Has anyone here swapped a 460 into a 71-73 Stang? I have been toying around with the idea. I want to buy a used engine to rebuild, but I don't want to pull the engine out of my car until ready to swap. I had been looking for another 351C, but they are hard to come by and even harder to find original bore, and they have gotten really pricey. I have seen a articles about building 460 big blocks and since they have been used in Ford trucks, Vans and RVs up into the 90's they are plentiful and inexpensive. I just wanted to get some comments and ideas on what else to think about in this swap.

Thanks

 

since a 351c is a big block you should be able to use your motor mounts still but maybe not. you will need a differnt tranny or bellhousing because the 351c uses a small block bell housing.

 

Clevelands are not big blocks. They have small block bellhousing patterns, small block mounts, and share the same bore spacing as 302/351W engines. The heads will physically bolt on to a Windsor, where as a FE or 429/460 will most definitely not.

The 429 was an option on the big mustangs, so you just need the correct transmission case (C6 is the best choice for an auto) exhaust manifolds or headers, and the factory mounts. They are quite a bit heavier than a Cleveland so upgrading the front springs is a good idea. Also consider some aluminum heads, they will really wake up the 460 and lighten the front end considerably. An aluminum radiator would be a huge bonus to the swap, lighter and more efficient in cooling.

There are other differences than just the mounts, trans, and exhaust, but those are what is needed to actually get the engine in there. 460s make massive power really easily, a 9" rear, if your car doesnt have one, would be a great idea. I plan on doing this swap if I cant sell the 71 I am rebuilding within a year. I will just keep it and make a street racer out of it.. a really nice one!

 

Thanks for the feed back. I think I am going to move forward with the research on doing this swap. My brother in law is putting a big block in his 56 Nomad so I want to be able to at least hang with him when we go out and play. Smokin him would be all that much better.