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Ford Engine Swap Tips

Some Masochist Has To Attempt To Sort This Stuff Out; Namely, Yours Truly
Photography by Marlan Davis, Miles Cook
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Here, a 460 big-block drops into a late-model Mustang using Total Performance’s front-plate-mount kit. These kits are preferred over side-mount kits for this swap because they easily clear large-tube headers. Total offers a wide variety of kits for putting just about any Ford V-8 into cars and trucks dating back to the ’50s.

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If there’s been a renaissance in upgrading late models to big-block power, retrofitting late-model EFI engines into classic Mustangs has been equally as popular. Windsor-Fox offers a whole line of products to facilitate the 5.0 V-8 with T5 manual or AOD automatic switchover.

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You need a shoehorn to stuff the new modular engines into early Mustangs and Falcons. Axing the high shock towers for a modern rack-and-pinion steering and suspension setup is mandatory. Advanced Engineering West is presently doing these swaps in-house and may offer a kit later.

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Crites Restoration Products specializes in FE and 385-series big-block conversion parts for the ’66-’79 Fairlane, Ranchero, Torino, Comet, and Cyclone. These block brackets, insulators, and frame brackets mount a 429/460 in a ’66-’69 Fairlane.

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Ron Francis offers custom wiring harnesses to run Ford EFI engines (including the new 4.6L modular series) in custom retrofit applications. This breakout box/fuse panel serves as the link between the traditional harness and the computer. It allows you to install the computer in the trunk or under the seats.

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Windsor-Fox offers this crossmember for installing the AOD trans in early Mustangs. It sells a T5 crossmember too. For a late Fox chassis, you can buy a Ford Motorsport universal double-hump crossmember (PN M-5059-A) that accepts most Ford trannys.


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