78 Mustang V8 Swap
Lee H
A friend of mine is planning on putting a 302 V8 into a 78 Mustang II
that originally came with a V6. Does anyone have any advice that
could make this project less painful?
Thanks for any input!
-Lee
Peter Adkins
Lee H <le...@alr.com> wrote in article <5dnnsi$i...@news1.ni.net>...
Lee,
I own a '77 Mustang II with a 302 so can tell you a few things that you may
already know.
1. One thing that will need to be changed is the radiator. Some radiators
from other cars can be worked to fit, but a V-8 Mustang II radiator is a
one of a kind. You can order one new for around $250.00.
2. The next thing is the motor mounts. New ones are about $15.00 to $23.00
each.
3. About the hardest thing I can think of would be the oil pan. I know that
a regular pan isn't suppose to work (I've never actually try one). I have
never seen one of this in any catalog. I would say that they are pretty
pricey.
4. The exhaust manifolds. I am not for sure what manifolds will fit, but
I've seen headers for about $315.00.
Another thing you may want to check is the front springs. Mine is factory
302 but the front end still sags.
Here is where I found the prices:
1. The Paddock Inc. catalog P7M1
1-800-428-4319 http://www.musclecarpart.com/paddock/
2. Mustangs Unlimited '74-97 Mustang parts catalog Winter '96-97
Edition
1-800-243-7278 http://www.mustang-unl.com/
3. Performance Automotive Warehouse Spring '96 catalog Headers only
1-818-998-6000 no web page
That's about all I can think of right off the top of my head. If your
friend has any other questions just ask and I'll try to help.
It is nice to see more people interested in these little forgotten ponies.
I
wish him good luck.
Peter Adkins
BAballo827
I would imagine that this would be a fairly easy swap. I own a 78 Cobra
II with the 302. The exhaust Y pipe is the same for either engine. Check
the Mustang magazines. Good luck with your swap. I think you'll enjoy it
with the V-8.
Brian
LCramp
I was once going to attempt it myself. I had a 76 mustang II with a 6
cylinder. I found out that you would have to first , replace the springs,
then you would need a correct 78 enjine, a normal V8 will not due decause
of the oil pan. The mounts would need to be changed as well as the
brakes. The transmition will definately need to either be changed or have
a better tork converter put in. The rear would also need to be
strenghened. I hope I have been of some help. By the way I have A 78 Cobra
II with V8, white leather int., and T-Tops.
LCramp
It's nice to see someone else enjoy these ponies like me. I own a 78
cobra II with a 302, white leather int., auto, and T-Tops. I also own a 76
with a 6 cyl. It has oversized tires on custom rims, rear spoiler, raised
3-4 inches in rear, and a set of hood pins. I was wondering if you could
tell me were I could find the black trim/moldings needed to go around the
quarter windows, doors, and around the t-tops. Any advice would be
greatly appreciated.
RATZ2429
Are you puting in a c4 or a manual? the original manual tran in 75-78
cars was kind of weak. A t5 would be a nice upgrade, I haven't seen one
but would like to try it. The c4with the 302in these cars uses a special
smaller diameter flexplate with a special smaller bolt pattern for the
converter. I don't know if the v6 tranny is a c4 or not. I don't know if
the bolt pattern on the back of the v6 and 302 are the same. Obviously a
few things to research before spinning wrenches. v6 cars came with an 8
inch rear that should hold up to a mild 302.
