[Topcat]

Hi,
This is my first post, glad I found this site. I have a 1966 mustang with a 200 six and a c-4 automatic transmission. The engine is junk, and want to put a new 1981 ford Fairmont 200 six engine in it as the engine is low miles and runs perfect. I am going to swap over all the externals from the old engine onto the new one, as I don't want all the electronic etc in the engine compartment. My problem is the older block starter mount is near the top, while the newer block starter mount is down low, so they will not bolt up. Will the transmission from the 1981 ford Fairmont bolt in the 1966 mustang? I question whether the starter will clear the steering arm since the newer setup starter bolt down low in the bell housing. I am curious if the speedometer hookup, the overall length of the transmissions, and the linkages are the same. I pondered putting in a 289, but want to keep with the six. Your help is greatly appreciated.

[travelers]

Welcome to the site. As for you swap if the new engine is still in the fairmont you can take some measurements to verify the clearence. If the trans is in just as good condition as the new engine I would take it also. Your only thing is the trans mount. You can mod the linkage as needed. Good luck

[5.0 in a 66]

google fordsix. they've forgotten more than i know. short answer is yes though.

[deepcdiver]

OK this is my first post. I have a 1966 mustang and want to put a new 4.6l sohc 3v v8 . So here are my questions
1 Do i need the computer also?
2 would i be better off buying a fox body style car with the motor i want as a donor?
3 what other considerations apply to putting together all that is needed to make this set up work

[05Mustang460]

I don't think the Modular V-8 will fit. It is wider than a 429/460 due to the overhead cams. I would say just get a 351 and drop in.

Why do you want that OHC monstrosity anyways? That is like putting a new staircase into a haunted house!

Topcat, I did that swap years ago, and ended up finding a 65 200. The newer ones proved to be a pain in the wallet.

[rbinck]

Originally Posted by deepcdiver

OK this is my first post. I have a 1966 mustang and want to put a new 4.6l sohc 3v v8 . So here are my questions
1 Do i need the computer also?
2 would i be better off buying a fox body style car with the motor i want as a donor?
3 what other considerations apply to putting together all that is needed to make this set up work

I looked at doing that with a Mark VIII engine and trans in my '64 Falcon, roughly the same engine compartment as your Mustang. Since I was already putting a Mustang II style front suspension and steering in, the shock towers would be gone. Still not enough room between the frame rails to fit the exhaust although you could have some special headers made perhaps. Then there is a matter of the firewall has to be moved backwards 6" at least. This requires a lot of strengthening of the body as well. In the end I opted to use a '95 5.0L with an AOD. As far as the 300HP goes, adding a blower to the 5.0L with some roller rockers and tuned exhaust will still be less cost with more power than a stock Mark VIII engine.

And yes, you would need the harnesses and computer. If you use a EAOD the computer controls the shifts.