dawger989

I was wondering how hard it would be to swap in a 351w into a 89 mustang? anyone ever done it before? I know I need a double sump oil pan and a new hood scoop and motormounts, but other then that am i missing anything? And what about tranny's? anyone know of a good 5 speed that can hold that much horse cause the stock t-5's are only rated at 260 pounds of tourque and i dont think it would last long :) thanks

Agent_Evil

Well for starters, you dont necessarily need new motor mounts, unless the ones in your car are old, but since you're taking the engine out anyways it's a good idea to put new ones in, but you can use stock style mounts, but i'd recommend either drop solid mounts, or if you're sticking more to the streets go for convertible mounts, as they're stronger but more forgiving on potholes hehe...as for everything else, hood clearance is an issue unless you use stock motor mounts and an Eddelbrock Performer RPM intake that has a standard rise to it, after that it just depends on how tall your breather is. Secondly you'll need a double hump tranny crossmember unless you're car is already a V8 car. Also you'll need different brackets for your accessories up front but you can use the same alternator/power steering units and even the AC if you're going that route. I got my oil pan from an old Crown Vic. As for the transmission...i'm currently running a bone stock C4 on my car, which is about as far from performance as a yugo, but it holds up fairly well. If you're mechanically enclined and dont mind the occasional repair, a decent T5 will hold up unless you're building a monster engine. A Tremec T5 TKO is a nice tranny for 400 or so hp. Dont forget you'll need the cluch and all those goodies. A stock drive shaft will work, but i wouldnt put anything less than a new 8.8 out back, or at least a rebuilt one. If you're going the fuel injection route you'll need a new wireing harness and computer, i'm running a Holly 850 duel line 4 barrel for simplicity. If it's EFI you're after you'll need a new lower intake manifold, but a stock upper will work or anything for a 302 upper. Headers i've been told are an issue, and i know companys sell different ones for 302s and 351s, i bought MAC long tubes for my car but i havent noticed any major difference with shorties, other than they might come down a bit lower on a 351 due to the taller block, so that could be an issue. If you're buying a new engine that's not complete, heads can be an issue, as you cant use stock 302 heads without boring the bolt holes out to 1/2 inch. Cams will work for either car. You'll need a new harmonic balencer if you're starting a brand new engine. Well i think that's just about everything other than telling the insurance company about the swap lol, my car is an 83 LX 4cyl on the title, so if you want it insured you'll have to fess up hehee.