Classic Mustangs (Tech) Technical discussions about the Mustangs of yester-year.

302 Swap

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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 08:29 AM
  #1  
jwmstang's Avatar
jwmstang
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Tennnessee
Default 302 Swap

I am investigating swapping my 200 I6 with a 302. I was wondering if anyone had successfully done this and what I need to do to the suspension. I have looked at some places that have suspension kits but I don't more than I need nor less. Thanks.
Old Jun 14, 2011 | 09:30 AM
  #2  
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kalli
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Cork, Ireland
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well in my opinion you have to change:
-full suspension
-full steering linkage (everything under the box: pitman arm, idler arm, centerlink, toebars with sleeves)
- you'll need a rear axle that will hold the 302 (which stock mustangs is an 8") that has 5lug axles. so at the same time you'll end up changin wheels
- in the front I'd change the spindle
then depending on the 302, you might need the radiator changed ... and I guess the list is till not complete here. gearbox????

sometimes it's a better idea to just buy a stock V8 mustang instead of swapping the whole car over .... I did it, takes a bit of time.

there must be hundreds of posts on this already, so search the forums
Old Jun 14, 2011 | 10:14 AM
  #3  
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19stang68
 
Joined: May 2011
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From: New York
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When I changed my '68 from the 6 to 8 all I changed at that moment were the front springs (620 lb), sway bar (1") and shocks. Though I didn't do it at the time I would highly suggest that you upgrade your radiator. And as long as you are kind to your Mustang you can get away with the stock brakes but I would make that the next mod. By next mod I mean just as soon as you get the engine in and running scrape the money up and do it. The extra weight of the engine will make the 6 banger brakes marginal. Whether you want to go with bigger drums or go to disks is up to you. But when you do you should change the rear to an 8" or 9". That way you will have 5 bolt hubs all around.

I didn't have to change my steering or any of the other suspension parts. They were all in good condition.

Craig
Old Jun 14, 2011 | 11:05 AM
  #4  
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1slow67
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From: AL
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Did it on my 67 and just changed sway bar and coils.
Old Jun 14, 2011 | 02:11 PM
  #5  
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crunchyskippy
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 528
From: Northern Virginia
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It took me a couple of years to complete the swap on my 67. I just didn't have adequate time and financial resources to commit to the project.

I (personally) would not attempt the swap again - so it's hard for me to recommend doing it. But I learned a ton and enjoyed working on my car (most of the time!). My car spent a lot of time undriveable during those years.

Just think it through. As the previous posts mention, there is more than just dropping an engine in.
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