Classic Mustangs List Archive

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Mail From: May, Peter (email redacted)

Mitch,

I recently carried out this swap for a 66 (with C4). It is relatively
straight forward, however there is a myriad of small details that you
need to plan for.

Here is a list of considerations (from memory, so if anybody can add,
please do so)

1) flexplate - The late model 302 used a 164 tooth flexplate with a 50
oz in imbalance, so if you intend to use your transmission, you will
need to make sure it has a torque converter and bellhousing that will
match this. ( I am assuming your Grande has a C4 auto). My 66 for
example had the 'smaller' c4 with a 10.5in bolt circle torque converter
that utilised a 157 tooth flexplate. My remedy was to rebalance my 157
flexplate for the 50 oz in imbalance and use the existing engine plate
from the old 289. I *think* that B&M make a flexplate for this
conversion. You also may consider updating to an AOD transmission along
with the engine. There is a very good how-to article at
zipcon.net/~wabba/howtos.html for this.

2) timing cover & pulleys- If you don't want the serpentine belt
arrangements at the front of the engine, (I didn't have power steering
or air con or pollution considerations) you will need to swap the timing
chain cover to the early style. This will also enable you to run a
stock mechancial fuel pump. Don't forget to add the cam eccentric if you
use the mechanical. Depending on the thickness/ no of bolts your
harmonic balancer on your old 302 has, will determine whether you can
use the old 302 lower pulley. You will probably need to hunt a pick 'n'
pull for the right one so the belts will line up. Mine came from a
Cleveland.

3) sump - you will need to convert to a 'front sump' oil pan. This
will mean replacing the oil pump pickup for the correct application.

4) dip stick - the dip stick location will need to be changed to the
front. ( through the timing cover ) PLUG THE OLD HOLE.

5) air injection - if you remove the air injection system, there is a
hole at the back of each cylinder head that needs to be plugged. The
hole on the right side head is also used to hold the auto dipstick tube
in position, so make allowance for this.

6) distributor - if you are not using the injection or computer, you
will need to replace the distributor. The new dizzy must have a gear
compatible with the steel camshaft. There is also two different shaft
sizes to consider. The gear from the 92 302 dizzy may not fit your old
dizzy. ( Bronze gears are available from Comp Cams, Crane etc )

7) gaskets - if you intend to replace the gaskets and freshen up
bearings/rings etc, be aware that the rear main seal is different on
later 302's. If you intend buying a complete set, get the later model,
but the timing cover gasket will need to be replaced with an earlier
type. The later timing cover gasket will do the job, but sticks out
(well, a steady hand and a sharpe knife would fix that too!).


Hope this helps. The customary disclaimers apply. (YMMV?)

Peter May
66 Fastback

PS check the type of sparkplugs the new engine uses BEFORE purchasing
replacements.



>----------
>From: (email redacted)[SMTPemail redacted)]
>Sent: Thursday, 11 September 1997 11:00
>To: Multiple recipients of list
>Subject: [CM:5845] Need Help! '92 302 engine into a '72 Grande with 302 2
>barrel?
>
>/Hello,
>
>I am considering buying a '92 302 roller engine for my '72 Grande. The Grande
>currently has a
>302 2 barrel. I am not sure how involved this is and would appreciate it if
>someone could send
>me some information on how to accomplish this or at least point me in the
>right direction... I
>was told that the only change would be the fly wheel and the front
>pulley/belt system.
>
>Also, I would appreciate any information on where or how to get parts.
>
>Mitch
>(email redacted)
>
>