[StangDrvr6586]

Hello everyone. I have a 65 Mustang that I am restoring. It originally came with a straight 6 and a cruise-o-matic tranny. I am naturally converting to a v8 and a stick. First off, I just happen to have a 460 big block sitting in my garage, which I would like to find it's way into the 65. Naturally I will have to get rid of the shock towers; I found a Mustang II with the complete front suspension in a local boneyard and can get it pretty cheap.

Does this sound do-able? I know there will be lots of measuring, cutting, measuring, tack welding, measuring, cutting, measuring, tack welding, and measuring. What else may be involved?

Are headers made for this or would I have to custom make my own? Oil pans? Motor mounts?

Thanks everyone.

[runnin_hot]

Definitely not for the faint of heart but it is doable as long as you have the tools and the tenacity. I'm sure you're probably like the rest of us and you have your budget constraints but bear in mind that an old Mustang II front end while initally sounding cheap may cost you more than you expect in the long run when you factor in replacing worn parts like ball joints, brakes, springs, tie rods etc... You might be better off using a conversion kit from heidts, fatman or the like but I suppose that depends on the donor Mustang II. Good luck and have fun!

[mustangmike2003]

Originally Posted by runnin_hot

Definitely not for the faint of heart but it is doable as long as you have the tools and the tenacity. I'm sure you're probably like the rest of us and you have your budget constraints but bear in mind that an old Mustang II front end while initally sounding cheap may cost you more than you expect in the long run when you factor in replacing worn parts like ball joints, brakes, springs, tie rods etc... You might be better off using a conversion kit from heidts, fatman or the like but I suppose that depends on the donor Mustang II. Good luck and have fun!

I agree ive seen guys trying to save a buck and ended up paying more then if they wouldve ordered all the parts new... and not to scare you but they STILL didnt get the parts to work right.. do it right.. your front end is a big safty deal..cutting and choping in older parts sounds like bad news... ive seen cool kits though.. come with a rack and pinion converson (power or manule) a McPherson converson (wich elimenates the upper controll arm and has a cool adjustible coilover set up) and of corse new towers that look like stock...look into it

[monkeystash]

In my opinion, small blocks are better in early Mustangs. That 460 is really heavy. Small block Ford parts are cheap and there are so many options out there: 289/302 to 347, 351 to 408. I guarantee you that you can build a 408 (351 stroker) for less money than that 460 and it will be faster and lighter. Plus engine compartment room. You mentioned removing the shock towers. Mustangs were designed to transfer suspension loads through the towers and Mustang II suspensions only use the thin, weak frame rails. Add the weight of a 460 to that too. We are all individuals, so do what you please, just my 2 cents.