I am an auto body shop owner that just bought a 1965 Mustang that I want to restore from the ground up. Currently it has the basic straight 6 in it and is an automatic. I would like to know what would be a "kick-***" set up to drop in there. I was leaning towards a 302 w/ the appropriate transmission (I definitely want to get away from the automatic and put in a 5-speed) and was also thinking of 3.73 rear.

Could I get some responses to this set-up and also what might be as good or better? I don't want to go over crazy on the engine because i would like to not have to make "ridiculous" mods to the engine bay. I also plan on putting on a supercharger so I was really liking the neighborhood of the 302.

What do you all think?

 

well you basically have two choices without modding the engine bay 302 or 351. Both of which you can go overly crazy with and get a beast( heads, cams, stroker kits, superchargers). depending on the supercharger you might have to get a cowl hood.

 

Well, the 302 or 5.0 crate motors are really just 289's that have been stroked a teeny bit, this would be basically bolt-in. These engines have been worked a long time, and a lotta power can be wrung out of them.

Converting a 6 to eight means replacing the drivetrain, including axle, exhaust, fuel, steering and front brakes and spindles, and cooling system too, and some of the wiring. Study before you start.

If you are in Eastern PA, you should go to the show at Glazier/Nolan on the 18th, should be a lotta stuff there to get ideas. There have even been some performance modified 6 cylinder cars, which is no longer a contradictory term.

http://www.mustangbarn.com/customer_day.html

 

I definitely will be putting on a cowl hood. I want to know what tranny and rear I should go with if I choose to go with the 302. Also, what would be more cost effective : a completely brand new crate engine or buying an existing one that needs to be completely redone?

 

I am in eastern PA... right outside Philly. I will look into going to that show. Thank you 2+2

 

I would get a TKO 6spd or a T56 if your gonna put some serious power down. As far as the rear is concerned, a 9 inch with 3.73's and trac-loc would be fun.

 

By the way 2+2.... I will be replacing drivetrain, axles, brakes, cooling, exhaust, etc....etc.....etc.... EVERYTHING Your advice is greatly appreciated.

 

The less expensive crates from Ford are a very good deal, leave that original iron to the purists like me

The T5 5-speed is an excellent choice, use a 3.55 or 3.73 depending whether you drive street or highway.

You can buy 9" rears specially cut to the right width for the 64-66. Forget finding one, they only came originally on 289HP cars. Alternately, a well-built 8" can be an economical choice, if you're not planning to race the car. The Versailles 9" rear will fit, but they have to be adapted to the car, and are getting hard to find.

 

Or a truck 9in thats shortened.

 

Since you're asking for opinions- 302 (w/ a supercharger OR bored and stroked to 347), T-5, 9" rear axle (w/ 3.55 gears for street use). This would be a fast and inexpensive setup. Don't forget to upgrade to front disc brakes.