Mercury muscle

I have a 68 cougar with a 302 4speed. I am thinking about puting a 460 in it. Is there a diffrence in the splines on the transmisson? Is there a diffrent big block bellhousing? Would I have to cut the shock towers like they did on project 460? Or would it not be worth the effort.

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On 2005-02-20 22:46, Okiefrommuskogee wrote:
I have a 68 cougar with a 302 4speed. I am thinking about puting a 460 in it. Is there a diffrence in the splines on the transmisson? Is there a diffrent big block bellhousing? Would I have to cut the shock towers like they did on project 460? Or would it not be worth the effort.
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You will need a diffferent bell housing. The rest I really do not know about but another thing you need to think about is the weught difference between a 460 and a 302. Personally I would stick with the small block because it will be cheaper to build. If you are doing the labor your self you can make that little 302 in you car make some real power. It's not hard to make a 302 produce 400 hp for under $5K. Just my opinion.
[addsig]

I just put a 460 in front of my small block manual in my 71 mustang.

Im not sure on the 68, but for me the only modification to the clutch linkage was to make the small block pivot fit the big block bell.

I used a 400 bellhousing and spacer, 390 flyweel (will only work on an internal balance 460) 400 ring gear, and 400 diaphragm clutch.

It all worked out extreemly well, I couldnt be more pleased.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Also, do a search on "real budget 460" to find the post regarding my swap. Lots of pics and good info in there.
[addsig]

for a 68, it will fit with the shock tower mods but its very tight. Also you might have some problems with the transmission because i think ford made different tranny's for small blocks and big blocks. If I were you Id throw a stroked 351 in it, that would be a much easier swap, and you can buy headers for it.

the length of the small block tranny input shaft is perfect IF, and I stress IF you are using a bellhousing for a 400.
[addsig]

It can be done but you'll be changing the whole transmission too! Handeling will be very sloppy with all that weight over the front wheels and the braking system will need to work that much harder to slow it down.
Then you'll need to change the front coil springs for big block style springs to hold up the weight, the small block springs will not be satisfactory for this job.
It would be a better choice to go with like a 408 Windsor or something along those lines.
It will bolt up to your existing trans, and your existing mounts, and it'll have big block power in smaller, lighter, more compact package. Its a win/win situation [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_tup.gif[/img]

HE does not have to change the trans if he uses a 400 bell.

That part of it is a very simple swaping procedure. AS to the rest of it, Notch the towers and call it good. Dont forget the 67 Cougar was available with a 427 if one was so inclined. They arent exactly small.

Yes the suspension will need improvements, but thats only if he doesnt already have the 620 springs up front. Handling isnt bad either, I've been driving my 460 stang for a few weeks now, and while I wouldnt wanna try running a road course against a Ferrari, it doesnt exactly handle like a pig.
[addsig]

Thanks for all the info guys. I have decided to just stay with the smaller motor. I picked up a 1985 302 H.O. today and I am just going to build it up.

Well thats no fun!

Just kiddin. Sounds like your going to take the safe route, and there is nothing wrong with that. Always better to know you can enjoy yourcar again in a certain time frame, and not be stuck in a never ending snowball project.

What kinda performance are you looking to get from it?
[addsig]

Well I am wanting around 350hp. I am thinking pretty much stock bottom end with a decent cam. The 289 heads that I already have. Maybe an air gap intake, and a 600 carb.