[Varilux]

After driving my '14 with a 302 for a few weeks, I've decided my '65 would definitely be funner with a 302 as well. Spurring this on is the worn out clutch on the current I6 (totally my fault- when I converted to a T-5 trans, the clutch was adjusted too far out and I think I warped up the clutch pretty good before adjusting it properly).

Here's where I am today-

• 8" rear end installed
• Front steering/suspension from Chockostang installed
• '65 V8 discs/dual MC from Chockostang installed
• V8 springs installed
• T-5 installed
• Sanden A/C compressor
• No power anything

I've read a few threads about the swap, and it looks like I just need to find an '85-92 302. My thoughts were the easiest route would be to find a complete '85-92 Mustang with a rebuilt or good original engine, pull everything, and tow the body to the junkyard. If this isn't the best plan, please let me know.

A couple of questions:
Should my T-5 hook up to an '85-92 engine without difficulty?
Will a fuel injected 302 be trickier to install vs. a carb engine?
What else will I need (e.g., can I use the radiator from the '85-92)?
Anything obvious I'm missing (e.g., I have had both ends of the driveshaft converted to the proper joints for the T-5 and 8" rear- am I okay with the original driveshaft)?

I've drooled over the I6 build thread by GoPen, but I think it will be cheaper and easier to just plop an 8cyl in there like everyone else. Assuming I can find the right car, I'm hoping to get through this on a budget of $4,500 or so.

Thanks for any input to a topic I know has been discussed often.

 

[datac]

Cheaper and easier, yeah, but as much fun? I dunno. If cheap and easy are that important, just buy a Fox and be done with it. A CI head with triple sidedrafts would be less work, a boatload of fun, and would definitely stand out in a crowd.

 

[64.25]

You could check over at the corral classifieds- always stroker stuff for sale. Could by a running engine or start collecting parts. Sounds like you've got a good start on the suspension (I think you have to change part of the steering) and braking system. I'm not sure you would need a whole car though, lots of the parts needed you've already got and usually stuff is so worn out your better off getting new. John

 

[ajzride]

You will need:
Frame side motor mount brackets
Motor Mounts
gas pedal / Throttle linkage (the entire setup)
Headers
Exhaust

Driveshaft should be fine unless you go crazy with increasing the power.
I'm doubting the rad from the fox would fit. I think it is going to be too tall.
Think about accessories and brackets/pulleys

 

[Huskinhano]

I say skip the Mustang 5.0 and go straight to an Explorer 5.0. They have better heads and the intakes are sought after by the 5.0 Mustang guys. Even with 100K miles those motors are in great shape.

 

[KarlJay]

EFI would be more work, you'll need all the sensors and computer, not to mention you'll have to cut a bit of a hole to get it inside where the glove box is.

Carb requires none of that, but does have it's own issued, EFI is better when running right, carbs are cheap and easy, but can be a bear to get the bugs worked out.

The rad should be a 65 V8 or aftermarket that will fit. The water pump might be reverse or standard, you'll have to choose if you want V belts or Serp belts, don't mix the pumps. Check that the water is flowing out the top or you'll have problems.

I don't know if your kits include mounts that go down to the frame, the I6 mounts won't work. Someone on this forum (I think) made some from scratch that are adjustable.

Small things like hoses, carb/TB linkage, and such.

Remember the 85/92 is basically the same block, the dipstick and a few other things might be different, but otherwise the same. You can even make it look original if you want.

The 6 can be a performance motor, but the 8 has many more options and they are almost always cheaper.

I've got the same engine in mine and I'm getting ready for the same swap.

 

[tx65coupe]

Modding the I6 would be neat too. I actually thought about it.

I did this conversion a few years ago on my T code. I say do it.

I vote for staying with a 4v carb.

I opted for RMP adjustable engine mounts. That made things a lot easier.

You need a 65-66 V8 radiator for a 5.0 swap. Its setup like the I6 radiator.

You can use a 5.0 from a 86-93 Mustang. The 85 Mustangs had funky heads I believe. Well actually you can use the engine from a 94-95 Mustang too. The T5 you'll want from a fox body.

I'd look for someone selling the drivetrain that they removed from a car they or just go to the pick and pull and get it. There really isn't any need to get a complete car. There are no other useable parts on it.

The V8 Explorers do have the GT40 or GT40P heads. If you go this route, make sure to get one with regular GT40 heads. The GT40P heads require special headers.

You can also get a roller cam 302 from a 94-96 F Series truck.

 

[JackRackham]

I am just curious, but why not go with power brakes and steering? I am following in your footsteps almost exactly, but I am doing the conversion to power brakes and steering. I'd be interested in hearing what you have to say.

 

[Varilux]

Thanks everyone.

I'm totally down with the "keep it a six, its cool" direction, but when I look at my power goals (right around 200hp would be fine) and the effort/costs involved with getting there, it seems a 302 just makes more sense. The aluminum head for the I6 is way cool, but I'd need headers, which would mean moving the AC compressor, which would mean... (if I'm going to be doing that much work- might as well just put a V8 in there). Plus, even if I do get the 6 hopped up, its putting power through an 8.5" clutch...

So, if I were to find a yard that sells engines, and wanted a 5.0 out of an Explorer, I'm assuming they pull all the electronics along with the engine and sell them as a package? Also, will the necessary adjustable mounts need to be welded in (I don't weld, so that would be a step I'd need to resource)?

AFAIK, all the parts on my car (save the engine, mounts, and radiator) are now V8 parts, so I hope to be good on the steering and suspension.

Regarding the pulleys, belts, etc. I suspect- like most projects- that there will be a laundry list of this and that to get to make a conversion complete.

Thanks again,
Pete

 

[datac]

200hp is absolutely doable with the CI head on your six:

Classic Inlines - The Ford Six Dyno Room

 

[tx65coupe]

With the proper dual reservoir master cylinder, power brakes aren't really needed.

As for manual steering, I have the quick ratio steering box and a roller idler arm. With a normal size steering wheel I consider it a non issue.

I actually prefer this setup.

 

[tx65coupe]

There is no welding required for either the adjustable or stock style motor mounts.