I6 to 302 Swap??
 

Whats up guys.
I just got done sealing all my floors with POR -15. The car looks great now, and I have now decided to change the engine. I really want more power and better performance. I found a used 302 for sale and was thinking of swapping my I6 for it. This would be my first engine swap ever. So I am kind of questioning everything. I know some of you guys have already done this type of swap. Can anyone give me an idea of what’s involved in swapping, not only in the engine bay but throughout the car, or if a 302 is the way I want to go as far as the right engine?

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

Yeah, pretty popular swap, though quite a few things need to be changed over to make it the same as an original v8 car. The biggest things are the rearend, which will go out on you shortly after a v8 swap if it hasnt already, next would be the front spindles and steering components. Ford used different (weaker) spindles on the I6 cars, which many people say you need to change before a v8 swap for saftey. I put my 302 in before swapping the spindles and got away with it. So you'll need different: motor mounts, spindles, inner and outer tierods, drag link, idler arm, pitman arm, and rearend. Im guessing I missed something there... I would also recommend a larger radiator. What trans is in the car now? I've been running my I6 manual 3spd behind my 302 for several years now without a problem. Check out this article: 1964-1966 Mustang In-Line Six V8 Swap - Mustang & Fords Magazine You could also probably dig up alot of info searching the board, I probably asked alot of questions several years ago when I did the swap, along with others who have gone the same route.

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

I tell everyone that brings me a 6 cyl. Mustang for a pre-purchase inspection the same thing......Go find a V-8 car, instead of this 6 cyl. You will never be happy with this car. You'll always want the V-8. And to change it is a little bit of problem. Different steering, different springs, differenct differential, different transmission, different driveshaft...etc, etc, etc.

Needless to say there are many parts that are differnet 6 to V-8.

But, after I check car over, they usually but it anyway....6 and all.

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

Theres too much work in her to just sell her for a V-8. ive got the car just perfect for me except the engine.

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

My Mustang was originally a 6, its not all that bad switching everything over. On the plus side you'll have alot of new stuff when your done :)

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

i also am switching I6 for 289
will the 289 bolt up to my 3 speed manual trans bellhousing?
my stang is a 65 FB motor is out of a 68 FB auto.
dan

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

Yes, your bellhousing will bolt up. You better post some pics of your mustang!!

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

water pump... distributor... mounts... belts... radiator... pedal linkage... Z bar...

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

BMXMON
referring to the 289 bolting up to the 3 speed manual tranny bellhousing.......there are only four bolts holding the bellhousing to the 6 cly. engine...and there are six on the 289
do the four bolts line up with four of the six on the engine?

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

I'll actually have to go look...Im pretty sure there are more than four bolts holding on my bellhousing. My car was an original 3spd 6cyl and that trans is still in there, bellhousing and all behind the v8. (I was the one who did the swap, so I know the bellhousing is the same) I know it will work, but I'll have to get back to you on the bolt issue.

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

My bellhousing is a 6 bolt.

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

tranny ident......the tag on the non linkage side reads...
RAN S
013353
my shop manual doesn't have this designation...the 3.03 trannys have a HEF

Re: I6 to 302 Swap??
 

Sorry, I dont have any books with codes in them... Im sure somebody else has them, or a good idea about it, so hopefully they'll post up and help you out.

You have your 6cyl bellhousing out already? Seems odd to me, though perhaps they also, like the 289, used a different bellhousing early in the Mustang production.