[superls92]

hello,

I have a 1987 convertible mustang and I would like to put a 302 that I have laying around in it. Does anyone know any places that might have a list of what's needed, and what if anything from my car can be reused, like the motor mounts and transmission...etc.?? I really haven't kept up with all the changes to the mustang over the years so I guess I have to catch up. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

[fakesaleen]

i can help you, no to the motor mounts no to the trans if its a stick you can use the drive shaft but you'll need a stronger rear end although that one will launch you quicker until it breaks, you can use your altenater,.....................do you plan to stay efi or go carbed????

[superls92]

Originally Posted by fakesaleen i can help you, no to the motor mounts no to the trans if its a stick you can use the drive shaft but you'll need a stronger rear end although that one will launch you quicker until it breaks, you can use your altenater,.....................do you plan to stay efi or go carbed????

I haven't decided, I have a 650 holley that my father gave me and my 302 is from a 85 thunderbird so it has a fuel injected carb.....I guess either way I go I have to buy a new manifold..etc. Does anyone know the differences between mustangs in regards to the ecu's, wiring,and injector types?

[superls92]

Just decided to go carb. since it's from an 85 and is sort of set up for carb already. any help will be appreciated. thanks

[fakesaleen]

just make a post if you run into any trouble and i'll get back to you asap

[88_50]

You will need 5.0 motor mounts, headers, h/x pipe, catback (you'll need hangers), and double hump crossmember for starters. You can use a T5 from a 4 cyl as long as you use a v8 bellhousing, flywheel, and clutch assembly. They arent very strong, but will work fine to hold you over. Just don't power shift it. Curtain racing classes uses the 4cyl T5 because of the low gear. Your 7.5 is also another weak point. Replace it later with an 8.8, but will work for now.

Other things you'll want to change later:

Brakes
Driveshaft
Springs
Struts/shocks
Upper/Lower Control arms

[fakesaleen]

you cant use the 4 cyl t5 unless you change the input shaft and thats not worth it

the control arms are the same as the gt and so are the shocks.
the struts mount different so if you buy new struts and you tell them its a 5.0 they wont bolt up unless you upgrade the brakes to gt because the spindles are different, and the 4cyl springs are great for drag racing so you might want to hold on to those, if you get the summit full length headers for $89 you will be able to put on a simple exhuast system with very few bends
and the drive shaft is the same part # and all as the gt

[OTreborO]

I just installed the summit/flow tech headers:

I am surprised no one was killed by me throwing wrenches around the garage: I wasn't able to get the Summit headers, so I got the Flow tech, which is the same thing, but in stock, but more expensive

The driver side is ok, but you will have to remove the steering arm, install the last pipe, and then re install the steering arm. Oh, you have to use a hack saw, yes you heard me hack saw to cut through the header flange on the driver's side in one place, and 3 places on the passenger side:

I was about to box it all up, and take it back when I finally figured out how to install the passenger side: You have to take the starter off, and then install the pipe closest to the firewall, do not bolt down, then you install the starter: Then install the next pipe away from the firewall, be sure it is routed on top of the first pipe, do not install bolts, and then position the starter wire so it will not get burnt. Then you install the pipe/collector on the last port, gop ahead and bolt it loosely, and then install thew third pipe

Man, this was a big pain in the ass

[fakesaleen]

hack saw? I used a grinder

[superls92]

Thanks for all the info, if you think of anything else please let me know. You all have been a great help and I can't wait to get this project started. I'll try to update as I go.

[ujslost]

OK fakesaleen. Digging up your old thread. I need some help on this conversion

[ujslost]

ok some details

Swapping from 4-8 carbed.
90model lx is the vehicle being used.

I done this about 3 years ago on a 90 model 4cyl . But I have forgotten how I done a few things.
Mainly my + and - to the coil. I thought I remembered them coming from the harness on the drivers side. Today I start removing the efi stuff and the harness from the pass side to the EEC seems to be the harness with my coil power connector.

What do I need to do here. Cause I am taking that huge wiring harness from the pass side completely out minus the air bag stuff if possible.

I am going to use the duraspark ignition btw.
Holley electric fuel pump. So I know I need to jumper the neutral safety switch (T5 going in auto out)

[fords4years]

Originally Posted by 88_50 You will need 5.0 motor mounts, headers, h/x pipe, catback (you'll need hangers), and double hump crossmember for starters. You can use a T5 from a 4 cyl as long as you use a v8 bellhousing, flywheel, and clutch assembly. They arent very strong, but will work fine to hold you over. Just don't power shift it. Curtain racing classes uses the 4cyl T5 because of the low gear. Your 7.5 is also another weak point. Replace it later with an 8.8, but will work for now. Other things you'll want to change later: Brakes Driveshaft Springs Struts/shocks Upper/Lower Control arms

There is no way to change the input shaft of the 4 cyl 5 speed tranny. It will wobble around and even behind a stock v-8, it will expire in short order if you do anything more than baby it. It is very fun for a few weeks, because of the gearing. Just don't expect it to last long at all. You need to change the the flywheel and clutch to that of a 5.0 to get maximum results. The 4 cyl has a 8.5" clutch and the 5.0 has a 10.5" clutch, that's huge amounts of power transfer difference. The 7.5 axle is ridiculously weak. The first time we used one on a conversion (it has a decent ratio, so we tried it at the strip just for kicks), it literally exploded. That was on an engine of less than 350 hp. I've never seen pinion gears in that many pieces.

[fords4years]

One of the best links I've found yet. I've done 3 4 cylinder conversions so far and this stuff is good. It's not all inclusive, but it's good.


Changing a Fox Mustang from a Four Cylinder to a V-8 - 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords Magazine

[RDY4WAR]

Holy Old Ass Thread Resurection Batman!!!

[fs308]

i have almost complete fuel injection swap over if someone is interested only missing injectors

[ujslost]

Possibly intrested . Im buying a 4cyl coupe in a few weeks.

[Enzo_Guy]

Here is a good thread (also by fakesaleen):
Any 4 Cyl To v8 Conversion Questions?

EDIT: just saw how old this thread is, but leaving link here in case anyone else finds it in a search.

[fs308]

Originally Posted by ujslost Possibly intrested . Im buying a 4cyl coupe in a few weeks.

let me know

[86gter]

this may be an old thread but i just found very good info here