[Phinney]

This is already a done deal:
I have

a rust free 1970 with a dead sixer
and
a fresh rebuilt 1987 Thunderbird Turbo coupe.

Minimum - Going to put the 2.3 + t5 into the mustang with as much fabrication as needed. But, if possible, I would like to swap the entire drive train into the 70 because the Thunderbird is a total blast to drive with its IRS and air suspension.

I have done plenty of rebuilds/restorations, but only to stock specs. I have never done anything this extreme although I am not afraid of the challenge. I have the time and resources, I just need to know how to do it.

At the beginning of may i will be ready to start and will begin with some measurements to see what will fit and what will not. Basically what I want to know now - What are my options? How possible is it to swap the entire drive train? I heard rumors of a guy dropping a 65 fastback body right on top of a 03 cobra frame, doable?

[Gregski]

awesome idea, yes it has been done before with the 5.0 not the turbo but with the IRS for sure, Google it, and I will try to find the links for you, it may have even been on this forum

[Phinney]

Yeah Ive spent countless hours researching the build (that's what i always do) but I am having zero luck finding what amounts to an instruction manual for swapping a drive train. I wont stop looking though!

[EvoIX]

66 stang with a 2.3



1966 Mustang/SVO 2.3 turbo
^ probably can contact this guy above about it

more details of this exact swap from another forums. Believe he went to a Mustang II front suspension. http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/mo...-23-turbo.html
this site and forums is dedicated to the turbo 2.3 http://www.turboford.org/faq/mods.shtml#6
aftermarket parts : http://www.esslingeracing.com/mercha...vc?Screen=SFNT

Its been done in a ranger i saw a few years back at the Knott's fords forever car show as well. At the same car show there wasa turbo 2.3 mustang with a trashed body for 1100 obo. Still wish I woulda bought it Should be a nice ride! Good luck with your project!

[Phinney]

Yeah Ive had plenty of looks at this car and that is about what I am going for

[Countryboy_99]

SN-66 Coupe

This guy. ^ Been there, done that, and I'm sure would be willing to talk to you about how to go about it.

[Phinney]

My god I just dont know if I have the balls to take a saw to two different cars and hope they line up! gaaaah

[angliagasser]

The motor/trany swap will be a piece of cake with not much of a problem. You will just need to build motor mounts. As for the suspension out of the 87 Thunderbird... "WHY"!!! I built the 66 Mustang/SVO 2.3 Turbo car that someone posted above. I had to put the Mustang II style suspension in the car because I could not get the engine to fit the way I wanted to because the 65-6 mustang engine compartment is so narrow. A 70 mustang engine compartment is huge. Now that said, I am glad I put that suspension in the front and rear of the 66 Mustang. The car handles like it is a slot car now. I have owned several 65-70 mustangs over the years and the 69 Mach 1 I had, I set it up to road race and believe it or not, this little 66 coupe handles way better then the Mach 1 ever did. If you really want to change the suspension in your 70 Mustang I would fine something a lot better then what that 87 Thunderbird has. That is just my two cents worth though!

[joshh]

havent been here in awile but im curious what suspension u had in the tbird since they were solid axle/coil spring factory