Mustang Miss » 1964 Ford Mustang » Replacing a 6cyl with a 289 or 302
Replacing a 6cyl with a 289 or 302
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks a lot of the advice guys, I have another question, if I want to replace the straight six with a 289 or 302 don’t I have to change a lot of aspects of the car? What would be the major things that I would have to change on my mustang in order for it to be ready for a 289 or 302? (Ex. Would I have to mess with the rear axle?) Thank you, Chris (I should have gotten a 302!) If you plan on rebuilding the whole car, it might be practical. You will have to change all the running gear and suspension/brakes. It might be more practical to sell yours and buy one closer to what you want to end up with. If you have a good body and want to build a fast car that handles, you will change lots of stuff anyway. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY
Or you could buy a ratty V8 parts car to get the stuff you will need. You will also be able to see first hand all of the differences. If your body is iffy, better to look for a complete V8. It’l be cheaper IMO. You will need the V8 rear axle and front susp. components and brakes. You should upgrade to disc brakes on the front, like the discs from a 68/69/70 or from a Granada. Get the power booster as well, if you can find one.
Response:
Thanks a lot of the advice guys, I have another question, if I want to replace the straight six with a 289 or 302 don’t I have to change a lot of aspects of the car? What would be the major things that I would have to change on my mustang in order for it to be ready for a 289 or 302? (Ex. Would I have to mess with the rear axle?) Thank you, Chris (I should have gotten a 302!)
Response:
Thanks a lot of the advice guys, I have another question, if I want to replace the straight six with a 289 or 302 don’t I have to change a lot of aspects of the car? What would be the major things that I would have to change on my mustang in order for it to be ready for a 289 or 302? (Ex. Would I have to mess with the rear axle?) You’ll probably need to put slightly beefier springs in the front, but it should otherwise be a more or less bolt-on affair. The 200/250 engines weigh only slightly less than the 289/302. Whether or not you want to fiddle with the tranny or the rear is up to you. If you do significant performance mods to the v-8, you’ll likely blow both if you beat on the car. If you leave the 8 more or less stock, you can probably put off upgrading the trans/rear until you have more time/money. Chris — Christopher Mauritz | For info on internet access: IBS Interactive, Inc. | http://www.interactive.net/
Response:
Thanks a lot of the advice guys, I have another question, if I want to replace the straight six with a 289 or 302 don’t I have to change a lot of aspects of the car? What would be the major things that I would have to change on my mustang in order for it to be ready for a 289 or 302? (Ex. Would I have to mess with the rear axle?) Thank you, Chris (I should have gotten a 302!)
Chris, To swap out a 6 for a 289 or 302, you MAY have to change the engine mounts (You may not tho). You would want to check with a speed shop to see if your bellhousing will bolt up with the 289 or 302. Those are the major mods you will have to worry about. The rear end doesn’t really have to be replaced. If you have a 7.5" rear you may wanna look at a new one. Thats all that I know would need to really be replaced. Also if you have an old or weak tranny you’d wanna replace that… Scott
Response:
if I want to replace the straight six with a 289 or 302 don’t I have to change a lot of aspects of the car? What would be the major things that I would have to change on my mustang in order for it to be ready for a 289 or 302? (Ex. Would I have to mess with the rear axle?)
Chris- This question is the second most common I’m asked. Experience tells me that your car’s existing systems will not support the transplant – at least, not for long! The 6-cylinder cooling, braking, suspension, and (yes) even the rear axle are all inadequate to handle the increased power and weight…and I didn’t mention the transmission, driveshaft, steering, etc. (BTW, a stock 1966 289 4-V weighed exactly 251 lbs. more than the same-year 200 CID, of which 75% sits over the front wheels.) Think of it this way: if Ford could have avoided changing this stuff, don’t you think they would have? MrF – "Your Source for 1964 1/2 – 1973 Mustang information!" — Do you love 1960’s Fords? Check out our online ‘magazine’: HTTP://member.aol.com/ponycarmag/main/welcome.htm
Response:
Thanks a lot of the advice guys, I have another question, if I want to replace the straight six with a 289 or 302 don’t I have to change a lot of aspects of the car? What would be the major things that I would have to change on my mustang in order for it to be ready for a 289 or 302? (Ex. Would I have to mess with the rear axle?) Thank you, Chris (I should have gotten a 302!)
If you plan on rebuilding the whole car, it might be practical. You will have to change all the running gear and suspension/brakes. It might be more practical to sell yours and buy one closer to what you want to end up with. If you have a good body and want to build a fast car that handles, you will change lots of stuff anyway. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY