4.6 L swap and coilover suspension 1971 Mustang

lime_challenger · 09-10-2004

I am currently working on a 1971 Mustang and I want to do something different. I want to put a 4.6 DOHC in it but I'm not sure if it will fit. I know it is pretty close. If that wouldnt fit I would probably go with the SOHC. I was just wondering if anyone has had experience with this swap or not.

I am also curious if anyone has used Global West Suspension's coilover system with their mustang. I am considering this too.

Any help at all would be appreciated.

poonstang · 09-10-2004

i have heard they 're to wide and wont fit unless the must. 2 front susp. is installed, but i could be wrong.

65ehCode · 09-10-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by poonstang

i have heard they 're to wide and wont fit unless the must. 2 front susp. is installed, but i could be wrong.

All the examples I've seen have been in earlier mustangs (65/66 & 67/68) which as mentioned used the MII suspension. The 71-73s have wider engine bays, but I have no idea if they are wide enough. Keep us posted as to what you find out.

krankieone · 09-11-2004

How wide is the 4.6??the boss 429 is 30inches wide if that helps

Willystyle21 · 09-20-2004

Seen a pic of a 68 with the 4.6 installed with the shock towers INTACT. Floating around here somewhere actually. So if it fits in a 68 it sure will in a 71.

PastorPat · 03-11-2008

I have considered this for my 1971. Here is a web site with the motor width. Ford modular SOHC & DOHC tech & specifications

It looks like it will fit. The question would be oil pan, and motor mounts.
Patrick

paul289 · 03-11-2008

Just in case it doesn't fit, I'd recommend a Griggs Racing suspension as opposed to a MII setup. Easier install, better handling, no shock towers, generally superior, but costs about 6k for the front. Might as well get the rear suspension while you're at it.

andrewmp6 · 03-11-2008

Out of all honesty you can't give me a mod motor i use to work at all state ford i seen the long list of problems they have.For coil overs RRS :: Classic Vintage Ford Mustang Disc Brake and Coil Over Strut Kit :: Vintage Rack and Pinion :: and there shock tower notching kit you'll have to make motor mounts and a tranny cross member a huge wiring headache front sump oil pan and pick up change the fuel pump to a inline one.Last time i added it up was for a 64-68 it was 6 grand in parts not counting the engine tranny ecu.Id rather build up a 460 have more power and it bolts right in even add efi if you want.Griggs racing is nice but pricey but hes still gotta notch the shock towers the mod motor is a tiny bit wider then the 385.

andrewmp6 · 03-12-2008

O yeah i forgot Griggs racing don't make anything for the 71 up only 64-70.

paul289 · 03-12-2008

Oh, right. My bad.

andrewmp6 · 03-12-2008

The motor mounts you'll have to make the oil pan you can get here DVS Restorations - Front sump conversion cross member DVS Restorations - UTC Universal Transmission Crossmember its a lot of time and money for a small pay off why not build up a nasty small block or even a big block 429/460.