[Trick Pony]

I am looking to install a '97 Explorer serpentine belt system on my 65 289. Has anyone done this? I would appreciate advise and suggestions and especially lessons learned

[stanged1970]

I've been looking at a similar setup myself, but I've got a '87 302 in my '70 coupe. Are you running power steering? If you are, let me know howif you used your original pump with a new pulley or if you used a newer pump.

[Trick Pony]

It looks like I will be using the Explorer ps pump and reservoir.

[stanged1970]

Oh ok, so you can just marry a 97 PS pump with a 65 PS system given that you have the hoses for this? This would be a lot easier if they had datasheets with these things to better understand what kind of pressures are produced by both.

[Trick Pony]

I will have to get some custom hoses made but the ps pump will be fine. I discovered that the Explorer timing cover does not have a flange for a fuel pump so I would have to go electric. I am also hearing that the bolt patterns may not line up with the 289 block and heads. That could be a project killer.

[The Greek]

The OE reverse rotation timing cover and water pump will bolt up to a 289, 302 and 351 Windsor. It does not have a provision for the oil dipstick required with the front sump oil pan used on the early Mustang. Also, as you know, no mechanical fuel pump boss.

The reverse rotation water pump has a different bolt pattern than the V-belt pump. If you want to use a mechanical fuel pump and have the dipstick in the correct location for the front sump oil pan with a serpentine belt set up, Ford Racing has a pump that is reverse rotation, but will bolt up to your original timing cover. It is part number M-8501-B50.

As with all water pumps from 1970 and up, its got its inlet on the driver's side and not like the 65's passenger side, so you will either have to make a provision for this or change to a radiator with the correct hose position. These are available from Mustang part suppliers to fit your 65.

[Trick Pony]

Thanks for the Ford Racing water pump info! I hear that I also will have to go with a '70 302 or newer harmonic balancer to get a 4 hole pattern for the pulley.

[The Greek]

You are correct. In 1970 Ford went to a 4 bolt pulley and balancer. This is the same year that the waterpump inlet was changed from the passanger side to the driver side, as I stated before.

Make sure that the harmonic balancer that you get is the correct balance for your engine. The 289 is 28 ounce. Not the 50 ounce of the 5.0 HO. You probably already know this, but I thought I'd throw it in.

You might be able to get an aftermarket ribbed pulley that is 3 bolt from one of the Mustang suppliers. It might be worth checking out.

[Trick Pony]

Originally Posted by The Greek

You might be able to get an aftermarket ribbed pulley that is 3 bolt from one of the Mustang suppliers. It might be worth checking out.

I hear from another board that it has to be all or none with the Explorer parts or the pulleys won't line up correctly. I'm getting ready to put the car up for the winter and start seeing how things fit.

[The Greek]

There's always ways to get the pulleys to line up. Things can be shimmed at their mounting points. I don't take people's word that something can't be done. Use your imagination, hotrodders do it all of the time.

[Trick Pony]

Originally Posted by The Greek

There's always ways to get the pulleys to line up. Things can be shimmed at their mounting points. I don't take people's word that something can't be done. Use your imagination, hotrodders do it all of the time.

Good point! I'm rounding up all the Explorer parts that I can and then I'll find a way to make it work. When I am done I will post the results