Windsor into a Fox Body
 

Hi, I have recently purchased an 85 mustang gt body without motor or trans. I already have a 351 windsor motor and tranny that I'm wanting to put in the car. I have heard the oil pan will have to be changed. Im by no means a mechanic but I have changed engines in cars before, however, I always put back the same size engine that I pulled out. I would appreciate if you could tell me what all I should expect when putting the windsor into a fox body car. Oh, and the trans that I'm putting in is a c4.
Thanks for any light you can shed on the subject.

Michael

msb2426,
The motor that was in that mustang was a windsor. Only it was a 302. The motor and trans should bolt up without a problem. As for the oil pan you need a double hump oil pan and a new oil pick up tube. Summit and a lot of others sell this as a kit to fit the mustang.

Are you going to stay with a carb or EFI?
Do you have all of the acc.? (i.e. Alt, Power Steering)

Just wait a few and I am sure someone that has done this before will reply with a little better info for you.

You may have hood clearance issues if you don't use some special motor mounts that drop the height of the 351 down a little.

See www.alternativeauto.com they have an article about 351-W swaps.
I did a 351-W in my 1978 Zephyr. You will need a new LTD-II style oilpan, at least. Headers and such arent really mandatory.

Windsor is just the name of the city where the engine's were built. Obviously, the 351 Cleveland's were built in Ohio. As far as the swap goes, a lot depend on if you are running EFI or a carb. EFI will cost a lot more. I put a 393 in my car and needed to get new oil pan, headers, distributor, etc. The h-pipe needed to be bent to accomodate the extra 1.5 in. of engine width. I also needed to get a EFI 351 lower base to match the Edelbrock upper plenum and a hood to accomodate the extra inch or so of engine height. The biggest decision you need to make is if you are going to go EFI or carb. Good luck!