what alterations to adapt a 302 on 65 Mustang

[rwhite65]

The water pump thing.....I just went through this with mine a month ago. For some reason there is a diff style of pump form these years. But, if your pump is like mine (1965 289 hipo style), you do have to switch the cover also. I have a 74 302 with a 65 cover and pump. You need to look at your pump....if there are only the bolts around the perimeter of the pump....you need the 65 or so timing chain cover. The later models had two extra bolts placed in towards the actual pump (one right next to a water passage on each side of the pump.
As for clearance......why not go with the style off of your motor (79)....it shouldn't be any closer to the radiator.
Hope all this helps....if you have any more ques.....I have the same swap pretty much...feel free to ask.

rwhite65, fastback, 302, 4.10, AOD