AscolA

Here is my plan:

I'm building my 68 straight six for an eventual V8 conversion. I was planning on replacing my C3 with a T5 in behind the six for the time being- I'd like to do this within the next month or two. Other than the transmission, what will I need for an automatic to manual conversion? -are there kits?

Once I get the T5 in and update the suspension etc.. over the course of a year or so (money and time are factors) I'm going to drop in a 302. I just bought a running but tired 302 off a guy for $100. It may need an eventual rebuild.

So here are my questions:

Does it make sense to put in the T5 now and drive it for a year or so and then put in the 302- or would this be more money and trouble than it's worth?

or...

Should I build up my car for the conversion over the next year, have the 302 rebuilt, and put the T5 and the 302 in at the same time?

Money is somewhat of a factor. I don't want to drop in a ton of money to have the T5 put in now and then do the same in a year with the 302.

I hope this makes sense. I'm somewhat confused myself.

racin66coupe

dont forget the clutch pedal!

mustanglover66

You would end up buying the coversion kits twice they are different for I6 and V8, at around $400 each I think I would do the other conversion work and put the engine and trans. in at the same time. Or convert to 3 or 4 speed that would just drop it.

htwheelz67

yes the 200 six has a different bell housing, flywheel, clutch etc...... you would be doing it twice.

JERM_1967stang

yea just build up the 302. the conversions are 375ish and doesnt come with all the parts to completly convert it not only that make sure the t-5 is long shaft (foxbody) otherwise the trans wont work. Also what trans are you running not hell you might luckout and be able to bolt that engine up to that trans and drive it will u wait for the conversion to the t-5

JMD

IMO do all of the suspension & rear axle first, then drop in the engine tranny.


This is what we did on our swap. Suspension, brakes, &axle, drive it for a while while getting the tranny/clutch/engine ready to drop in.

This will allow you to putthe wheels on the ground more often, this helps with motivation a lot.

As said above, you will only want to adapt the tranny one time. Some lower gears in that rear end will really wake the 6 up to the point of being a kick to drive. This will hold you over for the 8.

Have fun and happy swapping!