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Looking for advise on older mustangs
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Posted by: Po Po

Needing advise on older mustangs for dual use on the road and the drag strip. looking at putting a big block in it. Need some advise on what year and size block I should be looking at ! Thanks

Po Po

Posted by: merczephyr

What do you mean "older?" Sixties, Seventies, etc.?

67-71's had F.E.'s and 429's from the factory. 72-73 are essentially the same as 71's, so a big block can be put in with factory parts.

74-78's would pretty much need a tube chassis to run a big block.

79-93's can fit a 429/460 with aftermarket swap components, possibly 94 and later cars.

As for the engines, you have a few choices. You have F.E.'s which were the majority of the Big motors used in Mustangs, 1967-1970. These motors come in numerous sizes, ranging from 330-428 cubic inches. Factory Mustangs had 390's 1967-1969, and 428's 1968 1/2-1970. Becareful though as there were MANY versions, and they look near identical from the outside. 332, 352, 360 were not good performance engines, but some people have tried to sell 360's as 390's. 390's are a good performance engine in lighter cars, and are the most common version. 406's are good, but rare. 427's are everything the 406 is times 15. Great engine, quite rare, lot's of $$. 428's are another great engine in Cobra Jet/Super Cobra Jet trim, but $$$. Unfortunately these motors are getting tougher to get as parts get used up. New components are available (blocks, cranks, heads), but pricey compared to 289/302/351W.

In 1971 the 429 was the biggest engine and the last year for "big blocks" from the factory. This engine is in the "385" series of engines and "only" has the 429 and 460 for cars and light trucks. 460's are quite common, as production in trucks went all the way up to 96. And aftermarket support is readily available for most components you'll need.

Another alternative would be a 351W based stroker motor. These will fit in any Mustang, and common displacements with factory blocks range from 377 to 408. Big Block power, small block weight and size.

Of course ALL of this depends on your budget.

Here is a decent site for basic info on Ford engines... http://www.kitcarusa.com/kb.php?cid=4&alist=1

Posted by: Po Po

Thanks you were a wealth of knowledge

Posted by: Po Po

I need some information on what Mustang body frame would be good for a 396w stroker 450HP?

Thanks Po Po

Posted by: merczephyr

The 351W was available in 1969-1973 Stangs.

Being that the 351W is a big brother to the 289/302, it will fit in any year Stang. There maybe some clearance issues here and there, such as exhaust, master cylinder brake booster, hood clearance if using a tall intake manifold. The 351 is taller and slightly wider than the 289/302. You should use swap headers, as the exhaust ports sit higher. If using tall valve covers, there may be some interference with the brake booster. 351W's have been shoved into every year of mustang. Just watch the details, and you'll be fine. Motor mounts are the same as 289/302's used though. Everything besides exhaust can be done easily with factory parts. Even the exhaust can be done with factory manifolds if you have new pipes ran.

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