First of all I would like to say "great site" next, on with the noob questions.
What must be done/changed to install a 351 (small block) in an original 3.8 (94). I will not be using the fuel injection or computer system. I may also go with a big block, what will/will not bolt up, and are any frame or body modifications needed. Thanks for your help in advance, Jim
depending on the set up you may have to cut into your fenderwells or firewall if you decide to go with a big block. Secondly you will have to cut reweld the motor mounts. If the engine is to big you will have to move your tanny back, which means shorter driveshaft. If your engine requires alot of fuel, you may have to run a slightly bigger fuel line to feed the beast.
motormounts are your biggest concern. I would choose cleavland over the windsor, they are alot better motors. At far as exhaust tips go.....thats usually the last step in the mock/mounting phase. If you have a T-5 already the 351 should mount up, but you may need to get a different bell housing. What I would do is pull the 3.8 and tranny, unbolt the tranny and try to mock it up to the 351 if it fits, disco, if not, then you haven't really spent too much time trying to bolt it up under the car. Be prepared to spend a little more then you want becuase things can go wrong, and you may find that you will have to move/change more parts then you wanted.
once again thanks for your help. I can get a great deal on a 460 motor and automatic tranny. I have all the tools needed to change the mounts/brackets
My main concerns are,
1-the over all fitting of the motor in the compartment
2-will an exhaust fit without major issues
3-mounting the transmission at the cross member
once again thanks for your help. I can get a great deal on a 460 motor and automatic tranny. I have all the tools needed to change the mounts/brackets
My main concerns are,
1-the over all fitting of the motor in the compartment
2-will an exhaust fit without major issues
3-mounting the transmission at the cross member
The 460 will fit inside the engine compartment. As far as the exhaust goes you will have to go with block huggers or shorties, unless you want to trim some fenderwell to run your headers. You may want to mock up with the headers on and the tranny and take some measurements to see the width of the overall block, the length of the overall block from the motor mounts. From there find out the distance where the crossmember is and see if youll have to move the mounts up inorder to mount the engine and tranny without hitting the crossmember.
I really would like to go with a big block just because there aren't many mid 90 mustangs with one in them.
Have you, or do you know of anyone who put a BB in a mid 90's stang. I am more of a older chevy guy, I used to put small and big blocks into Monza's and Vega's. I guess as long as it is possible, I will go with a big block I basically just needed to know if it could be done.
it can be done. Like I said earlier, you will have to go with block hugger or shorty headers to clear the fenderwells. You will want to mock up the system first and measure everything prior to dropping it in to make sure you have the length clearence. Width I dont see being an issue, but there may be a little one. Are you going with manual or power steering? I would seriously concider manual becuase of the lack of space that you are going to have once you get the engine in.
I would like to keep the power steering unless it needs to be removed. Since this isn't going to be a track car, I am even going to put the A/C in it. I thank you for all your help, it was greatly appreciated.
motormounts are your biggest concern. I would choose cleavland over the windsor, they are alot better motors. At far as exhaust tips go.....thats usually the last step in the mock/mounting phase. If you have a T-5 already the 351 should mount up, but you may need to get a different bell housing. What I would do is pull the 3.8 and tranny, unbolt the tranny and try to mock it up to the 351 if it fits, disco, if not, then you haven't really spent too much time trying to bolt it up under the car. Be prepared to spend a little more then you want becuase things can go wrong, and you may find that you will have to move/change more parts then you wanted.
Hey, I have to agree about the cleveland motor, problem is they only had a 4 year run and there is a limited aftermarket for them, as well as the fact that the desired 4V parts are rare and expensive, even on e-bay. Let's face it, we are here because we love to ugrade and tinker. By far the best bet is the 5.0 in my opinion, because of the huge aftermarket and number of options. That being said, if you need a 351 CLeveland block and rods, let me know.
That is correct, but everyone has a 5.0. I will probably go with a 460 because the distributer is in the front, and I can get a hell of a deal on a motor with an original 46,000 miles on it. I still will do a rebuild adding a cam, intake, lifters, intake and carb. That was my original idea, (small block) but I figured, why go that route, that would be to easy.
The 351 will fit it will just need some modifing.You just mite
have to cut the firewall a bit to make it fit.If I can fined the link
to the 5.0 and 351 swap I will post it for you.
If you need more space you can get a aftermarket radiator and fan that will push up about inches and get you that much more space. Instead of the stock mount point for the rad, it will use the same bracket but have a connecting bracket that will position it infront of the support bracket and the fan....I would go electric to save some more space.
Big Block or 351 
