289 to 351w swap

Originally Posted by astegall

I did it with my 65 fastback and I would not do it again. Al sorts of little expensive problems come up and almsot impossible to cool without expensive mods ($800 for radiator, spal electric fan and evans waterless coolant). The hedmans do work with about 1/4 inch clearance. To change plugs I unbolt the motor mount and jack the engine up otherwise it is a two hour ordeal. I would go with the 289 or 302, roller cam conversion, efi or carb and aluminum heads.

$800, you can do better than that. I've had a 351w in my 66 and it didn't take 2 hours to swap the plugs, and I didn't ever have to lift the engine to get to them. Besides that, its not like we change plugs every day. Some of the plugs it helps to use a u-joint. I have a 408 Clevor in the 66 now and still no problems keeping it cool, $180 Afco crossflow radiator, $80 permacool fan and $3 4 gallons distilled water.

Originally Posted by latamud

I've had a 351w in my 66 and it didn't take 2 hours to swap the plugs, and I didn't ever have to lift the engine to get to them. Besides that, its not like we change plugs every day. Some of the plugs it helps to use a u-joint.

I can do mine when it is hot in under 30 minutes using simple tools. A short thin spark plug socket, an open end wrench that fits the hex on top (3/4"?) and a pair of gloves so I don't get burned is all it takes. I never lift the engine nor remove anything but the plug wires. Perhaps the fact that my heads use the newer and smaller 5/8" 3922 series plugs makes it easier than the old large plug 13/16" socket stuff?

I completed the swap in my 65 Mustang a couple months ago. Just took it on its first long distance cruise last week. 350 miles with no problems. Spark plugs really arent a problem. The hardest part is getting them started. I use a short piece of rubber hose slipped over the end for the tough ones. Header clearance, changing header gaskets, retorquing heads, and cooling can be issues. I had to dent up a set of accufabs to get them to clear the towers in 3 or 4 spots. Also had to switch to a cross-flow radiator and electric fan to keep it cool in traffic. I guess you get what you give. the 351 is always going to be stronger and run better that the 302s with the same mods.
RK

I took my stock rad to the local rad shop and had them put in a heavy duty core. I think it cost about $200. No problems keeping my 393 cool.

Headers are tight (It's a Mustang)

A bit heavy in the front end - cure aluminum heads and battery in the trunk.

I like it, I would definitely miss the torque if I went back to a 289/302.

I do miss the high-revs of the 289. Cure -more forged parts in the future.