largest possible engine in 64-66?

[bigcarguy]

How large of an engine can be put in a 64-66 Mustang with little to no modifications?

[67GTACoupe]

Hey

They put a 351windsor in a 66 fastback with a hood cowl, a little grinding, shortor drive shaft with a T-5 transmission. and some bending of the exhaust pipes. you would probally have the easiest time putting a 347 stroker in then trying to fit a 351 though. my 0.2

steven

[MrWesson22]

You can put any 351W based engine in (up to 427cid in stroker form) relatively easily.

[Rev]

You can get a Ford crate engine 392 for about $6000 with out intake or headers. It makes 430 HP with an Edelbrock single plane intake, Holley 750 DP, and Hooker headers according to Ford. Others claim more like 450 HP.

Probably the cheapest HP you can buy for a '65-66.

Rev

[pntrbil]

Early Mustangs were available from the factory with FE Big Blocks in them. Something about CJ (Cobrajet) and SCJ ( Super ...) comes to mind. This is all hazy but I think the first Shelby's were supercharged 289's but eventually all of them had the FE. FE's come in 352/360/390/428/ and 427 variations but I don't think any Shelby had smaller than a 390.

There are guys putting the later Lima series 400/429/460 Big Blocks in Mustangs too but you hear a lot of discussion about what the longest lasting spark plugs are.

[Rev]

The original post was about what would fit '65-66 Stangs without much modification. FE's were not available until '67. Without a whole lot of modification, only small block Windsors will fit '65-66 Mustangs.

Rev

[Frankenstang65]

I've got a 351W in my 65 coupe and would highly recommend it. That much hp and torque in such a light car is crazy, and the performance potential for these motors is extemely high.

A word of caution though....

You have to make sure to use a set of 66 motor mounts when you install it (earlier maounts make the engine sit up too high)

Depending on what year 351 you get, the radiator outlets and inlets may not line up with the stock radiator in the car, that may also be a problem.

Also, underhood space is pretty tight, this makes header install and even just getting to the spark plugs a bit more of a chore.

For the most part, it's an easy swap. And as far as I know, it is the largest small block that can be wedged into a 65-66 body without shock tower mods (if you want more cubes you can still stroke it out to 427). I'm not positive, but I think the 351C is too big as well.

Build a 427 stroker.... that would be so bada$$....

later

[pntrbil]

I stand corrected. I missed the part about 65-66. Actually, I personally wouldn't put an FE in a 67 or later anyway because it must be a bear to work on. My daily driver is a 65 Ford F250 with an FE352 and as much as I love that old dinosaur of a motor, it'll never see the inside of my 68.

[mustangman65_79]

u can fit a 351w in one, but it's a pain to work on. A storker 302 I think is better. But if u want raw hp, 351w stroked would be the way to go.

[Gearhead999]

You can put any engine in with enough work.

Heck, put a Hemi in, use a torch and alot of fabrication and you got it.

Easiest would be a stroke 302 [ie 347] or 351W [ie 426-427].

Just depends on how deep your pockets are and how much work you want to do.

[Idhomustang]

How large of an engine can be put in a 64-66 Mustang with little to no modifications?

The early cars were designed for the then new 289, as we all know 64-65. The early Cars 64-65 should remain 289 or small based windsor cars, the shock towers are closer on them then the 66, which is the first year that I would recommend implanting the larger windsor into.
If you do go ahead and swap in a 351 W try if possible to a set of early hp ex. manifolds, or a good set of quality headers that fit snug, that will help. As we all know the 351- can be built up to about 470 cubes right now using a Ford Motorsport block, but if your like me they cost way to much money unless one falls from the sky,undamaged I'm likely to continue to build motors with the cast iron 70- and later blocks.
The early big block cars you read about and see, once in a great while were factory drag cars or other wise, modified for big blocks, by widening the shock towers. I owned at 67 Gt with a 390 and it was pretty easy to work on,all things considered. My younger brother had a 428 car of the small year, both coupes. I wish I had kept both of these cars I let far to many cherries slip though the ole fingers..
The small 302 based motor can be stroked and bored to about 350 or so cubes if you really wanted too. Probe has kits that make the possible, with the right heads and cam, these can be very powerful motors and would serve any early model owners needs. And if you are not good at building motors you can install one of Fords Gt-40 motors rated at 320 horses, and make the conversion to fuel injection..

[gp001]

You may want to consider, as a follow up question,

How big a tire can I stuff into my 66 to handle the power

Unless you just want to go down the 1/4, then stuff on a set of slicks

[ramnaraina]

Hi, I intend slotting a 351 cleveland from a Fairlane 500 into my 68 coupe but are concerned about the following:
1. Would it fit with the original cast iron headers.
2. Could I use the original 289 engine mounting brackets. (They however look different).
3. Once installed can I swap the 2 barrel with my 4 barrel (would the hood close?).
4. How difficult would it be to change spark plugs?

Thanks in advance.

Jeffery
jeffery@iafrica.com

[rwhite65]

Bigcarguy-
Your original question has been answered, so I will leave that be.
With such a light car, keep in mind that a 347 is probably going to be lighter then the 351w, helping to keep the front end lighter. That is, if you planed to make the car handle as well.
Ryan