ThatOtherGuy

I have a '74 Mustang II Ghia with the original unmodified 171 v6 and I have an opportunity to purchase a Boss 302 with a six speed manual trans, and I was wondering if there would be any fit issues such as the firewall, and what special mods would I need to cope with the increased weight and torque? The 302 is coming out of a totaled '68 Mustang and is at OEM performance if not slightly higher, if these things matter. Also, would the stock radiator have the capacity to cool the 302 during "spirited" driving, or will I need to augment it somehow?

69thunder

That could be a huge can of worms there and it depends on if you want things to be right or not. I'm pretty sure it would fit but there would be modifications to the engine bay, front springs, brakes, transmission mount, driveline, radiator, fuel system, and possibly the rear end just to name a few that I can think of as possibilities. In addition, I am not sure of what "ghia" means for sure, I will assume convertable? If so that powerful of an egine would twist the car for sure so substantial strengthening of the frame/body would need to be done also.

ThatOtherGuy

Thanks for the input. I've posted on several forums and you are the only reply I've received.

I figured that this would be the case, and I'm prepared to drop as much cash and time as I need to because I want it to be absolutely perfect. I planned to install a high performance suspension, racing brakes on all wheels, and a high capacity radiator and oil cooler, and I can weld fairly well so I was going to fab up a strut tower brace, and will probably bolt additional braces underneath. I have an experienced mechanic that I can go to do the work on the engine bay, transmission mount, driveline and rear end.

Ghia is the luxury trim package(power steering, auto trans, air conditioning), but the car is a full hard top.

scottybaccus

I don't recall the physical differences between the BOSS 302 and the standard 302, but they did build the Mustang II with a V8. One of my high school pals had an orange '78 Mustang II "Mach 1" with a 302/C4 turning 14" slot mags with those old hard N50 white letter tires. It was a blast! The throttle was a volume control on the tire smoke.

ThatOtherGuy

Thanks Scott, I'll look into it. Do you know if there is a database of engine dimensions somewhere on the web?

ThatOtherGuy

Never mind, I was able to find one. The 90deg. Windsor 302 is 24" wide, 29" long, 27.5" tall, and weighs 460lbs, while the Boss 302 is 24.5" wide, 29" long, 28.5" tall, and weighs 500lbs. It's not too much larger, but do you think it could make a significant distance?

scottybaccus

I think it will go right in. Plan on a cowl hood or hood scoop, maybe dig up one off a Mustang II Cobra II from the same vintage. They are out there.

Use Rock Auto to research parts used on the V8 Mustang II. It's great for checking interchange and dimensions.

kalli

I wouldn't be too worried getting that 302 in there. the gearbox I don't know, but if it fit an unmodified 68 mustang, then I don't know why it shouldn't fit a mustang II. However if that is strong I'd be afraid for the rest of the car (parts breaking from torque)

smallblockpony

The 68' 302 wouldn't be a BOSS. The 302 BOSS motors came with Cleveland 2V heads. A standard 302 would fit with no problem, but you would need to purchase the 75-78 302 oil pan for the Mustang II. Also have to stay with a lowrise intake unless you plan on a large scoop. Swapped my 4cly for a 302 back in the 1980s. Sold the car years later, but lots of fun.

smallblockpony

Also would recommend an aluminum radiator or the stock 302 one from the Mustang II. Will need to replace the front springs also.