DejanM31

I have a stock Mustang 65 Coupe with 289 engine. 3 speed manual gearbox.
I have big problems with the engine and because we can't find a solution, i have an idea.

Good engine is impossible to find here in Europe, but someone close to me is just selling stock Windsor 351W from Mustang 69. Engine works good, is cleaned and painted.

I'm thinking in putting this engine in my 65 Mustang. Can this be done or is it a headache to do it? Will my 3 speed manual explode? I won't be racing with this car, just crusing around.

Help please.

Derf00

The 3 speed manual is fine with a 351w. That was an option for a '69 Mach 1 (351W with 3 Speed manual) I'm not sure if the bell housing pattern changed from 65 to 69 though so just make sure the pattern is a match.

It's only when you went with a 428 that the 3 speed was dropped in favor of a stronger transmission.

A 351W with 3 speed was also the standard configuration for the Torino of the same years.

rmodel65

i assume you dont have an early 65 they had 5 bolt bell housings...more than likely your car is 6 bolt but i would count them just to make sure...the 351 will have a 6 bolt bell housing bolt pattern

DejanM31

What there needs to be done, that the swap would work? I believe 351W is not a direct fit into 65 Mustang? I have a 3 speed manual and no power steering if that helps.

palerider

If you do some searches I'm sure you will find more.

https://mustangforums.com/forum/clas...5-mustang.html

dklistul

Isn't the 351W basically a taller-deck version of the 289/302? I understand the early bellhousing differences but beyond that, are there really any insurmountable hurdles for this guy? It sounds like something I'd try and would expect it to go fairly smoothly.

rmodel65

really just headers and a completely front sump 351..i know a lot of people run the 65 engine mounts because they allow a little more room between the engine and the shock towers and you can put a bolt thru them to make a cheap semi solid motor mount...

JMD

What Rmodel said, exhaust is the bigger issue. You will need a dedicated set of "swap headers", available at the Summit website.

Also, if you are going with much of a "high rise" intake at all, you're going to have trouble getting an air cleaner under the hood.

This is an easy swap with lots of "upside", among the biggest it seems is having a 351 available.

DejanM31

Are headers always a problem? I have a 302 block right now and headers to mach, everything else is from 289.

Can i use my existing headers and do something with shock towers, so i can get the engine in?

I don't have power steering, so there is more room and i hope i could use the headers that i have on 302 block, because new ones are too expensive.

OCHOHILL

302 and 351 cylinder heads are interchangeable. Your stock exhaust manifolds should work.