do 78's have a top-loader?

built351w · July 30th, 2007, 01:02 AM

Hey all, I'm new here so go easy on me!

I've been building up a 351w for the past 6 months and I've basically gone to town on it, should be pushing 400hp when I'm done plus maybe a 50 or 75 shot later down the road...

Anyway my dream was to find a 65-73 fastback originally for a home for the engine. However once I started looking I basically came to the conclusion that unless I'm willing to start robbing banks, that's not gonna happen unless I find some amazing deal.......

There's a 78 mustang for sale locally and the guy said the 302 is all taken apart in it (not that I care about that 150hp POS anyway lol) but the good news is that if it originally had a 302 then my 351w should bolt right in being a small block. Also the car is a 4-speed which is a must or me!!!

My main question is this, was the 4 speed transmission on the 78 5.0's a 4-speed top-loader? If so it should handle my engine right? Also what was the rear end, was it a 9in or 8.8??

Anything else you guys think I should be made aware of or if you need any more info about my engine just lt me know!!

Thanks, -Devin

Blue_coyote · August 25th, 2007, 10:04 AM

The Mustang II 4-speed is a RAD. It may or may not last behind a built 351, depending on your finesse with the skinney pedal.

The stock rear end in a II is the Ford 8" (known as the "baby 9" ") and will handle the 351 (better than the stock 4-speed will)

The 140 hp rating of the 78 302 is due to the emissions requirements of the day. Its the same 302 block as found in any other Ford...

You may run into hood clearance and/or header clearance issues, but both are workable.

jxb302 · January 22nd, 2008, 07:36 PM

The mustang doesn't come with a toploader but you can replace the 4 speed with a toploader. IN FACT WHY NOT JUST BUT IN A TREMEC 5 SPEED

Life was so much better after I upgraded.

July 30th, 2007, 01:02 AM	#1
built351w Regular 1979 mustang 5.0 hopefully 11's when complete Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 188	do 78's have a top-loader? Hey all, I'm new here so go easy on me! I've been building up a 351w for the past 6 months and I've basically gone to town on it, should be pushing 400hp when I'm done plus maybe a 50 or 75 shot later down the road... Anyway my dream was to find a 65-73 fastback originally for a home for the engine. However once I started looking I basically came to the conclusion that unless I'm willing to start robbing banks, that's not gonna happen unless I find some amazing deal....... There's a 78 mustang for sale locally and the guy said the 302 is all taken apart in it (not that I care about that 150hp POS anyway lol) but the good news is that if it originally had a 302 then my 351w should bolt right in being a small block. Also the car is a 4-speed which is a must or me!!! My main question is this, was the 4 speed transmission on the 78 5.0's a 4-speed top-loader? If so it should handle my engine right? Also what was the rear end, was it a 9in or 8.8?? Anything else you guys think I should be made aware of or if you need any more info about my engine just lt me know!! Thanks, -Devin

August 25th, 2007, 10:04 AM	#2
Blue_coyote Regular Mustang II fanatic Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: out west & up north Posts: 118	The Mustang II 4-speed is a RAD. It may or may not last behind a built 351, depending on your finesse with the skinney pedal. The stock rear end in a II is the Ford 8" (known as the "baby 9" ") and will handle the 351 (better than the stock 4-speed will) The 140 hp rating of the 78 302 is due to the emissions requirements of the day. Its the same 302 block as found in any other Ford... You may run into hood clearance and/or header clearance issues, but both are workable. __________________ 78 King black on black T-top (the "Rat Snake" ) 78 T-top V8toV6 upgrade project 77 Cobra II white/w. red V8 74 V6/4-speed coupe (the free parts-car) 89 4-banger ragtop daily beater (at least its a RED convertible!)

January 22nd, 2008, 07:36 PM	#3
jxb302 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 14	The mustang doesn't come with a toploader but you can replace the 4 speed with a toploader. IN FACT WHY NOT JUST BUT IN A TREMEC 5 SPEED Life was so much better after I upgraded.

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