top of my head you'll need:
V-8 Mustang II motor mounts
V-8 Mustang II frame brackets for motor mounts
V-8 Mustang II oil pan (there are some aftermarket pans that will fit)
V-8 Mustang II exhaust manifolds or headers
141 tooth flex plate balanced to 50 oz for the 1990 engine
V-8 Mustang II bellhousing for C4 trans
V-8 Mustang II torque converter

dulcimerbob · Sunday at 12:41 PM

Thanks , I am trying to pull together a plan of attack. Seems a good idea to do one phase at a time as the mechanics permit. I'll get it,just new these gorgeous little cars.

dulcimerbob · Sunday at 10:33 PM

Will this pan fit ?
ATP Oil Pan
- 1978 Ford Mustang II

SKU: 5483-06182246
Engine Oil Pan -- With Dipstick Tube In Pan

LILCBRA · Sunday at 10:57 PM

dulcimerbob said:
Will this pan fit ?
ATP Oil Pan
- 1978 Ford Mustang II

SKU: 5483-06182246
Engine Oil Pan -- With Dipstick Tube In Pan

No, that is for a Fox. Mustang IIs get a front sump pan that hugs the crankshaft on the back half to give clearance for the rack and pinion. Here is a pic comparison of 2 different front sump pans, one being for the II.

LILCBRA said:
Here's a quick how-to on changing an oil pan gasket on a 302 without removing the engine. It's the same steps as changing a starter more or less, so it's basically 2 birds with 1 stone.

First, raise the car to an appropriate height and support it. Remove the (-) battery cable from the battery.

Pull the mounting bolts from the rack and pinion. You're not going to remove it, just manipulate it so it's out of your way. In my case, I lifted the right front tire from the pedestal it was on so that side would turn freely.

Remove the cable from the starter.

If your car still has the secondary cross member bolted in place, remove it. That gives you access to the bottom starter bolt as well as clearer access to the back oil pan bolts. Remove the starter by removing the 2 bolts holding it in.

Remove the sway bar bushings and brackets from the frame and let the sway bar hang.

Remove the oil pan bolts and remove the oil pan from the car. I had to wiggle it over the sway bar and out of the car.

This picture is to illustrate the difference between a II oil pan and another stock front sump pan. I also have a picture of the part number for the oil pan. I'm not sure if it's the complete part number or not, but what I have is still visible. The II pan is behind the standard.

Installation is the reverse of these steps. I purchased the newer one piece oil pan gasket which comes with threaded plastic retaining clips, they're extremely helpful for reinstalling everything.

dulcimerbob · 2026-09-21T13:45:14-0500

PROFORM Engine Oil Pan for 1975-1978 Ford Mustang II 5.0L V8 . All over Ebay for 75.00 will it fit ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/1983109181...pid=5335821607&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

dulcimerbob · 2026-09-21T13:48:24-0500

dulcimerbob said:
PROFORM Engine Oil Pan for 1975-1978 Ford Mustang II 5.0L V8 . All over Ebay for 75.00 will it fit ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/1983109181...pid=5335821607&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

Just the pick up tube . Ad is misleading

LILCBRA · 2026-09-21T16:06:54-0500

The pickup tube is also for a Fox. The II gets a front sump pickup like this one.

6622A6 - 1975-78 Mustang II; SBF 302; Engine Oil Pump Pickup w/ Screen

Replacement engine oil pump pickup tube and screen for 1975-78 Ford Mustang II with small block engines. The pick-up tube/oil screen assembly is an essential part of an engines oiling system.

www.classicindustries.com

dulcimerbob · 2026-09-21T23:19:10-0500

Has anybody used a 157 t flex plate and bell housing for the c4

LILCBRA · 2026-09-22T01:14:47-0500

I'm sure someone has, you'll just need to be aware that you may run into clearance issues.

dulcimerbob · 2026-09-22T08:36:49-0500

Found an OEM housing . Now for the flexplate match for a 90 302

LILCBRA · 2026-09-22T17:30:02-0500

An OEM II C4 bell? The easiest approach is probably locating a stock II flexplate then having a shop change the balance weight to 50 oz.

dulcimerbob · 2026-09-22T21:27:27-0500

LILCBRA said:
An OEM II C4 bell? The easiest approach is probably locating a stock II flexplate then having a shop change the balance weight to 50 oz.

Thanks , now I find there is not a blockplate repop available . I might have to try the larger bell . How would it work ? I have not bought an engine yet so I could go earlier on the flex plate with the 28oz. What would a shop charge for the mod if I go with the 90 motor ?

LILCBRA · 2026-09-22T21:32:44-0500

I have no idea about what a shop would charge. But there have been people who've used the larger bell housing and flex plates though I don't have any first hand experience with it. You may have to massage the tunnel and may have exhaust clearance issues, but it should be workable. I believe @extra_stout may be able to help a little more than I can on this front.

LILCBRA · 2026-09-22T21:54:28-0500

Actually, it looks like @extra_stout used a T5, @IICrew used a T5, and @welder4956 and @2Blue2 are using stock setups.

I've been searching for some sort of help here in the forums and the only thing I've found so far, which isn't directly related to a C4, is this thread of an AOD swap. It doesn't help with your immediate issue or question though.... sorry!

C

Thread 'AOD installed!'

May 5, 2009

AOD install complete! Oer the last 6 months I've aquired and made all the parts to rebuild and install an AOD in my Cobra behind the windsor. It has been an interesting adventure. to say the least. I rebuilt the AOD front to back and installed the 4R70W gearset for the wide ratio (lower) 1st gear. The was the easiest part. Make it all fit inthe narrow tunnel of the II was the real joy. I modified the strut rod brackets to move the crossmember back 2.5 inches for the trans mount. After that is was thump the firewall at the very top of the tunnel to make room for the bigger-rounder bell of...

Blackhawkxx · 2026-09-22T22:58:49-0500

Anything you make bigger in that area will hurt with trying to fit headers unless you like hacking sheet metal or doing custom headers. I'm not saying you can't, just saying it wouldn't make it easier.

Yet another v8 swap

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