cssep1

Just considering a 351w 427 Ford Racing Engine (600 hp) in my 65 Mustang. I have a tired V8 right now and I want to go fast. I have all new better than stock suspension and 17 tires. I also have power steering and A/C. I will eventually get a new transmission and rear diff. Will all these fit where they used to. I know I will have to put new headers on, but what else?

ajzride

I have a 351w based motor in my 65. It is really tight, but certainly can be down. You typically need a bracket to drop the steering linkage down about an inch to clear the headers. Headmen sells one for about $15. Depending on wether you have a manual or automatic transmission, your header choices can get pretty limited. If you have a stick and want to swap the clutch to a cable or hydraulic, you open up more choices. I stuck with the z-bar linkage and the headers do some crazy stuff to clear the z-bar.

cssep1

I want to stick with an automatic transmission. Does the PS and AC still bolt on the 351 block? Will that much HP twist the frame. I use Monte Carlo bar, and sub frame connectors with a crossover bar.

racer_dave

Tie the subframes and add the torque boxes. If it's really making 600hp the uni-body isn't going to like it. Upgrade the brakes too. Once you're going, you gotta stop.

groho

BFS....BIG F"@KIN SHOE-HORN!

barnett468

you need all matching pulleys . . 69 windsor water pump and pulleys or 70 windsor water pump and pulleys.

69mach1377

Why not a 347/363 based on a 302? Could be just as much fun and easier to do.

MustangsToFear

A 351 fits really tight compared to the original 289. Removing the shock towers is how we do it.

Slem

I just completed a 1968 build with a 351W bored X stroked to 427ci. Not sure if the engine bay dimensions on a 66 are the same as a 68. I had to get some parts special made...BUT...there is quite a bit of manufacturer support for this upgrade if you look really hard and utilize the wonder of the net! Nothing really had to be moved. Steering is in stock location. Got Classic Auto Air A/C. Gotta HELLA thick aluminum radiator-car actually struggles to get up to 180 op temp even in Houston, TX heat. There's a specialty company in CA that custom makes headers based on what heads your using, I have 3" collectors and run 3" dual pipes w/cutouts, blah, blah, blah. There is a LOT to consider when you do this stuff...what's gonna break first?...How the hell do you get 575HP/625TQ to the ground? When I first got the car I had HP fever where more is better! With this set-up I can smoke the tires in gears 1-4 maybe even 5th if I try...finesse is a must!!!


Would be more then happy to share info if you want it.

Slem

Oh!! Removing the shock towers is by far the easiest way to cram more motor into the anemic engine bay of the old Fords...BUT...certainly not required unless you doing a true big block or modular motor.