[1965stangman]

I just got my hands on a '65 that came with a 289 4 speed. I may freshen up the old motor just to get it going but what I would really like to do is have the advantages of a modern fuel injected engine. I know 32v "Cobra" engines are hard to come by but have heard that the version that was put in the likes of the Lincoln Mark VIII cars was pretty close. I have driven several and was impressed with how well it pulled such a big car. I wonder if anyone here has any insights into what it would take to shoehorn one of these into a classic 65. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

[BlueStreak03]

I know it can be done. There's someone somewhere that has an entire website dedicated to all the work they've put into it. I just can't for the life of me remember what the URL is. Try doing a search on this site, www.modulardepot.com and google for keywords and I bet you'll finde precisely the info you're looking for.

[Gazho]

According to the book I have been reading, the '96-'98 Cobra engine block was used in the '93-'98 Lincoln MkVIII. I assume that the heads, intake etc. are not the same.

[Money]

The 32 valve 4.6 was actually used in the Mark VIII before the Cobra. If you want to be technical about it, it's a Lincoln engine .

I know at least the intake (on the 2nd gen Mark VIII) is different from the Cobra intake, I'm guessing some of the internals, but beyond that I have no idea what the actual differences are.

[1965stangman]

Sounds like my pipe dream engine would be more trouble than it's worth in the long run. I might have to look more into what might be the best SOHC engine to use. Finding a donor car is a must so I can get all the wiring and the computer but I really want fuel injection. Any ideas as to where to go with this? I have been a chevy guy all my life and can build a sbc in my sleep but the options for fords are not that familiar to me. And I want to post a BIG THANX for the reply's I have gotten this far.

[Monkey Boy]

The shock towers have to be modified to make it fit. Your stock front suspension won't work after the modifications so you'll have to go to an aftermarket SLA suspension to make the swap work.

[BlueStreak03]

If the big thing you want is fuel injection, check out Edelbrock. I know they make some kits for Chevy's to upgrade older small block motors to FI. I'm pretty sure they make comparable parts for Fords also. Personally I'd toss the biggest, baddest Windsor motor I could get my grubby hands on in it and go from there.

[GTStang31]

I would look into crate motors you can get complete 99+ 4.6 2vs for less then $3500 and im sure you can find 99+ 32v's for around $5000

[BlueStreak03]

You can buy all the 99+ mod motors you want for $3500, but you're gonna kick yourself in the ass when you realize how much fabrication work you just landed yourself with. A Windsor style is the easier way to go until the SN95 bodies.

[Tim McCann]

I converted a 65 Mustang coupe to a 2004 4.6L SOHC. I converted the transmission too but kept the 8" rear end and added 3:73 gears, disc brakes and limited slip (conversion about $1500).

The shock towers had to go so I converted to a Heidt's rack and pinion disc brake front end (about $3500). I started with a 2004 engine from an explorer ($1500) and bought a police special 4R70W transmission ($800). I received the original computer with the engine but I used an after market wiring system which also updated the rest of the car wiring (about $4000 all done).

In order for the engine to fit in the engine compartment I cut the pan for the cross member.

I did this two years ago and there wasn't much available for help. It was hard but the outcome is great. I used a "chip" (several types available) and had it programmed for pump premium. I get 300 rear wheel HP and 21 MPG. The steering and brake upgrades make much difference in driving too.

I kept notes if you're interested.

By all means, take the time and do the conversion. It will be a challenge but worth it. here's a car that was done before mine and with probably much greater cost.

Year One Sourced 1969 Ford Mustang Parts - Hot Rod Magazine

[tripleblack]

Wow, what a job.

Please get some pics up on your profile gallery so we can see the 65 with the Cobra motor!

And Welcome Home to AFM!

stan

Originally Posted by Tim McCann

I converted a 65 Mustang coupe to a 2004 4.6L SOHC. I converted the transmission too but kept the 8" rear end and added 3:73 gears, disc brakes and limited slip (conversion about $1500).

