I just got a 1975 mustang 2. Im really new to fords and to older cars in general. My other car is a 2006 cobalt ss superchargerd. So you can see I dont know much about this car. But heres my question. I have a spare 460 block completely rebuilt and i would love to put it in mu mustang. What will I need to bolt it into the car and can I use my stock transmission? Thanks for your help.
The 460 is simply too big to fit in the engine compartment without some serious modifications to the fender wells, too heavy to fit without modifying the frame, and won't bolt up to the stock transmission (which wouldn't hold up to the torque of a 460 anyway) due to different bellhousing bolt patterns. You also would have nowhere to put the radiator if you did get it in there, and you'd have to have custom headers built that ran through the fenderwells. Then you'd have to seriously modify your hood or do away with it completely. Last but not least, there aren't any mounts to fit a 460 to a Mustang II's frame.
If you want to tube-chassis the front have of the car you can do it that way, but that's some serious work, time, and money.
Not trying to burst your bubble, but it's the cold hard facts. I've got a 460 in my backyard in a crate under a tarp that I lowered into the engine bay on my II "just to see" when I had the engine out.
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1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia: 302 with a 600cfm Edelbrock carb, Edelbrock Performer 289 intake, Dynomax Blackjack headers, 2.5" exhaust with Flowmaster Super 44s. RJS 11-gallon fuel cell, C4 tranny, chrome 16" pony wheels, fuzzy dice, brown vinyl half-top, and painted in the tackiest color ever (harvest gold, that's why I call it "The Goldenrod").
Also have a 2003 Dodge Ram (lightly modded daily driver/tow rig/office/dining room/home away from home/workshop... I call it "The Big Blue Dawg".)
Thanks I just wanted to know. Now a can use the 302 instead. But I just have it laying around (the 460). Thanks
I have another question though. How strong are the rear ends? Can they hold 350hp? thanks again.
The stock rear end no. But you can getone from a lincoln versilles or a older Bronco II. That 460 want fit but you can get just as much or more power out of that 302 and save alot of money in the mean time. I went with a 351C and I spent a heap.
If the car originally had a V6 or a V8 the Stock mustang II 8" rear that was equipped with those 2 engines is good to around 400HP, with no real problem. You main problem will be traction. IF you mamage to to enough work to the rear suspension and get GOOD traction then you need to worry about the 8" rear.
Yes and no... The engine will bolt in but you run into other problems with using a 302 that was made after 1982. In all of the 82 and later 302/5.0 motors the balance was changed. If you bolt the Mustang II specific flywheel to the newer motor you will have a serious vibration problem and likely damage the motor. You must either have the Mustang II flywheel rebalanced or change the transmission bellhousing and use the flywheel from the 5.0 motor. The later model manual transmission bell and the non Mustang II automatic bell will both cause some "loss of clearence around the back of the motor for running headers.
You didn't mention if you were going with an automatic or Manual transmission, but in either case the same pretty much holds true.
Is the mustang II you have already a V8? If not, do you realize there are a BUNCH of Mustang II V8 Specific parts that you must have or your "swap" is going to be MUCH more difficult. The motor mounts, frame perches, oil pan, bellhousing, and flywheel. Also its not a V8 only part but if you want dual exhaust you also should have a Double hump cross member.
Not that these things cannot be aquired but some of these items are getting more and more difficult to come by. Most people say it's easier to find a V8 mustang II parts car and then you will have most of what you need.
Just ran across a guy with a 427 in his Mustang II. It was a tight with custom headers but it fit fine. So the 460 will fit.
427 FE-family engines are smaller than the 385-series 429 and 460 engines by a fair bit.
A 460 actually CAN be crammed into a II with massive fabrication work, but it takes a lot of work to make it happen. Hot Rod magazine had just such a II in an issue in the 80s.
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnylaw5o
what about a rear mounted twin torbo 302 in a mustang II ?
Anything is possible with a sawzall, a welder, skill, and time.
The question would then be "Why?"
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1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia: 302 with a 600cfm Edelbrock carb, Edelbrock Performer 289 intake, Dynomax Blackjack headers, 2.5" exhaust with Flowmaster Super 44s. RJS 11-gallon fuel cell, C4 tranny, chrome 16" pony wheels, fuzzy dice, brown vinyl half-top, and painted in the tackiest color ever (harvest gold, that's why I call it "The Goldenrod").
Also have a 2003 Dodge Ram (lightly modded daily driver/tow rig/office/dining room/home away from home/workshop... I call it "The Big Blue Dawg".)
Forget the 460, as was said already, it can be done, but it's a lot of work, mainly in the oil pan, headers and bellhousing areas. I'd suggest building a 427" stroker based on a 351W block, but with your stock chassis, it would be pointless and would break parts.
Engine swap 1975 Mustang II 
