Hi, I recently purchased a 1970 torino GT with a 302. It runs but i'm viewing it as a project. I would really like to swap to a bigger engine. Considering that i am no mechanic, I would most likely hire a professional to do this. I would really like to drop a 427 or a 429 into it. I realize due to cost this may just be wishful thinking, but I would still like a little advice on the subject. What sort of modifications aside from the engine would have to be made (trans, shocks, etc.) ? I'm really happy with my purchase, and I tend to dream about things I could do to it, but I just wanted some info so I would know. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

PS: I realize this is a Mustang forum, but I don't know of any torino forums.

 

You can relatively easily drop in a 460. Also a 351 is a bolt in deal with few changes from what you have.

Going to an FE block (ie 352,360,390,410,427,428) would require the most changes. and good luck finding a 427 or 428, lots of $$ there. 360 or 390 are easy to find, but down on power compared to the 460, and they are nearly as heavy. To swap in an FE you need a different transmission case or bellhousing.

A 429/460 is the heaviest but can also be built somewhat cheap to make decent power. Add a set of Aluminum CJ heads and you drop quite a few pounds and make even more power. You also need a different trans or bellhousing for the 460. They use the same style as the 75 up 351/400M, so it isnt tough to find a trans for the 460. I can detail a build of one if you like. Changing the front springs is a good idea since there is a rather large differnce between the 302 and the 429/460.

Check the junk yards around where you live, see what they have or can get.

 

I dont know what your budget is like but cj heads aint cheap. Ive done alot of engine building im a 3rd generation racer and if it was me i would look for a 429 to put in it. theyre not really that hard to find. if you have trouble finding one look for a old junk ford pick up 70s mod. and im sure you can find one that way.id go c-6 trans. your car should have a beefy enough front suspension already to handle it lets face it theyre not small cars. thats what i think.

 

P.S. what was the original motor. and if you can come across a 427 cheap pick it up. make sure its a ford first. You will thank me later.

 

My bad. the guy that sold it to me said it was a 302, but i've done some research since then and it's actually a 351C. [:-]

 

If it does have the 351C, keep it original. The cleveland is a badass engine. I had a GT Torino w/351C back in 84. It was scarey to say the least. Unfortunately, my auto shop teacher wanted the car out of the lot and evintually it was pushed out onto the street and towed. I was able to get the seats and shaker off the hood before it disapeared.