The shock towers had to go so I converted to a Heidt's rack and pinion disc brake front end (about $3500). I started with a 2004 engine from an explorer ($1500) and bought a police special 4R70W transmission ($800). I received the original computer with the engine but I used an after market wiring system which also updated the rest of the car wiring (about $4000 all done).

In order for the engine to fit in the engine compartment I cut the pan for the cross member.

I did this two years ago and there wasn't much available for help. It was hard but the outcome is great. I used a "chip" (several types available) and had it programmed for pump premium. I get 300 rear wheel HP and 21 MPG. The steering and brake upgrades make much difference in driving too.

I kept notes if you're interested.

By all means, take the time and do the conversion. It will be a challenge but worth it. here's a car that was done before mine and with probably much greater cost.

Year One Sourced 1969 Ford Mustang Parts - Hot Rod Magazine

[stangmonkey]

Originally Posted by Tim McCann

I.... I received the original computer with the engine but I used an after market wiring system which also updated the rest of the car wiring (about $4000 all done).

I'd be very interested in the notes!

I've got a new (old) 68 fastback that needs a LOT of fabrication on the front end (which I actually enjoy). My last project was a coupe with a 5.0L EFI swap and a must II suspension. I'd like to take the fastback to the next level here with a 4.6L motor but the computer seems so expensive compared to an off the shelf 5.0 computer.

[Sheebs937]

a question i had while reading this... in the SN95 body style is it necessary to have the 32v motors harness if swapping it into a 4.6 2v equipped 01 gt

[tripleblack]

Originally Posted by Sheebs937

a question i had while reading this... in the SN95 body style is it necessary to have the 32v motors harness if swapping it into a 4.6 2v equipped 01 gt

I'd recommend getting the harness AND the PCM from the donor car along with the Cobra engine. The 01's computer won't know what to make of the 32v, and the harness is different.

[SXY-PNY]

Hey whats goin on, so im new to this site. I have a 1965 and i am doin the samething that you would like to do. I had accquired my brothers 1965 mustang and i also got a 4.6l dohc motor from a lincoln aviator (same as the mach one, wish it was a cobra). Anyways you need to widen the engine compartment by taking out the shock towers and now to do this you need to change the front suspension, The company i Recomend is www.RRS-online.com They have front strut/coil over suspension, brembo brakes, koni shocks, eibauch springs. If you wantto get crazy that is other whise they have a regular disc brake set up and shock. But you need a smaller front suspension as such i do belive fat man fabrications also do have something too. But RRS has a notching kit for the engine compartment, too cut back the shock towers to give you the extra room. Also you will need a steering rack and there are many different types out there but the ones i recommend yet again is the RRS they do have a nice manual/power steering rack and can adapt to any pump you have. Also for engine mount adapters there is a place called DVS Resterations they are in utah i belive if i remember correctly and they have the engine mount adapters for the swop. adapt from the original mount for the 289 to the mounts on a 4.6l. also you need to change the oil pan from a rear sump to a front sump for the steering rack set up. And you can get that from DVS restorations. Also if you want to get crazy as i am you can get a 99-2004 mustang cobra independant rear end susupension/rear end and adapt it to your 65 via items available at dvs resterations. and umm oh yeah if you would like to reprogram your ecm/pcm for the new 4.6 so you dont have to have rear ho2s(cat), evaperative system, and all that other crap. A good place to go to i have yet to experience this but i have talked to them i am just needing the $$ to continue my venturing project but Thedetailzone.com are out of east coast (deleware i belive) and they can make an engine wiring harness for your motor and reprogramm your pcm so you dont have to worry about chipped keys/security emission systems. well anyways if you have any more questions lemme know i am more than willing to help out a fellow mustanger! Also you can get wiring harnesses and pcms out of junk yard cars as i did, just call your local ford dealer with your engine code and they can giveyou the info of what pcm goes with that motor. Shoot now that i think of it i remember you may need a tunnel kit for your transmission if you change it or i htink you may need it for the c4 there is a place in claifornia and the name is ummm lemme think.... and umm its called autowerks, i do have phone numbers to all of these places. if you cant find them.