76 302 into a 65 Mustang

[DFisk]

I'm replacing a 6 cyl motor in a 65 Mustang with a 302 v-8 with automatic transmission from a 76 Maverick. The starter is hitting on the steering cross member and won't allow the motor to rest on the motor mounts.

Any suggestions? Thanx.

[Shaggy]

What tranny are you using? unless you have a right hand drive version the steering shaft should be on the complete oppisite side of the motor.

[DFisk]

Shaggy,

Thanx for your reply. However the steering SHAFT is not the problem. It's the steering CROSSMEMBER that runs horizontally under the oil pan connecting the right and left steering linkages.

[Shaggy]

Okay I will go get my glasses checked now

Now when you sat crossmember do you mean the steering centerlink? based on what I have reread I think that is thepart you are talking about. So this first part goes for that issue, I did not relize that 6cyl centerlink would not clear but hey are 2 different part numbers one for teh 6 and one for the 8 my guess is you may need to get the 8 cyl centerlink. That being said have to looked at maybe swapping in a late model "mini" starter and see if it clears.

Okay if it is the actual front cross member you are talking about this will apply, The front cross member can be unbolted and then moved to the front side of the strut towers thus giving you a little more room, a couple of inches at most.

Hopefully this will help you some, I can if you want take pictures of my 67 set-up when I get home and post them up if you want.

[rwhite65]

I highly recommend following the previous suggestion for the ford mini starter. I am not sure if it will help ur particular problem, but it will greatly help with exhaust clearance problems. I put one on this spring ($25-$30) from the local junk yard.....gave me so much more room for my full length headers and everything else.
Ryan

[DFisk]

Ryan,

Thanx for your reply. I tried a starter I found at a local wrecking yard. It is from a 93 Ford F-250 with a 460 engine. It fits perfectly , However, the starter seems to be just enough different that it won't engage the flywheel gear.

Is your motor a 302? If so...what year and tranny? Do you know what engine your starter came from?

Thanx,

Dave

[rwhite65]

not positive on the the exact year, but it was around a 93-95 or so. The year in not going to be as crucial as the engine. Mine came out of an f150 with a 302. I would assume the big block would be different enough to not let the starter engage the flywheel.

Just tell them u have a 94 f150 with a 302. They will be able to hook you up, because they r going to know what all different models Ford used that particular starter on.

hope this helps,
Ryan