1989 Mustang LX 302 To 351W Swap

[DieselSlug]

Going to start a thread on my 1989 Fox.

First off was to upgrade the 8.8 rear axle. I picked up a used unit with 3.73's already installed. Took it apart and over packed the trac lock.

 

[DieselSlug]

Starting the tear down of the 1994 351W out of a Ford Lightning pickup truck.

 

[DieselSlug]

Current progress up to now. I was going to use the stock heads, but they needed a valve job. SO i sold them as parts and bought a set of Pro Comp 210cc aluminum heads with 1.6 roller rockers. And this is where the project hit a wall. Hope to start up again real soon.

 

[btfarm]

Nice heads. Those are the big key to horsepower. What C/R are you shooting for? I see you have some pretty big piston bowls.

 

[DieselSlug]

Tell you the truth I am really not sure. Stock this engine's compression is 8.8:1, i don't think it will change with these heads. But someday i want to add a power adder. So my plan was to keep the compression low so i could run on 89 octane pump gas. But im finding out now that the pistons aren't forged, so i cant boost much without swapping for forged units. But that's not in my price range any time soon so this will have to do.

Besides the heads ive added in a Trick Flow Stage 1 camshaft.

 

[DieselCash]

This looks like a fun project! :thumbsup:

 

[DieselSlug]

Thanks, i need to get my butt moving again on this project. But money has slowed tremendously. I have wayyy to many projects..

 

[DieselSlug]

Forgot to include pics of what it looked like when i bought it in Philadelphia PA, and current.

 

[DieselSlug]

Also installed an aluminum driveshaft in place of the stocker.

 

[DieselSlug]

Did some work on the Mustang Saturday. Got the tap out and chased all the head bolt threads. Also cleaned the gasket material off the new-ish heads.

Sitting here contemplating on pulling the trigger on some ARP head studs, more than happy with them in the 6.5, and would prolly be the right move in the Mustang, never have to buy head bolts again....

 

[DieselSlug]

Just pulled the trigger on the ARP studs. Got them for $126 on ebay. I will hopefully never have to worry about them again.

 

[DieselSlug]

Also bought a trick flow push-rod length checker.

Wondering what clutch i should replace mine with? Anyone have suggestions? Looking for mostly a street clutch, with some weekend warrior miles.

 

[DieselSlug]

Some progress last night. Got all my dizzys together, the yellow one is 302 (donor steel gear), remote mount 351w, and 351w that i need however is real tough to turn. Need to find a new dizzy..

Got the timing cover on and water pump. Made sure to use a good but of gasket maker and hope for no leaks.

Also a pic of the old harmonic balancer, the rubber is cracked, so a replacement is in order.

 

[dragogt]

Also bought a trick flow push-rod length checker.

Wondering what clutch i should replace mine with? Anyone have suggestions? Looking for mostly a street clutch, with some weekend warrior miles.

Nice looking toy, I've always had weakness for Fox 5.0's; Not much help with clutch but if you check with the guys over at sbftech.com they could point you in the right direction.

Lots high hp/rpm cars over there..


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[btfarm]

You'll be glad you went with head studs for piece of mind if nothing else.

 

[Ed HD]

Looking good buddy.

 

[DieselSlug]

Nice looking toy, I've always had weakness for Fox 5.0's; Not much help with clutch but if you check with the guys over at sbftech.com they could point you in the right direction.

Lots high hp/rpm cars over there..


Sent from my T-Mobile Galaxy S2 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks! I will check it out.

 

[DieselSlug]

Some goodies came today.
The push-rod length checker, injector refresh kit & a new OEM style 6 piece headlight kit.

 

[dragogt]

Thanks! I will check it out.

No problem..

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[DieselSlug]

Pictures of last nights progress..