428 Installation for Late Model Mustang??

7Liter · 10-26-2006

Ok, I have a 1966 428 CobraJet that I aquirred some time ago.. I had hopes of putting it in a classic but just haven't been able to find something worthy (worthy = price range

) So, I was looking around and see quite a few late 90's/early 2k Mustangs for sale.. You guessed it, the light bulb went off and I started thinking.. Would this work??

I've never owned a Mustang so I'm flying blind on what it will take to shoe horn this FE into a late model car.. I guess my first question of the experts here is, will it fit and will I be able to beef up the front suspension enough to handle the weight?? Also, do I get rid of the computer all together?? I would like to keep some of the ammenities of the late model car if possible.

I'm not new to cars in general, just Mustangs.. Any thoughts or issues anyone can see please let me know.. Thanks in advance..

Snake Pliskin · 10-26-2006

I can't remember but maybe this will help. If the 428 CJ is out of the same family of big blocks that spawned the 460 you can do it easy. There are headers, oil pans etc set up for the 460/Fox swap. How about a Torino or fairlane for your swap. They are still around cheap.

MickMach · 10-26-2006

the 428 is from the FE family and the 429 460 are from the 335 series...2 different animals. should still be able to make the FE fit???? I'd love to see that!!! FEs are gettin rare.... FE stands for Freakin Expensive!

7Liter · 10-27-2006

Mick, you are correct.. The FE family consists of the 352, 390, 406, 410, 428.. The 427 is also an FE but more of a distant cousin in my opinion than a close family member.

I guess I'm not too concerned with it fitting, just how bad I'm going to have to hack it up to make it fit.. I'm sure I'll have to go with electric fans and the like to save some room but that's not that big of a deal I guess. I think I'll just go find one a clean V6 car and go from there..

Twister · 10-27-2006

won't fit, the oil pan will be right where the steering rack should be.

7Liter · 10-27-2006

I was worried about that too.. I suppose I could modify one to fit around it like they did in the 80's with the V8 Cougars( and probably some others).. They had two drain plugs and a long pick up that went to the back of the pan.. I'll have to locate someone better at welding than me though... If they make kits for big blocks then it should be doable I would think..

Twister · 10-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7Liter

I was worried about that too.. I suppose I could modify one to fit around it like they did in the 80's with the V8 Cougars( and probably some others).. They had two drain plugs and a long pick up that went to the back of the pan.. I'll have to locate someone better at welding than me though... If they make kits for big blocks then it should be doable I would think..

um, look at the lower end of the FE, IT WILL NOT WORK! It works for the 385 series (429-460) due to the shape of the block and location of the oil pump

7Liter · 10-30-2006

Thanks for the info Twister.. Maybe I'll just sell the motor to fund a GT and put some goodies on it instead..

sutphen77 · 11-01-2006

I just dropped a 390 in a 96. You will need a rear sump oil pan costing 400+. My only problem so far is the brake vacuum drum, my valve covers wont fit.

Twister · 11-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sutphen77

I just dropped a 390 in a 96. You will need a rear sump oil pan costing 400+. My only problem so far is the brake vacuum drum, my valve covers wont fit.

a 96 has a different K-Member, spindles, and rack location....but I still don't know how it fits....you should look at a hydroboost

7Liter · 11-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sutphen77

I just dropped a 390 in a 96. You will need a rear sump oil pan costing 400+. My only problem so far is the brake vacuum drum, my valve covers wont fit.

Would you by chance have any pics of your installation?? Anything would be great.

Thanks.

Lee

sutphen77 · 11-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7Liter

Would you by chance have any pics of your installation?? Anything would be great.

Thanks.

Lee

So far the brake canister is my first problem. Basically I bolted a 6"'x8" piece of 3/16 steel to the motor where the motor mounts bolted on originally, then I bolted the original mounts to the frame, after squaring up the motor I then spot welded the motor mounts to the steel plate and will now bolt it via 3- 1x7/16 inch bolts. This is as far as I got so I am not sure what I am in for yet. Believe it or not the total length of a 390 with c6 tranny is only three inches longer than a stock 3.8 with trans. That measurement is from the trans mount to water pump nose. It sure would be nice if I could post pics

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...mustang006.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...mustang009.jpg

7Liter · 11-06-2006

Looks like the exhaust is going to fun.. Other than that it looks like it goes in there pretty well.. What are you using to beef up the front suspension.. I would guess the ol' FE has a few pounds on the V6..

uedlose · 11-25-2006

Man for what you should be able to sell the 428 for you could do a stroker 351w and come up with a 427W or bigger make more power and last longer the old FE stuff brings a good $ any more. But it would be different.

Stangco · 01-04-2007

Heck, I popped a 460 into my '04 cobra and it fit fine, runs like a champ too